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Apprentice of the Year

 

Total People is a Centre of Vocational Excellence

 

 

 

	I'd love to open my own yard one day.

Jenna Stuchlik, 21, has been working as a groom and instructor at Endon Riding School near Leek for the past year.

Jenna’s main duties include exercising and showing the horses, teaching, grooming and yard maintenance. Jenna has always loved horses, and started riding as a child. When she decided to pursue a career within the equestrian industry, she spoke to her colleagues at the stables and contacted a training provider.

Jenna is now working towards her Advanced Apprenticeship with Total People Ltd. “I receive loads of support.” says Jenna. “The training works really well because I spend one day a week at college, and the rest of the time here at the stables. I can ring my Total People Ltd Training Adviser at any time if I need information or support.”

Jenna wants to go as far as possible with her training. “I’d love to open my own yard one day.” She says. “I’m so happy working with horses – you have to be patient and not mind getting your hands dirty, but it’s worth the hard work. I love my job – it feels more like a hobby!”

What is an Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship is a work-based learning programme designed to give you the skills and knowledge needed to develop your prospects and career in the industry. The Equestrian profession is a way of life, and you must be prepared for the realities of the industry. Working with horses will definitely involve you 'getting your hands dirty'! Horses thrive on routine and therefore, there are many tasks that must be carried out to maintain their health and well-being.

This is a very rewarding career and no two days are the same. In return for all your hard work and commitment, the horses will repay you with loyalty, trust and affection.

The Advanced Apprenticeship is available to you once you have completed your Apprenticeship. These are identical in structure to the Apprenticeship; however learning is at Level 3 which is equivalent to ‘A’ Level standard.

How do I find an Apprenticeship?

The first thing you need to do is to find a job. Equestrian Apprenticeships are work-based which means you need to be employed before you can start your training.

There are many places you can go to find a job; Connexions, local papers, internet job sites, and Job Centre Plus. You can even try friends and family to see if they know anybody who may have a vacancy.

Once you have gained employment contact Total People!

What happens then?

Total People will send one of their Training Advisers out to you. They will sit down with both you and your employer to arrange your learning plan.

Your training will either take place at your place of work or at our Training Centre on a day release basis.

How long will it take?

The time taken to completing your NVQ depends upon you; Apprenticeships usually take around 18 months to complete while Advanced Apprenticeships can take around 20 months.

The Technical Certificate is either a practical or written exam.

The other element of your Apprenticeship, Key Skills, takes around 12 months to complete, and is relevant to the equestrian requirements.

Completing your Apprenticeship

Your Equestrian Apprenticeship is made up from 3 core elements;

• NVQ
• Technical Certificate
• Key Skills

Your NVQ portfolio is like a work diary, it records your activities and experiences of working on a site. Your portfolio is assessed to make sure you are competent in the skills required. Your work will be assessed at your place of work.

The Technical Certificate gives you the underpinning knowledge needed to carry out the tasks of your NVQ.

Key Skills are similar to Maths and English GCSEs; however learning is focussed around Equestrian!

Further Progression

The Equestrian Apprenticeship can lead to a variety of career opportunities, such as Competition Groom, i.e. show jumping, eventing, dressage, showing, riding school assistant, supervisor or yard manager.

 

 

 

 

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