You are here:
The Qualification & Training
NVQ Level 2 in Racehorse Care Key Skills Technical Certificate = Foundation Apprenticeship
This is fully residential at The British Racing School in Newmarket and all your training, accommodation and food is provided FREE of charge.
It is a very practical course and you will spend most of your time actually working with horses.
Under the Rules of Racing, if you are aged between 16 and 18 years and want to work in a trainers yard you are required to undergo this training.
Typically you will spend 9 weeks at the School during which you will complete 70% of your Foundation Apprenticeship qualification in Racehorse Care. You will ride out at least twice every day and be responsible for looking after two horses.
The working environment aims to resemble that of a real racing yard and you are expected to work to a high standard during your stay. You will spend the first 3 weeks riding in the Indoor School, the second 3 weeks on the Round Canter and last 3 weeks on the 7 furlong straight gallop.
Daily lectures are either in our teaching stable, in the classroom or are practically based and cover all subjects within the NVQ 2 qualification. You will be assessed by observation and there are also some evening tutorial sessions to test your knowledge. Other evening activities include sessions to improve fitness, confidence and to help prepare you for working life. You will also do a basic First aid course and Key skills are at level 1 in Working With Others, Communication and Application of Numbers.
For a typical day at The British Racing School click here
We Guarantee you a job in Racing!
Near the end of the course you will be asked to complete a "Dream Sheet".
This gives the Chief Executive an indication as to the type of yard you wish to work in (ie. geographical location, Flat or National Hunt, large or small). He then attempts to meet your preferences when placing you in a guaranteed job at the end of the course.
What happens after the residential course finishes?
The remainder of your qualification will be completed and assessed at your new job.
This will be done by one of our team of roving assessors. They will visit you soon after you start to make sure you have settled in and then every two months until you have completed the qualification. This usually takes just under a year.
What is next for me when I complete the Foundation Apprenticeship?
Trainees can progress onto the Advanced Apprenticeship programme on completion of the Foundation Course, which includes NVQ 3 in Racehorse Care and Management, click here for more information.