Futureproofing the workforce

In common with many ‘hands-on’ industries, recruiting and retaining good staff can be a challenge for equestrian businesses. But BD’s apprenticeship schemes offer professional qualifications and transferable skills across a number of roles – not just on the yard.

Training for a career in dressage used to mean hours of mucking out for little or no reward and limited prospects of progression. If injury or circumstances meant that riding or looking after horses was no longer an option, potentially valuable employees were left with few transferable skills or qualifications.

That has changed in recent years with the development of a new apprenticeship scheme, introduced in partnership with training providers Sport Structures, with British

Dressage taking the lead as the National Governing Body. While it’s easy to associate apprenticeships with school leavers, this new training opportunity is open to all ages, and to those transferring from other industries.

“If you are considering a career in the equine industry, on a yard or elsewhere within the sector, our apprenticeships offer a range of qualifications to assist your chosen path,” explains BD’s Professional Programmes Officer Clare Stockley. “You will benefit from a real job with hands-on experience, salary and training while you work.”

Apprenticeships range from Level 2 to Level 5 so employers can recruit new staff or upskill existing staff onto a programme at any time, and training lasts 12-18 months depending on the level.

Different categories offer training for various roles in the wider industry as well as the traditional rider or groom jobs. These include business administration, digital marketing and management, up to a level which is equivalent to a foundation degree.

To be eligible for government funding, applicants need to the have the right to > work in England, but there are also routes to the training in Wales and Scotland.

“No specific qualifications or experience are required to access the entry level qualification, although you will naturally need an interest in dressage,” explains Clare. “Ideally applicants should already have GCSE Maths and English to access the Level 2, however if applicants do not have them, we can support them via a functional skills programme.”

Running alongside practical, industryfocused training, the programme also develops transferable, employability skills such as time management, safe working practises and good communication.

“Generally applicants will need to have completed Level 2 before progressing to Level 3, but we can take into consideration previous achievements such as lower level BHS exams and Pony Club tests,” comments BD Training and Education Manager Charlotte Osborne.

Applications are made online (see below for details), ahead of an initial assessment skills scan.

“There’s no need to attend a college assessment day, and similarly all training is carried out in the workplace or online, so the apprenticeships fit well into busy yard and competition programmes,” says Clare.

While most skills are gained via handson experience, 20% is off-the-job training. Examples of this are self-study, training in new working practices or using a new piece of equipment, a lesson, industry visits, assignment writing and practical activities in the workplace.

“Apprentices also have the opportunity to gain additional qualifications, such as the BD Horse Care Certificates, or to progress to coaching qualifications. We work with partners such as the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) to offer support towards their qualifications too, such as introductory saddle fitting. There’s a ‘menu’ of options so applicants can tailor their experience to meet their own needs and ambitions,” explains Clare.

Added value activities offer an insight into the many opportunities the industry has to offer, points out Charlotte.

“Apprentices are also provided with exclusive training and experiences such as visits to championships, national events such as the Principles of Judging Seminar, or domestic international competitions where they are supported by a learning mentor and have talks from industry experts. There are no costs to attend and employers are also invited.

“The scheme also allows us to track the competitive performance of apprentices, and for those with competitive rider ambitions, we can monitor their scores and where they demonstrate national or international potential, we can link them in to appropriate additional training such as academies,” she says, “and it’s open to anyone in the sport; you don’t need an expensive horse to learn on the job. Previous performancebased programmes didn’t cater for anyone competing at Medium or below, but there are now more opportunities.

“We are working to dispel the myth that the industry only has mucking out roles to offer. There are sustainable careers in the industry, and there are many diverse opportunities. The initial qualifications provide a strong practical basis for people to move through in any way they may choose.”

There are benefits for employers, too, she points out. “Having a dedicated, nationally recognised training structure will help with recruitment and retention as well as developing a skilled, motivated workforce.”

Learning And Earning

Katherine Tuckley worked with horses for 16 years, but after suffering a few injuries decided on a career change which would allow her to stay in the industry.

“When I joined Red Gorilla, I wanted to develop my management skills. I’d already done an apprenticeship which gave me the necessary NVQs (qualifications) for a British Dressage level 5 operations/departmental manager course, which lasts 18 months, and the company’s MD fully supported myself and a colleague to apply.”

The course includes a special project, which in Katherine’s case is developing a sponsorship agreement for BD’s Combined Training Championships.

“The course is based on my role at Red Gorilla with the content guided by my MD, and gives me transferable skills for this and other industries. There were very few other courses that would have been relevant, and my previous equestrian experience and links with the industry have also been key when it comes to activities such as photo shoots.”

Charlotte Thomas is refocusing her business from training livery towards competition coaching, providing a varied and interesting role for apprentice Lucy Fox, 17. “Lucy helps to mentor the young riders that I coach as well as being a groom, using her valuable background as a youth rider,” explains Charlotte. “She also helps on the ground with my own horses and accompanies me to lessons and competitions, so she’s constantly learning. We discuss everything from farriery to training, in a way that I probably wouldn’t with an employee who wasn’t an apprentice.”

Lucy, who is studying for the Level III Senior Equine Groom qualification, came to the role with her Pony Club B test. She says: “I’m gaining experience and making contacts that wouldn’t be offered by a college course; Charlotte and I attended the Principles of Judging Seminar together and that’s been really useful when I’m working with her and the horses.”

Online tuition and portfolio development with BD’s Claire Moir are fitted in on days off or around work, and a recent in-person assessment is described by Lucy as ‘more of an observation of what we do and the way I work.’ “I started in October and I’ve already learned so much,” comments Lucy. “I feel really involved in the business and that I’m part of the team.”

Money Matters

Costs of training for 16 – 18-year-olds are 100% covered by government funding for any employer with fewer than 50 staff. There is also a £1000 incentive to employers.

At age 19 + an employer contribution of 5% is required ie for level II £250.

The National Minimum Wage must be paid to the apprentice in accordance with their age group. Other typical industry benefits such as meals, accommodation and stabling for the apprentice’s horse are subject to a separate contract.

Time-off in lieu (eg for working at a show on the apprentice’s day off) must also be stated in the contract.

For more details and to apply, please scan the QR code.