Apprenticeship/Work based learning?

[RosieSull]

Does anybody know of any work based learning places (I know colleges that offer it but no placements that take work based learners) or apprenticeships? I live near st Neots but if accommodation was provided I could go anywhere so distance is no problem at all. I have been searching and searching for hours for a natural horsemanship placement either work based or apprenticeship but to no avail. If anybody knows of any natural horsemanship places/yards that work with natural horsemanship, that would possibly take a worker just somebody to work and learn while working (they would not need to be involved in the education aspect as I could find a college near by that I could do a corresponding or complimentary course with that could or could not have involvement in the work as it is not necessary for the two to go together) please do let me know, I'm really struggling to find anything more than one day-one week courses.

 

[Red-1]

There is a firm that specialises in Apprenticeships places, but I am afraid the name of the company eludes my memory right now. Someone may know, as I seem to think they once advertised in H&H.

Guy Robertson did take students, but not sure it is part of any programme.

Somewhere like Mary Wanless at Overdale does not profess to be a Natural Horse Trainer, but horsemanship is horsemanship, and sometimes those with no label are better than some with.

 

[Shay]

Apprenticeships are very popular right now. An number of my daughter's friends are either in their first year or just starting them. I presume you are looking for 2017? The 2016 starters all seem to have their offers already.

Some opted for the mass intake type route - places like Wellington who take 20 or 30 at a time. Some just did the slog and contacted the yards they wanted until they got somewhere. My impression is most major yards take apprentices - its just a matter of whether you have the other skills / experience they want. There is also quite a lot of info on the BGA website. As Red-1 says - horsemanship is horsemanship. Don't too hung up on a label.

If you are under 18 there is quite a bit of paperwork involved in taking an apprentice and that might be off putting to smaller yards - especially one where you have to arrange your own training as you suggest. It does do something to prevent the exploitation of young workers at least!