Level 2 Racing Groom Apprenticeship
This apprenticeship covers topics that prove your competence to work in racing yards and stable management roles in the equine industry.
What is this Standard?
The Racing Groom apprenticeship offers a chance to gain an equine based qualification while you work. Racing Rules dictate that anyone under 19 years old who wants to work as a racing groom must start a Level 2 Apprenticeship or equivalent qualification.
If you are aged 16-18 and don’t have the Functional Skills equivalent qualification, you will be expected to complete L1 and/or L2. If you are aged 19+ your employer will decide if they require you to complete functional skills.
What Will I Learn?
The Racing Groom apprenticeship will consist of the following areas for development of skills and knowledge:
- Safe Working Practices
- Yard and Field Routines and Duties
- Horse Anatomy, Physiology and Welfare
- Horse Handling, Care and Welfare
- Saddlery and Equipment
- Travelling
- Non-Ridden Exercise
Core behaviours
There is the choice to choose between the following pathways:
- Racing Pathway – Senior Racing Exercise Groom or Senior Yard Based Groom
- Non-Ridden Pathway
For those apprentices who have not got recognised prior learning or qualifications in maths and English, Functional Skills will also be developed as part of the apprenticeship programme.
I am really enjoying my Level 3 Apprenticeship with Sheldrake Training. The support is fantastic, the course is accessible and informative. I find all sessions to be interactive and well-structured and the coaches are friendly, fun and knowledgeable
How Long Is The Course?
Course duration:
Typical duration is 12 months.
Study and assessment takes place at the yard/stable you are working for.
Racecourse training must be undertaken by the employer.
Racing Groom Assessment
Whilst on programme you will gain competence, build a portfolio of evidence and complete functional skills if needed. Over the course of the Level 2 Apprenticeship you will complete several modules which cover the basic skills and knowledge you will need to make your career in the racing industry, such as riding horses, mucking out, preparing a horse for racing, travelling with a horse to the races, and race day procedures.
Once the portfolio is completed, you will enter the gateway which is a revision period in preparation for end point assessment. During this time you will have to complete a knowledge test of 50 multiple choice questions and achieve a pass mark of 70%.
Once the knowledge test has been successfully completed, the apprentice will complete the end point assessment which will consist of an observation of skills followed by a professional discussion.
More information on the standard can be found at the Institute for Apprenticeships.
What Is The Salary Of A Racing Groom In United Kingdom 2026?
Average base pay = £22,000/yr
The estimated salary for an experienced Racing Groom can far exceed the average base pay. Pay examples based on salaries collected from our past and present students.
From Stable to Starting Gate – Become a Racing Groom Apprentice and Ride Toward Your Future!
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