For National Apprenticeship Week 2023, we had the pleasure of speaking with Daisy, an Equine Groom apprentice with Sheldrake Training to ask about her thoughts and learnings she has gained through her apprenticeship.
What apprenticeship are you doing?
I am currently completing the Level 2 Equine Groom apprenticeship with Cakeham Stables in West Wittering and Sheldrake Training.
How have you found it so far?
I have learned more than I thought I would already. I had some basic knowledge and experience working with horses as I had ridden horses growing up, but I had no real industry or working knowledge. Since then, I have been able to do more than I used to such as going from mucking out stables once a day to twelve times a day. It has been great to build on my knowledge and experience throughout this apprenticeship.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
When I left college, I started studying travel and tourism as that was an area that interested me initially. In addition, I worked part-time in a local village shop and spent a couple of days looking after my horse. I happened to meet my now employer and found out more about what they do. This is when I discovered I there was an option to do what I love full time. I asked if it would be possible to work for them and they told me to look at apprenticeships which is how I found the Equine Groom apprenticeship with Sheldrake Training. This apprenticeship has allowed me to get my foot in the door with an industry in which I was not initially qualified and has allowed me to gain work experience as well as a qualification.
What have you found are the benefits?
The main benefit of doing an apprenticeship is it looks great on your CV to have a qualification as well as work experience. It also allows you to learn while you work as you can gain theoretical knowledge and put this into practice which you may not necessarily have the opportunity with other types of qualifications. There is a good balance between classroom-based and practical learning which means I get the opportunity to work with others and improve my personal riding skills.
How would you say your apprenticeship has helped you grow/develop?
I have seen the most improvement in my communication skills as I have had to get out of my comfort zone in speaking to different types of people. Being around different people with different levels of experience has been really beneficial. I have been able to learn from those ahead of me but also offer advice to those less knowledgeable than myself.
Why would you recommend it to others?
I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone as you are able to gain much more hands-on experience through it compared to knowledge-only qualifications. It is amazing to work with like-minded people who share your interest and passions. It doesn’t feel like work when you love what you do.