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.

Benefits

• 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

Requirements

• 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

Responsibilities for an Apprentice

• 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

Apprenticeship Information

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

Prospects

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.

For more information or to apply, please contact Jamie Watson at Next Step Apprenticeships on 01273 063769, Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:30pm.