Working pupils/apprenticeship recommendations?

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Irishdiamond

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I'm looking to get a working pupil/apprentice job (live in) but at entry level so beginning at stage 1. I'm wanting to take my stage 1 exam and work towards stage 2.

I've no idea what yards are recommended. I have an interview for Stonar school but if I'm honest I'd prefer a riding school environment rather than a boarding school.

I've applied for Trent park equestrian and had a look at others on yardandgroom but does anyone have any recommendations or places to stay away from? As I'd be traveling from Northern Ireland so can't really check out different places before.

Thanks guys :)
 
You could look at Wellington in Hampshire. I've known several go there. It is better for the lower / entry level. But you can get loads of experience in different routes (work rider, groom, yard manager, instructor etc.) and loads of contacts allowing you to make better choices once you reach stage 3.

You might find your options are more open if you can get your stage 1 and RRS first though. Just from the experiences of young people on our PC branch you seem to have more choices and progress faster is you can start with the "preparing for stage 2" groups.
 
Wellington is abit too expensive but it did look ideal. I loved summerhouse but they said I'm not eligible for an apprenticeship because I'm 22 and have studied a level 3 in a different subject. I hope that isn't the case with all the places.
After researching I've started to realize it would be better for me to get my BHS stage 1 and RRS in my home town then look for an apprenticeship once I've got all that. The chance to start an equine job soon just took me into Dreamland but now realistically I think I'd get more out of it once I'm further along in my riding. That way as you say, I can make use of the stage 2 training which is what I need most. Thanks Shay, you are totally right.
 
If you join PC and have the B test you can do stage 2 (if 16) or stage 3 (if 17) directly.
Clare abbot is looking a working pupil if you want to stay in NI!

I've just found out that I can directly do my PTT without stages thanks to pc :D
 
You must have your PC Lunging test or an EQL Lunging a horse under supervision as well as your PC B test to go direct to PTT. I've known others make that mistake too.

OP - I suspect you are not eligible for a government sponsored lower level apprenticeship; because of your age and previous qualifications. You should still be eligible for a higher level apprenticeship; but these tend to be linked to universities and I'm not sure how practical they would be.

It doesn't stop you taking a working pupil place though. You could pay for an apprentice place - as you have found at Wellington. But you would be surrounded by 17 - 19yr olds doing it for free. Not sure if you want that? You certainly would be better getting at least stage 1 and RRS at home. If not also stage 2 so you can start looking for a place at a higher level.

Good luck - dreams are achievable with hard work!
 
I'm 22 so too old for pony club and theres nowhere that runs the progressive riding tests regularly so have to do the BHS Route. I wish I'd of done this when I was 16 so definitely go for it. Thank you but I don't think I'd want to work In an eventing yard, XC is terrifying 😂
 
Shay said:
You must have your PC Lunging test or an EQL Lunging a horse under supervision as well as your PC B test to go direct to PTT. I've known others make that mistake too.

OP - I suspect you are not eligible for a government sponsored lower level apprenticeship; because of your age and previous qualifications. You should still be eligible for a higher level apprenticeship; but these tend to be linked to universities and I'm not sure how practical they would be.

It doesn't stop you taking a working pupil place though. You could pay for an apprentice place - as you have found at Wellington. But you would be surrounded by 17 - 19yr olds doing it for free. Not sure if you want that? You certainly would be better getting at least stage 1 and RRS at home. If not also stage 2 so you can start looking for a place at a higher level.

Good luck - dreams are achievable with hard work!
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I can go straight into my PTT - I've my AHPC
 
I couldn't afford to live in England and have to pay atleast 400 a month on no income unfortunately. I think i can only do an advanced apprenticeship but riding wise I'm not there yet as I think I'd have to be close to stage 2. Most of the lower level apprenticeships are for younger people so I've decided to do my stage 1 here and hopefully find an apprenticeship in September.
Thank you!! Wish there was more close to home but hopefully something comes up :)
 
You are eligible to join PC until the year in which you turn 25 so it is a possibility for you if you want. It is generally cheaper to go through the PC route. But you need a good B test horse which isn't always easy to find.

Yes only_me if you have your AH you can go straight through. You have to have done your lunging test before your AH. Its only that I have known several from our branch read the first part of the exemption and not the second and jump to the conclusion that one you have the full B riding only you can go onto PTT. Sorry if I misunderstood you.
 
Talland in Gloucestershire. But realistically you are not going to find many apretaships that pay you more than £400 a month that is also training you.

Another option you could look at is find a yard that will take you though the haddon training system.
 
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I would LOVE to go to talland as I used to live in Gloucester but I need a live in apprenticeship that will pay a small wage, ideally £400 a month but I think Talland asks you to pay them for the course which I can't do. I've emailed them anyway to see what they say. Some apprenticeships/working pupil pay you national apprenticeship wage but also give you live in accommodation which is perfect. Aslong as I have atleast £200 a month for my car I'd be sorted.
 
Shay said:
You are eligible to join PC until the year in which you turn 25 so it is a possibility for you if you want. It is generally cheaper to go through the PC route. But you need a good B test horse which isn't always easy to find.

Yes only_me if you have your AH you can go straight through. You have to have done your lunging test before your AH. Its only that I have known several from our branch read the first part of the exemption and not the second and jump to the conclusion that one you have the full B riding only you can go onto PTT. Sorry if I misunderstood you.
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No worries! Had to have lunging prior to AH so have that :) unfortunately didn't have time for the riding part as went back to full time uni so less time to ride, and you really need to ride multiple horses every week to get it!

OP You can join up to 25 so worth doing especially if branch is active, but B tests are area tests so held here (NI) about once or twice a year depending on numbers. One was done just before Christmas so suspect next one would be around June time:)
 
OP, I saw a local SJer is looking for a working pupil. If you are interested in going down that route it might be worth enquiring. If you're on fb his page is Applemount Sport Horses and he's based near Lisburn. Don't think it is live in but might be within commuting distance for you.
 
Two suggestions, Brampton Stables in Northampton run by Derrick and Jenny Ward do a brilliant job. We ourselves might be worth considering (Weston Stud Leicestershire) We are only a small Stud Livery Yard but have been successful with training for BHS Qualifications.
 
Hi Irishdiamond, Nolan Eventing in Co.Meath are looking for a working pupil with full training for BHS Stage exams. Live-in accomodation is provided as well as training. Its a lovely small yard with a out 6 event horses in work and a further 5 liveries.

If you are interested you can send me a PM via here, or conact Nolan Eventing on FB.

Any questions just ask me as Kay Nolan trains me.
 
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