Prime Minister David Cameron has announced the approval of the Equine Groom and Senior Equine Groom Apprenticeship’s Standards.

These new apprenticeships have been drawn up by a cross-discipline group representing all facets of equestrianism. The Steering Group is made up of about 50 individuals at the top of their discipline, wanting to produce complete and practical grooms, with excellent transferable skills and work ethos.

The BHA, along with representatives from Trainers and Thoroughbred breeders, was fully engaged with the development process of these apprenticeship standards. The new Equine Groom and Senior Equine Groom Apprenticeship’s Standards will be introduced in due course throughout the racing and breeding industries and will help to ensure national and industry-wide education standards and qualifications.

These changes build on the well received and recognised apprenticeship frameworks currently in use and will lead to recognised standards of skills and knowledge across all equine disciplines providing a career pathway and enabling qualified workers to move between different equine industries, with employers confident of the suitability of employees holding these qualifications.

Sue Martin, chairman of the Equestrian Trailblazers, commented: “These standards have been carefully formulated to fulfil the government’s aim to produce world class apprentices.”

Prior to submitting the Standards to government for approval, these new standards were publicised via various press channels across the country and received an overall 93% approval from employers, confirming the need for change in preparing the future professionals for the equestrian industry.

Nick Boles, the Minister for Skills, commented: “Businesses are better placed than anyone to train the next generation of workers and will help us deliver 3 million high-quality apprenticeships by 2020. By designing apprenticeships, employers like Trent Park Equestrian Centre are ensuring that young talented people develop the skills needed to progress up the career ladder and help drive businesses forward.”

This is the first time that the entire equestrian industry has come together to work as a team, highlighting the importance of this vital project. The second phase is due to start in early September when work on the Assessment plans for these apprenticeships will commence to facilitate the new programme.

Notes to editors:

The Equine Groom and Senior Equine Groom Apprenticeship’s Standards can be viewed on the Equestrian Trailblazer website: www.equinetrailblazerapprentices.com