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The Qualification & Training
Level 2 Diploma in Work Based Racehorse Care (formerly NVQ Level 2 in Racehorse Care) + Functional 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 ride out at least twice every day and be responsible for looking after two horses. In addition you will learn other practical skills required to look after racehorses as well as essential under pinning therotical knowledge.
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 Level 2 (formerly NVQ 2) qualification. You will be assessed on your competence and readiness for the workplace 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 independent living. You will also do a basic First aid course and Functional Skills are at level 1.
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?
Your Apprenticeship 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 will take 18 months, although in exceptional circumstances it may be completed in less time (but not less than 12 months).
What is next for me when I complete the Intermediate Apprenticeship?
Trainees can progress onto the Advanced Apprenticeship programme on completion of the Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, which includes Level 3 Diploma in Work Based Racehorse Care and Management (formerly NVQ 3 in Racehorse Care and Management), click here for more information.
