At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to care for horses and maintain high welfare standards.
- Company: Coleg Sir Gâr, a BHS Approved equine establishment.
- Benefits: Generous pension, professional development, cycle scheme, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for hands-on experience in the equine industry.
- Why this job: Kickstart your equestrian career while learning and growing in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Physical fitness, good communication skills, and a passion for horse care.
The predicted salary is between 14700 - 25000 £ per year.
Coleg Sir Gâr is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Apprentice Groom to join our Equine staff team based at Pibwrwlyd Campus. The successful candidate will be committed to developing their own knowledge and skills as a Coleg Sir Gar Apprentice whilst working as part of a team to uphold high standards of horse welfare at a BHS Approved establishment. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious equestrian who is seeking a professional career pathway in the industry.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform routine stable duties: mucking out, grooming and exercising fit horses ridden and on the lunge, turning out and catching.
- Exercising horses that cannot be ridden by students.
- Work alongside the grooms in exercising horses and liaising with Equine Groups and individuals hiring the riding arenas.
- Maintain the horses, the yard, riding arenas, surrounding areas, fields and paddocks, equipment, horses’ tack and clothing tidy and in good working order to BHS standards and appropriate for a BHS Examination Centre.
- Pay particular attention to security including the closing of gates at the ends of shifts and reporting of any faults or issues as they arise.
- Contact the designated person by telephone at the end of the shift.
- Carry out routine checks of equipment, tools, machinery, complete checklists as required by Faculty management.
- Maintain a standard of dress and wear PPE appropriate to a BHS Examination Centre, setting a good example as a positive role model.
- Support other yard staff with routine treatment of horses when you are on duty e.g. farriery, worming, vaccination, clipping, liaising closely with the Yard Coordinator.
- Ensure completion of appropriate records and clearly communicate to other grooms any treatment carried out using the agreed systems.
- Monitor use of feed, bedding and other consumables ensuring that the necessary paperwork is fully completed, liaising directly with the Yard Coordinator.
- Ensure that records and charts are completed and information is accurate and in sufficient detail.
- Liaise with academic staff to supervise students including those learners with additional needs and work-based learners with the supervision of academic staff or full-time groom to perform routine stable duties.
- Be responsible for learners' health and safety and be aware of the needs and level of competency of all learners.
- Liaise with the other grooms and the Yard Coordinator regarding events occurring during your period on duty ensuring that all relevant information is logged in the diary.
- Liaise with the other permanent grooms during the weekly handover period to agree on allocation of tasks e.g. horses coming in or leaving, specific jobs or activities which will require attention, and that the other grooms are fully informed of incidents e.g. horse injuries and incidents.
- Monitor the appropriate use of the two arenas when hired out to various Equine Community groups.
- Ensure that the arena surfaces are prepared ready for use by those hiring the arenas and in a suitable condition for college use after the hiring.
- Ensure there is adequate equipment available for the community group to access to clean up throughout the day.
- Ensure college equipment on hire is made available and checked after use.
- Report any losses or damage or misuse to the Stables Manager.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Essential Criteria:
- An appropriate level of physical fitness.
- Good communicator with diplomacy and tact.
- Good interpersonal and organisational skills.
- Ability to work harmoniously with colleagues.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
- Commitment to learning and improving personal skills.
- British Horse Society Gold Membership.
- Willingness to undertake First Aid at Work Training.
- Willingness to drive an ATV.
Desirable Criteria:
- Recent and relevant industrial experience.
- Current driving licence and use of a car.
Welsh Language Requirements:
- Welsh Oracy (Listening/Speaking) - Level 0/1 Desirable.
- Welsh Literacy (Writing/Reading) - Level 0/1 Desirable.
Persons are welcome to apply for posts in Welsh and applications made in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application made in English.
Job Benefits
- Extremely generous pension scheme with employer contributions of 20%.
- Award-winning professional learning and development programme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Free on-site car parking.
- Online and instore retail discounts.
Groom/Yard Assistant Apprentice employer: Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion
Coleg Sir Gâr is an exceptional employer for those passionate about equine care, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and high standards of horse welfare. As an Apprentice Groom at our Pibwrwlyd Campus, you will benefit from an award-winning learning programme, generous pension contributions, and a collaborative environment that fosters growth and teamwork among equestrian enthusiasts.
Contact Details:
Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Groom/Yard Assistant Apprentice
✨Get Hands-On Experience
Apprenticeships in agriculture are all about practical skills, so jump at any chance to volunteer or get involved on local farms. Attend open days or agricultural shows in your area to meet professionals and learn hands-on techniques—it's a fantastic way to show your enthusiasm and learn about what different roles entail.
✨Join Agricultural Communities
Look for local farming or agricultural clubs and networks, as these are great for meeting like-minded people and industry veterans. Platforms like Facebook often have groups dedicated to agriculture where you can ask questions and seek guidance—plus, they might have job leads specifically for apprenticeships.
✨Take Initiative with Local Farms
Don't wait for job postings—reach out directly to farms in your area. Offer to help with seasonal tasks or internships, and when the time comes for them to take on apprentices, they might remember your initiative and commitment. Personal connections can make all the difference in securing that apprenticeship.
✨Apply Directly through Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion
When you're ready to apply, head over to our website to see any apprenticeship opportunities with Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion. Our application process is straightforward, and showing your interest by applying directly is a great way to stand out—plus, you might just land that apprenticeship to kick-start your career in agriculture!
We think you need these skills to ace Groom/Yard Assistant Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Agriculture:When applying for an apprenticeship in agriculture, let your enthusiasm shine through! Talk about any farming experiences, courses you've taken, or projects you’ve been involved in that got you excited about this field. Don't hold back on what drives you – genuine passion can make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Studies:Make sure to emphasise any relevant skills or knowledge from your studies that relate to agriculture. This could include anything from understanding crop cycles to machinery operation. If you've got any practical skills, like operating farm equipment or conducting soil tests, be sure to mention those, as they’ll show you're ready to dive into hands-on learning.
Tailor Your CV to Agriculture:Your CV should reflect your journey in agriculture so far. Include any specific coursework, projects, or volunteer work related to farming or environmental science. We love seeing a tailored CV that speaks to the apprenticeship role, so ensure it demonstrates your eagerness to learn and grow in this field.
Be Clear About Your Learning Goals:In your cover letter, take some time to outline what you hope to learn through this apprenticeship. Being specific about your goals will show Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion that you’re committed to your personal development and that you’ve put thought into how this opportunity fits into your career plans. Let’s make sure they know you’re ready to soak up all the knowledge you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion
✨Know Your Crops
Brush up on the specific crops or livestock relevant to the apprenticeship at Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion. Understanding their growing cycles, care requirements, and common challenges can really impress your interviewers. Consider bringing up any personal experiences or coursework related to agriculture that highlights your knowledge!
✨Hands-On Experience Matters
Since this is an apprenticeship, they’ll likely be interested in your practical skills. Be prepared to discuss any previous work you've done in agriculture or related fields. If you’ve participated in farm volunteer work or projects, make sure to highlight that experience to show your dedication and foundational skills.
✨Ask About the Tools
Don't shy away from asking questions about the tools and technologies used at Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion. Familiarity with common agricultural tools and practices can set you apart from others, so ask about the equipment they use and express your interest in learning to use them effectively during your apprenticeship.
✨Show Your Passion for Learning
As you’re vying for an apprenticeship, demonstrating your eagerness to learn is key. Share your motivation for wanting to get into agriculture, whether it's a family background, school projects, or just a love for the outdoors. Letting your enthusiasm shine through will make you memorable in the selection process!
