Equine Apprenticeships
- Pibwrlwyd Campus
The equine apprenticeships are a work based learning programme where the learner is earning whilst learning. The programme is aimed at learners from 16 and above. The apprentice must be employed in the equine industry for a minimum of 16 hours a week and receive at least the minimum apprentice wage or can be self-employed at level 3 and above. There are three equine apprenticeship levels; level 2, level 3 and level 4.
Learners at level 2 and level 3 will build a portfolio of evidence whilst on their course to achieve a City and Guilds work based diploma. These learners will also have the opportunity to sit their British Horse Society assessments at the end of their apprenticeship. Learners on the level 4 apprenticeship will be studying solely towards their BHS stage 4 care assessment which will also take place at the end of their course.
These qualifications aim to upskill and develop individual’s competency and knowledge levels, helping improve learners’ employability skills within the industry. Students also have the opportunity to participate on international / national annual study tours. Some of these international trips are fully funded.
Course details
- Part time
- English
What you will learn
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Programme features
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Programme content
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Progression and employment
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Method of assessment
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Entry requirements
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Additional costs
The apprentice will attend college one day a week in term time. In college, learners cover underpinning theoretical knowledge in horse care in the classroom and specialist practical skills to on the college yard.
All learners will be supported by a training advisor/assessor and lecturer who will set smart targets for individuals on a 61 day basis, ensuring learner’s keep on track for achieving their qualification.
Learners will study at Coleg Sir Gar, a British Horse Society approved examination centre based at its Pibwrlwyd campus in Carmarthen. Facilities include an indoor school, outdoor menage and a stable yard accommodating a variety of competition horses which the students have use of.
Examples of units of study at level 2 include:
● Nutrition
● Anatomy and Physiology
● Grassland Care
● Stable design
● Lunging a horse under supervision
Examples of units of study at level 3 include:
● Feeding and Fittening Horses
● Anatomy and Physiology
● Horse Health
● Grassland Management
● Lunging a fit horse for exercise
● Fit Tack and Equipment for competition
Examples of units of study at level 4 include:
● Fitting and Evaluating specialist tack
● Horse Physiology & breeding
● Managing an equestrian business
● Equine Nutrition
● Assessing horse Health and conformation
Learners who have successfully completed this foundation apprenticeship at the required standard, can progress onto an apprenticeship at level three and work in the industry as grooms/ yard staff under supervision.
Level 3 apprentices who have successfully completed this qualification can progress onto the equine higher apprenticeship at level four. Students often progress in work to assistant yard management,or be employed as head grooms, etc.
Level 4 Higher Apprentices will achieve with their BHS stage 4 Horse Care Management qualification, this qualification is aimed at training individuals to yard manager status.
Learners on the City & Guilds work based diploma pathway will build a portfolio of evidence, assessed by college qualified staff both in the workplace and in college. Learners on the BHS route will be assessed in college on an ongoing basis with an end-of-year exam. Learners on either pathway will be continually assessed via coursework, assignments, practical work, work based evidence and observations.
There are no specific competency entry requirements at level 2, however there are qualifications or experience that will help learners understand the sector prior to starting.
Desired entry requirements at level 2:
- BTEC Level 1 Certificate in Caring for Horses
- Level 1 Work-based Diploma in Horse Care
- BHS Stage 1 Horse Knowledge and Care
- Enquire on application if there are no prior qualifications.
At level 2, Essential Skills Wales Application of Number (Level 1) & Essential Skills Wales Communication (Level 1) must be achieved in order for learners to successfully complete their apprenticeship. In some circumstances previously achieved proxy qualifications may be used.
Entry requirements at level 3:
- Stage 2 BHS Horse Knowledge and Care
- Level 2 Work Based Diploma in Horse Care
- Level 2 NVQ in Horse Care
- Pony Club B Test + lunge
At level 3 and Level 4 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number (Level 2) & Essential Skills Wales Communication (Level 2) must be achieved in order for learners to successfully complete their apprenticeship framework. In some circumstances previously achieved proxy qualifications may be used eg GCSE maths and English at grade C or above).
Entry requirements at level 4:
- Stage 3 BHS Horse Knowledge and Care
- Level 3 BHSQ Groom
- Pony Club AH Test
At level 4, learners will also need to sit their level 2 Essential skills in Digital literacy. In some circumstances previously achieved proxy qualifications may be used.
There is no additional fee whilst studying on the City & Guilds pathways. Learners will need to provide their own stationery and personal equipment. You may also incur costs if the department arranges educational visits.
For those learners who have the opportunity to sit their BHS exams and the Level 4 Higher apprenticeship learners on the BHS pathway, they will need to pay for a British Horse Society Gold membership inorder to sit BHS assessments.