Summary
We are a small, hands-on and extremely hard-working team, always striving for excellence. We are role models to our students and are looking to recruit an equine apprentice who will also fit into this approach. As with all animal-related jobs, the day finishes when duties are done; however, we do work to guided working hours of 08:00-16:30.
Wage
£14,526.20 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Training course
Senior equine groom (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday (08:00-16:30) Please note occasional weekend days may be required to assist with shows but a day in lieu will be given in the week to allow for this.
37 hours a week
Start date
Monday 1 September 2025
Duration
1 year 6 months
Positions available
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
Our new apprentice will fill a vital role within our team. Their main role will be to assist in the running of the Equestrian Centre and ensure horse welfare to the highest standard. The role will be varied and include all aspects of horse care, routine management, nutrition and yard work. There is also the opportunity to exercise (ride assessment dependant).
As a member of our staff team there will be supervisory elements to the job role- meaning the successful candidate will need to have the confidence to enforce the equestrian centre rules to students.
We would expect our apprentice to understand the importance of our commercial presence and our wider representation to the equine industry and be a positive influence on this.
Each day is varied at the Equestrian Centre and greatly differs during term time and school holidays. A typical working day during term time would be:
* Arrive, feed round, medicate horses necessary
* Allocate stables to students
* Supervise students turn out/bring in horses
* Muck out full livery stables
* Fill hay nets/tidy full livery yard
* Supervise students’ completion of their yard duties
* Check over tack of horses going into riding lessons
* Prepare equipment for students’ practical sessions
* Make feeds
* Supervise students turn out/bring in horses
* Supervise and support completion of yard at end of day
This is not an exhaustive list and day to day roles can vary, with our apprentice being someone that has more free time that teaching staff, they are often involved in other more unique elements e.g. annual yard maintenance/strimming and assisting with vet/physio visits.
Where you'll work
Derby College Equestrian Centre
Broomfield Hall
Morley
DE7 6DN
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
DCG
Training course
Senior equine groom (level 3)
Training schedule
Senior Equine Groom Level 3.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
* English (grade C/4 or above or equivalent)
* Maths (grade C/4 or above or equivalent)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* Organisation skills
* Team working
* Initiative
* Ability to work flexibly
* Support students' learning
* Ability to manage resources
* Time management
* Enthusiastic
* Knowledge of equine sector
* Understanding of H&S
* Customer Service
* Experience working in a yard
Other requirements
This is an outside working role, so the applicant must be prepared to work in all conditions. Working with horses is also very physical; the applicant should consider this.