CALLING UPON EMPLOYERS TO REFORM APPRENTICESHIPS

Employers across the equestrian industry are being called upon to have their say on the proposed standard for apprenticeships as part of the Government’s trailblazer initiative. The consultation period with employers will run from Wednesday 1 April to Tuesday 21 April 2015 and urges them to complete a survey relating to key themes highlighted in the proposed standards.

To take part in the survey click here 

Compulsory changes are being made to the way in which apprenticeships are run and aim to ensure that every apprentice is enrolled on a scheme that has been designed and approved by employers. A steering group of 60 individuals from across the industry, including members of the British Equestrian Federation, the British Horse Racing Authority, equestrian charities, the Household Cavalry and The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery as well as representatives from polo and hunting, are asking employers the feedback on the proposed standard for Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships.

Chair of the steering group, Sue Martin of Trent Park Equestrian Centre said: “We need employers input to the proposed standard to ensure it meets the requirements of the industry and that we deliver the Governments request for world class apprentices. The reform aims to standardise the core knowledge and skills of the groom, whilst offering training in a chosen sector of the industry including breeding, driving, racing, riding and non-riding”.

Through the radical apprenticeship reform The Department for Business Innovation and Skills aims to increase the quality of apprenticeships, put employers in the driving seat and to simplify the system. In doing so they expect that the successful apprentice will be regarded in the same esteem as a University graduate. 

As part of the third phase of the Government’s apprenticeships initiative announced on 23 October 2014, more than 700 employers are involved and will design 76 new top quality apprenticeships in professions ranging from TV production to welding, including the occupation of equine groom. Across 37 trailblazing sectors, which make up Phase Three of the Trailblazers project, employers are designing new apprenticeships to best meet the skills and needs of their industries.

To find out more about the survey please visit www.equinetrailblazerapprentices.com