#NAW2019 – Equine apprenticeships neigh problem for Myerscough Vice Principal

Steven Downham-Clarke, who has a keen personal interest in horses, paid a visit to Myerscough’s stable complex to chat to equine apprentices and find out more about what it takes to obtain a qualification in the sector. Steven undertook and oversaw tasks including grooming, tacking-up, and platting, as well as observing a learner assessment.

Among the learners was Daniel Ratcliffe, who is a year into a Level 2 Equine Groom Apprenticeship, and is based at Higher Spen Equine Spa and Livery, in Fence, Burnley.

20-year-old Daniel said: ‘’I have six months of my apprenticeship left and after I finish I’m hoping to stay where I am with a permanent job.

‘’I like the idea of a wage and the option to learn my trade first hand, so it works for me. I’ve been riding for about 10 years and always had an interest in animals, so ended up focusing on horses.

‘’My dream job is a freelance groom, so I’m able to go and work wherever is needed, either in this country or abroad.’’

16-year-old Lily Smith is also on the same programme, and is based at Birkrigg Park Arabians in Kendal.

Lily said: ‘’I work with my sister and love it. I helped out for a year and then started my apprenticeship last September. It’s ace, I’m always outdoors and the hours are good. I chose an apprenticeship as I like to be in a work environment, rather than a student one and I’m used to the fast pace of the job and the routine. I’m not really into classroom work – I’m an outdoors person.

‘’In the future hopefully I’ll become a competition groom, perhaps work abroad, or maybe with either royal or military horses.’’

Avia Giansoldati began her SASE Apprenticeship in Horse Care almost a year and a half ago, and is studying while working at Moorview Equestrian Centre and Saddlery, near Darwen.

17-year-old Avia said: ‘’I’m close to finishing my apprenticeship and I should complete my programme early.

‘’My apprenticeship came about after the owner of where I’m based asked me if I’d consider one and I’m glad I did. I decided to earn while I learn. I wanted to be a jockey originally, but I’ve now decided that’s not quote for me as I’d like to go into plating and trimming horses and maybe have my own business or go freelance in the future.

‘’People always want their horses clipping so it’s a big area of the sector to be part of.’’

Alison Metcalf, Work-based tutor in Equine, gave Myerscough’s Vice Principal a demonstration of the OneFile e-portfolio that all apprentices use to document their progress, and demonstrated how a learner assessment was carried out.

Alison said: ‘’We’ve used the OneFile system for a while. It’s a great tool as all evidence including photos and videos is uploaded straight into the student’s profile and we can gather it anywhere, even in remote places where perhaps there’s no internet connection.

‘’Our equine apprentices at Myerscough get much more than just a knowledge of how to look after an animal. They learn business and administration skills, which are a key part of working in the sector.

Many learners can groom a horse and can look after one well, but in the real world small businesses do everything else too, and learners need to be prepared. We offer a more rounded qualification with transferable skills.’’

For more information on apprenticeships or workbased training at Myerscough College please contact Employer Services on 01995 642255, or email employerenquiries@myerscough.ac.uk