Do you love horses? With Racing Groom Apprenticeships you can get into careers in racing with little or no experience!
When you think of working in racing, you probably think of the jockeys who actually ride in the races. But there are so many people behind the scenes who help make those exciting race days happen.
One such role is that of the Racing Groom. Read on to learn about this job and how you can become one through an Apprenticeship.
What is a Racing Groom?
A successful racehorse is cared for by a whole team of people. As a Racing Groom, you’ll be an integral part of the team, likely working at a racehorse training yard. You might be responsible for just one horse or, more likely, for at least two or three.
A Racing Groom’s tasks include grooming and feeding horses, mucking out stables, saddling up, caring for horses after a race, and sometimes riding the horses to exercise them between races. You’ll also attend race days in the UK and possibly abroad, take care of horses on the day, and lead them to the paddock or winner’s enclosure.
What Skills and Interest Do You Need to become a Racing Groom?
You’ll need to love horses and be confident around them. A passion for racing helps, too!
You will need to be comfortable with working outdoors in all weathers, not mind getting your hands dirty, and have a good level of physical fitness.
You should also be flexible, a team player, and a good communicator.
What is an Apprenticeship?
An Apprenticeship is a type of formal training scheme where you learn a job by working under a more experienced professional and earn a wage while you study. It’s a great way to break into an industry and learn all the skills you need to do a job successfully.
Who is a Racing Groom Apprenticeship For?
If you’re under 19 and want to work at a licensed racehorse trainer’s yard, you will need to complete the Level 2 Apprenticeship in Racing. Anyone aged 16-25 can take an apprenticeship, and tuition is free as long as you’re a UK or EU citizen. You will have to pay a fee towards your initial residential course (see below for more information) for food and board, but bursaries are available to students from low income households.
You do not need to have previous experience of working with horses, though it’s an advantage if you do. If you have no prior experience, you’ll be trained in everything you need to know. There are course options available for both riding and non-riding learners.
You do not need to have any academic qualifications, though you will be expected to work towards your Functional Skills (English and Maths) if you don’t have these qualifications already. Some providers have other restrictions, such as weight limits, so check before you enrol.
How Does the Racing Groom Apprenticeship Work?
You’ll start with a residential Foundation Course, which can last anything from 4 to 14 weeks depending on your level of prior experience. At the end of this placement, you’ll have completed the Level 1 Diploma in Racehorse Care. You’ll study at one of two approved sites: the National Horseracing College in Doncaster, or the British Racing School in Cambridgeshire.
Once you’ve completed the Diploma, you’ll be placed at a racing yard to complete your apprenticeship. The whole process typically takes between 12 and 18 months. When you’ve finished your learning, you’ll take an End Point Assessment which will normally happen at one of the three racing schools we mentioned above.
If you pass this successfully, you’re a qualified Racing Groom and can work at a licensed yard anywhere in the UK.
How Much Will I Earn?
How much you’ll earn depends on your age and where you are in your studies.
When you’ve qualified, you can expect to earn £18,000 plus per year as a new Racing Groom. This will increase as you gain experience and you will earn extra pay for working overtime or traveling abroad for work. You may also get an allowance for clothes and equipment. You will get a bonus if a horse at your yard wins a race!
What is Career Progression Like?
Training as a Racing Groom is a great way into the racing industry. You could work your way up to become a Head Groom someday, overseeing a team at a training yard. You could also take additional qualifications to become a trainer or transition to an office-based job in the racing industry.
Where Can I Learn More?
The British Horseracing Authority is a Youth Friendly Employer, so research their opportunities to see what’s on offer.
A great way to learn more about Racing Groom Apprenticeships is to attend an open day. Check out a list of providers and their upcoming open days here. This will give you an opportunity to see the sites in action, learn more about the work, and ask any questions you may have.
If you love horses, love the outdoors, and want to be part of an exciting and dynamic workplace with plenty of opportunities to travel, the racing industry might be for you. Here’s to getting your new career off to a flying start!
