At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for horses and support student learning in a hands-on environment.
- Company: Join Activate Learning, a pioneering education group transforming lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive holiday, excellent pension, and fantastic onsite facilities.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students while working with amazing horses.
- Qualifications: Experience in equine care and a relevant qualification at Level 3 or above.
The predicted salary is between 20250 - 24750 £ per year.
As an Equine Yard Assistant, you will play a vital part in the daily care and wellbeing of our horses, while also making a direct impact on the student learning experience. This is a student-facing role, meaning you’ll not only care for the horses, including assisting with exercise routines for a range of college horses, supporting the delivery of commercial courses and activities, but also support and guide our learners on the yard.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Day to day care of the horses, ensuring adherence to our high welfare standards
- Assisting with exercise routines for a variety of college horses
- Supporting the delivery of commercial courses and equine activities
- Supervising and working alongside students and visitors to create a safe, supportive, and positive environment
This is a casual, variable-hours role based at our Merrist Wood College. Flexibility to work weekends is essential, as most shifts will take place at weekends and during school holidays. Occasional term-time hours may also be available to cover staff sickness and support business requirements.
What do you need to be a successful Equine Yard Assistant?
We are seeking a dedicated and skilled equine professional who thrives in a team and enjoys supporting the development of others. To succeed in this role, you will need to bring both technical expertise and the ability to work confidently with students in a practical, hands-on environment.
Essential skills and experience:
- Previous experience working on a professional equine yard or within an equine business
- A relevant professional or vocational qualification at Level 3 or above
- Experience riding a variety of horses
- BHS Stage 2 in Care, Riding, and Lunge - or the motivation to work towards it
We’re looking for someone proactive, adaptable, and committed to both their own development and the growth of our students.
Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expects all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level. Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity. Activate Learning are committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage, please contact the talent team directly.
Equine Yard Assistant employer: Activate-Learning-1
Activate Learning is an exceptional employer located in Blackbird Leys, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and wellbeing. With generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and tailored professional growth opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a transformative educational environment where your contributions are valued and celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Equine Yard Assistant
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Community
Nothing beats on-the-ground experience when it comes to agriculture. Volunteer at local farms or join community gardening projects to meet industry folks. They often have inside info on part-time gigs that might not even be advertised yet!
✨Tap Into Agriculture Networks
Join local agricultural societies or online forums specific to your area. These communities are goldmines for part-time opportunities and can connect you with farmers and organisations looking for helping hands.
✨Seasonal Availability Is Key
Make sure you know when the busy seasons are! Many farms ramp up hiring during planting and harvest times. Keep an eye out for those windows and shoot your applications off early through our website to increase your chances.
✨Show Off Your Passion!
Bring your enthusiasm to the table. During interviews or interactions, share any relevant coursework or experiences you’ve had in agriculture. Whether it’s a school project or a home garden, showing that you're keen can set you apart when competing for that part-time role with Activate-Learning-1.
We think you need these skills to ace Equine Yard Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, make sure to shine a light on any agriculture-related experience you've got, whether it's from coursework, volunteer work, or hands-on jobs. Don't forget about specific skills like crop management or knowledge of sustainable practices; those are real winners for Activate-Learning-1!
Show Off Your Passion:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for agriculture come through! Talk about why you're passionate about working in this field and what makes you excited about the opportunity at Activate-Learning-1. We love hearing personal stories that connect you to the agriculture world!
Tailor Your Application:Avoid the one-size-fits-all approach. Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter for the part-time role at Activate-Learning-1. This might mean adjusting the wording to reflect the specific tasks and responsibilities mentioned in the job listing, ensuring you clearly fit the bill.
Include Certifications or Courses:If you have any relevant certifications or courses related to agriculture, make sure to include those! Whether it's a short course in sustainable farming or a certification in organic agriculture, these can really boost your application. It shows you're dedicated to the field and continuously learning!
How to prepare for a job interview at Activate-Learning-1
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Given the agriculture field, it's vital we understand farming techniques, equipment, and even pest management strategies. Be ready to discuss specific practices you've encountered or used—perhaps your experience with certain crops or technologies in farming.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Employers want to see that we can apply our knowledge in the field. If you've had hands-on experience—like internships, volunteering on a farm, or even personal projects—talk about them! Share what you learned and how it shaped your understanding of agricultural processes.
✨Flexibility & Commitment—Key for Part-Time Roles
Part-time roles often require a bit of juggling. Be ready to show your willingness to adapt your schedule for peak seasons or specific needs that come up. Discuss your availability openly, and highlight your enthusiasm for being part of the team.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In agriculture, we might face situations that test our problem-solving skills. Expect questions like how we'd handle a pest outbreak or deal with unpredictable weather. Practise articulating your thought process and solutions, as it shows we can think on our feet.
