Why I love being an Apprentice

The British Grooms Association caught up with BGA member and Haddon Training Learner Katie Ruben as she chats about why she loves being an apprentice at Tom Jackson Eventing.

Happy National Apprentice week to you all, #NAW19.

Being an apprentice really is amazing! We work for our passion, we learn for our passion and live by our passion. Being an apprentice really is a way of life which is personally what I love about it and wouldn’t have it any other way.

When I think back before I ever really considered taking an apprenticeship, I really honestly believed it was going to be such a breeze and that I knew it already… I couldn’t be more wrong if I tried, but ultimately I chose an apprenticeship because I wanted a hands on approach to learning and to rise up to the challenge.

Just sitting in a classroom didn't appeal to me especially doing subjects I hated as A-Levels or even going to a land-based college. There’s a sense of realism of the industry that you just don’t get working and learning as anything else apart from an apprentice.

I found my placement a week before my GCSEs started which gave me a real incentive to do well in them and follow my dreams.

Immediately being thrown into the deep end by learning to be a competition groom for a top international eventer meant there was no room to make major mistakes. I have thrived off the hard work, dedication and extensive knowledge to become the ultimate groom and, although I’m not there quite yet, I like to think I’ve made a lot of progress!

So, due to me beginning my apprenticeship at the end of last year's event season, I am yet to discover the really awesome bit of the season but, being on the yard and looking after such elite athletes every day and overcoming the highs and lows is a treat in itself, but actually seeing them perform out at shows and events really is the cherry on the cake which is what I hope to do some of once we get there… not long to go now.

However, some bits I hope not to have to repeat again. Serious homesickness was one of them. So much so I absolutely dreaded the journey back after my days off. Never did I ever think I would ever get homesick, but it actually became one of my biggest problems moving away from home and being a live-in groom. Thankfully for the British Grooms Association I could ask for support if I needed it, they really have been a hand to hold.

My advice for anyone looking at becoming an apprentice is to not think too hard and just dive in! If you overthink what you are about to do, you become over-cautious and end up not even trying what could be your dream job!

If you decide it’s not for you, there are other options but, if you're like me and want the outside and activity to be your new classroom, then you should definitely consider taking up an apprenticeship.

One massive perk as well to reward all your upcoming hard work, when you begin your first year with Haddon Training you get complimentary British Grooms Association membership allowing you to get advice, personal accident insurance, E-courses (which are particularly useful if you are working at a competition yard) and an interesting magazine to read and keep you occupied out-of-hours every quarter.

So good luck with all your future ventures aspiring apprentices.

To find out more about doing an apprenticeship with BGA partners Haddon Training have a look at their website.

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