At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn dog grooming skills while providing top-notch care for furry friends.
- Company: Join Dogwood Grooming, part of Pets Corner, a leading pet grooming spa.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, structured training, and potential for long-term career growth.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to build relationships with dogs and their owners in a positive team environment.
- Why this job: Turn your passion for pets into a rewarding career with ongoing support and development.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English & Maths preferred; no prior grooming qualifications required.
Location: Level 2 Course Duration: 16 months
Application Deadline Date: 11.8.26
Weekly Hours: 40 hours, Working 09:00 – 18:00, any 5 days of the week Monday – Saturday, 1 hour lunch break a day
Dogwood Grooming, part of Pets Corner, is a natural pet grooming spa offering high-quality, personalised grooming services for dogs of all breeds and sizes. We provide a full range of treatments, including bathing, styling, nail care, and coat maintenance, all tailored to each dog’s individual needs. Our salons are designed to be calm, safe, and stress‑free environments where animal welfare is our top priority. Using gentle handling and naturally derived products, our trained team ensures every dog receives the highest standard of care and leaves looking and feeling their best.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Dogwood Grooming, part of Pets Corner, where apprentices gain hands‑on salon experience and follow a structured training programme to develop real grooming skills. We’re passionate about growing our team, and many of our trainees have gone on to build long‑term, rewarding careers with us, supported by ongoing training, development, and a positive team environment.
The apprentice will work towards becoming a qualified stylist through hands‑on training, supporting experienced groomers, and completing a structured grooming portfolio to track their progress. They will gain practical experience working with a variety of dogs, assist with day‑to‑day salon tasks, and develop the skills needed to deliver high standards of grooming and customer care. With ongoing training and development, the role offers an exciting opportunity to build confidence in a professional environment and develop strong relationships with customers and their pets.
For the right candidate, this apprenticeship provides a clear pathway into a long‑term career with Dogwood Grooming, with opportunities to progress and grow within the business.
The successful apprentice’s job role will include, but is not limited to:
- Welcoming clients and their dogs into the salon
- Updating customer records and taking bookings
- Bathing
- Drying
- Nail Trimming
- De‑shedding
- Additional treatments
- Prepping dogs for styling
- Customer service
- Cleaning and maintenance of the salon and equipment
Once competent, the successful applicant will progress to basic clipping and styling work.
Desired Skills & Qualities
Our ideal apprentice will have a genuine interest in Dogwood, including our values, products, and approach to pet care. They will be confident and positive when handling dogs, with a natural ability to build strong relationships with both customers and their pets. They will also demonstrate excellent communication skills, a willingness to learn, and a passion for ongoing training and development. The successful candidate will be motivated, reliable, and able to work both as part of a busy team and independently, showing drive and determination in everything they do.
Desired Qualifications
GCSEs in English & Maths are desired. Applicants MUST NOT already hold a grooming qualification at level 2 or higher to be eligible.
Future Prospects
Full time dog groomer. Yes – there is a strong opportunity for future employment within the company. Successful apprentices who demonstrate the right skills, attitude, and commitment may be offered a permanent role, with clear progression pathways within Dogwood Grooming.
Training
Full training to be provided by the employer and KEITS at the place of employment. The applicant will be working towards and gain a Level 2 Dog Grooming Apprenticeship Standard. The learner will be allocated an industry specific training consultant who will provide both remote and on site visits throughout the apprenticeship. The apprentice will work towards an End Point Assessment (EPA) at the end of their apprenticeship.
Things to Consider
KEITS Training Services Ltd reserves the right to close the vacancy earlier than the listed closing date should the need arise. The apprentice will be working to build a portfolio of evidence and will be required to pass a knowledge test and an End Point Assessment (EPA) to complete the apprenticeship. Due to the popularity of these apprenticeships you may not hear from the employer until after the closing date or if unsuccessful.
Dog Grooming Trainee Stylist Apprentice (Dogwood – Camberley) employer: KEITS
Mabel and Friends Day Retreat Ltd offers a vibrant and supportive work culture where dog lovers can thrive. With hands-on training for a Level 2 Apprenticeship and opportunities for full-time employment, employees are encouraged to grow their skills in a fun environment surrounded by furry friends. Located in Chelmsford, this role not only provides meaningful work but also fosters a community of passionate individuals dedicated to animal care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Dog Grooming Trainee Stylist Apprentice (Dogwood – Camberley)
✨Connect with Local Farms and Communities
Get your hands dirty by connecting with local farms and agricultural co-operatives. Many farms look for trainees, especially during peak seasons, so don’t hesitate to reach out directly or attend local agricultural fairs where you can meet farmers and learn about potential opportunities.
✨Join Agronomy or Farming Groups
Dive into online communities or local meetups focused on agriculture. Join Facebook groups, LinkedIn networks, or relevant forums where both new and experienced agricultural professionals hang out. It’s a fantastic way to learn from others and keep an ear out for trainee openings that might not be widely advertised.
✨Volunteer for Agricultural Projects
Consider volunteering for agricultural initiatives or research projects. This not only gives you hands-on experience but also connects you with industry professionals who can vouch for your commitment and skills when trainee positions crop up.
✨Don’t Sleep on Job Portals and Local Advertisements
Keep an eye on job portals and local newspapers for trainee positions in agriculture. Sometimes, the best opportunities are listed in local ads or e-newsletters from agricultural societies. And of course, don’t forget to apply directly through our website for any roles that spark your interest!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Agriculture:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for agriculture shine through! Talk about why you’re interested in this industry and what excites you about becoming a trainee at KEITS. Whether it's a project you've done or a field experience, showing passion can really set you apart from the crowd.
Highlight Relevant Coursework and Projects:Since you're applying for a trainee position, it's crucial to feature any relevant coursework or projects on your CV. If you've taken subjects related to crop science, animal husbandry, or sustainable farming practices, be sure to mention them. This will show that you've got the foundational knowledge needed to succeed at KEITS.
Research the Company’s Values:Learn about KEITS and its values — maybe they focus on sustainable practices or innovation in agriculture. Weave this knowledge into your application, especially in your cover letter, to demonstrate that you’re not just looking for any role, but this role with them. It shows you’re truly interested and can help you connect your own values with theirs.
Keep It Informal and Accessible:As a trainee, employers at KEITS will be looking for potential and eagerness to learn rather than a pristine record. Use a friendly tone in your application, showing your personality! Be sure to share any hands-on experiences, even if they were just side projects or volunteering, to showcase your willingness to dive into the work.
How to prepare for a job interview at KEITS
✨Brush Up on Your Agricultural Knowledge
Make sure you're familiar with current trends in agriculture, including sustainable practices and the latest technologies like precision farming. Knowing about these topics will show KEITS that you’re genuinely interested in the field and ready to learn.
✨Hands-On Skills Matter
Since it’s a trainee role, they might ask you about any practical experience you’ve had in farming or agricultural projects. If you've worked on a farm, even just a summer job, be ready to highlight what you did, any specific techniques you learned, and how it shaped your interest in agriculture.
✨Show Your Passion for Learning
As a trainee, your eagerness to learn will be a big selling point. Think about what excites you about the agricultural industry and how being part of KEITS could help you grow. Be prepared to share your career aspirations in this context.
✨Expect Behavioural Questions
Prepare for some good old behavioural interview questions focusing on teamwork and problem-solving, which are vital in agriculture. Think of scenarios where you’ve worked collaboratively, demonstrated resilience, or dealt with challenges in fieldwork or group projects.
