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Equine Groom Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard

The programme requires competent individuals who are committed to the safety and welfare of the horses in their care.

  • Type

    Other

  • Study Mode

    Part-time

  • Duration

    2 Years

  • Location

    Offsite

Our equine tutors and assessors are based at our Merrist Wood College in Surrey, However, they can deliver this programme entirely within the workplace. If this interests you, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For over 4000 years, we have worked in partnership with horses and cared for their needs. There are about a million horses (including all domestic equine species, namely horses, ponies, donkeys and their hybrids) kept for recreation and commercial use in the UK.

The Equine Groom is a fundamental occupational role in all equine businesses, and vital to an industry that contributes over £8bn to the British economy each year. Horse industries are steeped in tradition, yet embrace innovation and technology.

The Equine Groom may also be required to assist with the preparation of, transport to and care for horses at competitions, the races, sales, shows and other public appearances. Dependent on which sector of the industry the Equine Groom has chosen, appropriate people skills will be essential.

Apprentices will be entering a vocational industry, where they can expect to handle a variety of horses in different working environments. They must adhere to safe working practices, be prepared to work in all weather conditions and often in “out of hours” situations. They will be required to have dedication, commitment and the physical and mental toughness to cope with the rigours of the role. Living on site for part or all of the duration of the apprenticeship may be necessary.

The Equine Groom may also be required to assist with the preparation of, transport to and care for horses at competitions, the races, sales, shows and other public appearances. Dependent on which sector of the industry the Equine Groom has chosen, appropriate people skills will be essential.

The Equine Groom apprentice will need to decide in which sector of the industry they wish to progress and select the appropriate occupational route between, Breeding, Driving, Non-Riding, Racing and Riding.

The occupation requires competent individuals who are committed to the safety and welfare of the horses in their care. They will use their theoretical knowledge and understanding, practical experience and empathy to maintain the horses’ physical and psychological well-being within a safe working environment. This is a practical, “hands on” occupation where apprentices will work under supervision individually or as part of a diverse team.

The Equine Groom is an integral part in the life of the horse, providing essential day-to-day care. They will be involved with feeding, grooming, cleaning equipment, handling, preparing, exercising the horses and carrying out routine yard duties.

The apprenticeship will primarily be delivered within the workplace, with ongoing support from a dedicated performance coach to complete the mandatory qualifications and to learn the required Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours. However, there may also be a requirement for college attendance on additional days to support the delivery of functional Skills.

You must complete, or have previously completed recognised English and Mathematics Level 1 qualifications and undertake the English and Mathematics Level 2 qualification during the apprenticeship. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3 and British Sign Language qualification is an alternative to English qualification for whom this is their primary language.

The EPA can only be taken after the conditions of the Assessment Gateway have been successfully achieved.

  • Completion of Portfolio
  • Achieved Level 1 English & Maths
  • Taken Level 2 English & Maths Assessment

On conclusion that the assessment gateway requirements have been achieved, you will be able to proceed to the end-point assessment stage of the apprenticeship. It is expected that you will complete the assessment gateway requirements within three months of their planned apprenticeship completion.

EPA Consists of:

  • Knowledge Test
  • Practical Observation
  • Professional Discussion informed by Portfolio

On completion of this standard, you can progress into full time employment within the industry or continue onto a Level 3 Senior Equine Groom Apprenticeship.

You need to be employed in a suitable position and hold a minimum level 1 (GCSE 2 to 9) maths and English or Entry Level 3 on Initial assessment. If not already achieved, you will have to achieve Level 1 English and maths and take the test for level 2 prior to taking your end-point assessment

Typical completion time is likely to be 12-18 months. This may reduce if an apprentice has gained previous relevant knowledge and skills but will be no less than 12 months.

As an apprentice with Activate Apprenticeships, you will have access to the following facilities at Activate Learning colleges:

Libraries and learning environments
Ability to borrow books and laptops
Digital resources and programmes
A student card, allowing you to take advantage of student discounts
Can apply for an Apprentice extra Totum Card
Advice and support services for apprentices includes:

Advice and Admissions
Learning Support
Student Support
Impartial careers advisors
One-to-one support
A college nurse
Free counselling service

Explore your career progression options

If you are considering applying for this programme, why not explore your potential career progression routes using our handy tool.

You can explore live job vacancies, next level qualifications and apprenticeship standards in your local area. Not only this but you can also watch videos of real people talking about their experiences of working in your specific industry or occupation of interest.

Why not visit us at an Open Event and find out more about this pathway.

Tutor

Dawn Rigby

Tutor Dawn Rigby I believe that young children need a special environment in which to grow and deserve practitioners who are inspiring, dynamic, reflective and passionate about their learning.
Read Dawn's full story here

Why Merrist Wood College?

  • Clear routes of progression with qualifications ranging from foundation level to degree level!
  • Industry experienced teaching staff give you the responsibility and independence you need to take charge of your own future.
  • 100+

    different courses

  • 50+

    years of experience in teaching land-based subjects

  • 400

    -acre campus specialising in the land-based industries

About us