Equine apprenticeships for my 18 year old son?

[Jess Jebari]

Hello,
My son has completed his BTEC in Equine Care (level 2) and really wants to find an apprenticeship working with horses. He would consider anything!
We live in Brighton & Hove so would need something fairly local.
Many thanks,
Jess

 

[SilverLinings]

Would he be interested in training as a farrier? It's physically hard work but reasonably well paid (certainly well paid for a job with horses) and they are always in demand. He would also eventually be his own boss with the freedom that comes with.

Are there areas of the industry that your son is more interested in?

 

[Jess Jebari]

Thank you so much for your quick reply!
He would be interested in training as a farrier as he is very hard working. He is not the most academic person, so anything too technical would be a struggle.
I think ideally a groom or stable hand is more his level at the moment.
Thanks,
Jess

 

[SilverLinings]

Have you tried looking on equine facebook pages for your county, and also searching online for apprenticeships in your area? Local colleges should have information online about the apprenticeships they offer, so local agricultural colleges would be a good place to start.

 

[Jess Jebari]

Thank you. Yes he has just finished at Plumpton College so will check back in with them.

 

[SilverLinings]

Sorry I couldn't give any more specific help as I'm not in your area. Good luck, I hope he finds something that he enjoys

 

[Jess Jebari]

Thank you!

 

[reynold]

What about a career in horse racing? He could do a specific course at the racing school at Newmarket which includes accommodation. Once he's done the course he could work for many trainers as a groom/work rider with accomodation available. They will take people who have never ridden.

Racing employment is strictly regulated as regards pay/conditions so less likely to be exploited that in other equestrian disciplines. There is a shortage of grooms to work in racing atm.