Choosing what to do after leaving school can feel overwhelming, especially when your passion doesn’t fit the traditional route. For many young people, an apprenticeship offers the perfect balance of earning, learning and gaining real industry experience from day one.
At Sheldrake Training, we’re proud to see our apprentices go on to build successful careers doing what they love. One of those success stories is Isabel (Izzy) Oliver, whose journey demonstrates how following your passion, working hard and having the right support can open doors you never imagined.
This is Izzy’s story.
An Apprenticeship with Sheldrake Training Changed My Life
Hi, my name is Isabel Oliver. I’m 19 years old, and I’ve had a love of horses for as long as I can remember.
After leaving school, I decided to take a different route and gain some non-equine qualifications while experiencing life at a college outside of the horse industry. I thought it would be beneficial to broaden my horizons and explore other opportunities. However, after only a few months, I realised that my heart simply wasn’t in it. Horses had always been my passion, and I knew I wanted to invest my time and energy into something I truly loved.
Everything changed when the lady who runs the yard where I grew up, Tessa Bailey, asked whether I would be interested in completing an apprenticeship with her. Without hesitation, I said yes.
My apprenticeship was an incredible experience. I was given endless opportunities to learn and develop my skills while gaining valuable hands-on experience in a professional yard environment. Throughout my apprenticeship, I had the privilege of training with and working alongside some of the best industry professionals in the area. These experiences not only improved my practical skills but also gave me the confidence to pursue a career in the equine industry.
With the support and guidance of Kate and my employer, Tessa Bailey, I achieved Distinctions in both my coursework and final assessments. Their encouragement and belief in me played a huge role in my success.
After completing my apprenticeship, I worked as a freelance groom, continuing to build my experience within the industry. Today, I am proud to be working at Sparsholt College as a Head Equine Technician—a role I thoroughly enjoy and one that I may never have achieved without the strong foundation my apprenticeship provided.
I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone considering an apprenticeship with Sheldrake Training to take the opportunity. Being able to learn while gaining invaluable practical experience and achieving a recognised qualification is an excellent way to start a career. The qualification I gained has played a significant part in helping me secure my current role.
My advice to anyone thinking about an apprenticeship is simple: go for it. Completing my apprenticeship helped me believe in myself and showed me what I was capable of achieving through hard work and determination. I am incredibly proud of what I accomplished, but I could never have done it without the support of Kate, Tessa and everyone at Sheldrake Training.
Looking back, choosing to follow my passion was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Izzy Oliver
July 2026