As an apprentice, you'll combine real work with training and study. Completing an apprenticeship can help boost your career and provide your pathway into the equestrian workforce, with many options across the sector.
Visit apprenticeships.gov.uk to find out more about apprenticeships, how to apply and what your rights are.
apprenticeship for your career
British Grooms Association provides guidance on equine apprenticeships.
Some of our member bodies also provide access to apprenticeships:
YOUR RIGHTS AS AN APPRENTICE
As an apprentice, you're entitled to employment rights, make sure you know your rights so you can get the best out of your apprenticeship:
- You must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage (see below).
- You must receive an itemised payslip that provides a detailed breakdown of your pay and any deductions.
- Health and safety laws include the rights to daily and weekly rest breaks- a daily rest period of at least 20 minutes if the working day exceeds 6 hours and at least one full day off during every 7 days.
- Health and safety laws also state that employers have a statutory duty to take care of the health and safety of their employees by providing a clean environment to work in, first aid equipment, protective clothing, drinking water and washing facilities and ensuring all machinery is safe.
- You cannot be made to work more than an average of 48 hours per week.
- You have the right to a certain amount of paid holiday each year. As a full-time employee you are entitled to 5.6 weeks paid leave per year. Part time workers receive pro-rata entitlement.
- You should not be harassed, victimised, treated unfairly at work or given dismissal notice if you file a complaint or expose suspected wrongdoing in their workplace.
- You must not be discriminated against in the workplace. This applies to all forms of discrimination including age, disability, sex, race, sexual orientation and religious beliefs.
visit apprenticeships.gov.uk to find out more.
Think about your current/ future employer and look out for sign of good or bad employment practices:
- Read through employment contracts carefully and ask someone who has experience of employment contracts to check it for you to make sure it is correct
- Clear communication from the start about the job expectations, salary, conditions etc.
- The company makes everyone feel a valued member of the team
- Has workplace health and safety provisions and Employers Liability Insurance
- Encourages and supports staff development
- Provide regular, constructive feedback and opportunities for communication so difficulties can be resolved.
National Minimum Wage
As of 1 April 2024, the national minmum wage for apprentices is £6.40.
The annual increase in National Minimum Wage helps employees afford rising costs of living, but don’t assume you’re being paid the correct amount:
Find out more about the National Minimum Wage:
Maximum working hours
According to the ‘working time regulations’, staff cannot work more than an average of 48 hours a week over a 17 week period, although, they can choose to opt-out of the 48 hour work week. For those under 18, you cannot work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week.
Find out more about working hours with Acas.
It is up to your employer to ensure there are a sufficient number of paid staff to complete all work required whilst building in substantial breaks during the day.