Equine Groom Apprentice

Job Title: Equine Groom Apprentice

Apprenticeship: Level 3 Equine Groom Apprenticeship

Location: Thorney Island, Hampshire

Salary: £8.00 per hour, negotiable

Hours: Full-time, 30-35 hours per week across 5 days, including weekends

Are you passionate about horses and looking to build a long-term career within the equine industry?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Equine Groom Apprentice to join a well-established equestrian centre in Hampshire. You'll become part of a friendly and experienced team, gaining hands-on experience caring for a variety of horses and ponies while working towards your Level 3 Equine Groom qualification.

This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your practical riding and horse care skills in a professional environment, with free weekly riding lessons included as part of your development.

• Level 3 Equine Groom qualification
• Free weekly riding lessons
• Hands-on experience with a variety of horses and ponies
• Learn from experienced equine professionals
• Friendly and supportive working environment
• Develop practical horse care and yard management skills
• Potential opportunity to progress into a permanent position following your apprenticeship

• Previous experience handling and being around horses
• Genuine passion for horses and their welfare
• Strong organisational skills and a methodical approach
• Friendly and confident when dealing with customers
• Ability to prioritise workload and work efficiently
• Mature, responsible and proactive approach
• Good communication skills
• Comfortable undertaking physical and practical yard duties
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Availability to work across 5 days, including weekends

• Complete practical and theory-based training towards your Level 3 Equine Groom qualification
• Participate in regular riding lessons and ongoing development
• Carry out general yard duties including mucking out and bedding down
• Turn horses out and bring them in from fields
• Prepare feeds and assist with feeding
• Groom and tack up horses ready for daily activities
• Change rugs and clean tack
• Carry out daily welfare checks on stabled and field horses
• Check tack and equipment for signs of damage or wear
• Hold horses and ponies safely for vets, farriers and dentists when required
• Monitor fields and identify when hay needs replenishing
• Maintain clean, tidy and safe yard areas
• Assist with keeping tack rooms and shared facilities clean and organised
• Attend daily meetings with the Yard Manager to understand activities and priorities
• Report any horse welfare, equipment or maintenance concerns promptly
• Support the wider team with the smooth day-to-day running of the equestrian centre

You will be enrolled on the Level 3 Equine Groom Apprenticeship, typically completed over 18 months. This includes:

• Regular workplace-based learning supported by your training provider and line manager
• A minimum of 6 hours per week of off-the-job training
• Development of skills, knowledge and behaviours aligned to the apprenticeship standard
• Completion of a portfolio and end-point assessment
• Functional Skills support in English or Maths if not previously achieved at Level 2

Once you have completed your apprenticeship, there may be the opportunity to progress into a permanent position and continue developing your career within the equine industry.