Working to learn - what would you do?

[Boodle]

Not sure if this should be in here, but figured it'd get most views, as I need to decide, sharpish.

Here goes. I was meant to be going to college (to do horses) in September. I can no longer go because of commitments and responsibilities at home. And also because I was advised the course would be too simple.

I then enrolled in a scheme whereby i'd be placed at a yard in the area and receive training and be able to sit exams etc, with payment of £55 a week. I'd work all day, 6 days a week in order to do this.

I had an interview at a place where I could do this scheme and although the place was nice enough, it was small and more of a trekking centre than anything else. I decided that I didn't think i'd learn much more there, than what I already know. As in, it'd take me ages to actually reach the stage where I could sit exams as I feel any progress I made would be slow, and i'd be mucking boxes and dragging around ponies all day. Much the same as what I do at home.

I don't want to be exhausting myself and not learning anything, as I do so want to learn.

This morning I got a phone call saying that would like me to start on monday.

I don't want to seem ungrateful, as the lady who runs the scheme really has put so much into getting my interview etc. But I feel that I will basically be working for nothing (less than £10 a day) and not getting much out of it.

What would you do? Take the job, and risk beginning to resent the work/place. Or sit it out and wait and see if somewhere else comes up? She did mention a dealers yard where horses are coming in and out all the time and i'd be involved in prep for selling etc, where I think I really could learn lots.

Opinions/views much appreciated.
Kirsty

 

[moocow]

you need to call the lady that you said runs the scheme and talk to her. Just explain that you are very interested in the scheme but felt slightly disappointed with that trekking yard. You could explain that you don't feel that you would be building on your experience and would prefer something that was more of a challange.

Good luck.

 

[ajn1610]

If you take the first place are you committed for a specified length of time?
I would speak to the lady who organises it all and express your concerns it might be you can start with this yard and then move on. As long as you are honest up front with all those involved I'm sure they'll be able to accommodate your needs and that way none of you will be left feeling let down.

 

[henryhorn]

I would look for somewhere a bit more challenging.
The wages are pretty much the norm for someone training, but by the sound of things you wouldn't learn a huge amount.
If you go into it half heartedly it won't benefit the yard or you.

 

[Boodle]

Thank you guys. You are definitely confirming what I thought I knew. I just so desperately want to learn, but at the same time, don't want to let anyone down/mess anyone around.

I will ring the lady who runs the scheme and tell her my thoughts and see what she has to say about it.

Thanks again

 

[hgolding]

If you don't mind me asking, what scheme is it you are doing?

 

[itsme123]

In the horse industry employers prefer experince and common sense over qualifications.

I've seen these schemes advertised and they're aimed more towards the person who has done the riding side at a riding school and now needs to learn some stable management.

Personally i would be looking to see if I could join as a junior at a competition yard or stud. Somewhere where you could learn a different side to the industry, and then in a couple of years time change and learn another side... Gain as much experience as you can, competition, showing, stud, racing, get good references and then the world will be your Oyster. Plus, you'll get paid more ! If you really want qualifications lots of centres run evening courses. TBH these training schemes where you get paid a little alongside your training really aren't worth much in employer's eyes.