Thu 3rd Sep 2015Groom apprenticeships scheme approved by the Government Polo groom employers will be able to take on apprentices from 2017
Prime Minister David Cameron has just announced the approval of the Equine Groom and Senior Equine Groom Apprenticeships' Standards. A cross-discipline group representing all facets of equestrianism has drawn up these new apprenticeships. The Steering Group is made up of about 50 individuals at the top of their discipline, wanting to produce complete and practical grooms, with excellent transferable skills and work ethos.
There is a growing demand for grooms in polo as immigration, visas and foreign work permits are becoming more complex, expensive and time-consuming. The average polo school or livery yard require all-year-round staff that have the specialist skill-set for the polo industry. The introduction of apprenticeships could be the perfect solution to the problem. David Morley, who heads up Polo Permits and the HPA Welfare Committee spoke to Polo Times, “This is a very exciting time for polo as we now have a recognised route for people to learn and have the skills required to move into the polo industry.” There is also the argument that, not only will apprentices learn more about polo whilst on-the-job, but also polo pony welfare standards will increase as employers are able to train their staff for the job in hand from day one.
Sue Martin, Chairman of the Equestrian Trailblazers, said to Polo Times, “These standards have been carefully formulated to fulfil the Government’s aim to produce world class apprentices.” Prior to submission to the Government for approval, these new standards were publicised via various press channels across the country and received an overall 93% approval from employers, confirming the need for change in preparing future professionals for the equestrian industry. This was also included in the May issue of Polo Times this year.
Nick Boles, the Minister for Skills, said to Polo Times, “Businesses are better placed than anyone to train the next generation of workers and will help us deliver 3 million high-quality apprenticeships by 2020.” This is the first time that the entire equestrian industry has come together to work as a team, highlighting the importance of this vital project. The second phase is due to start in early September when work on the Assessment plans for these apprenticeships will commence to facilitate the new programme. To read about the new standards through Equine Trailblazers click here. To read about the finer details of apprenticeships for equine grooms laid out by the Government click here. Photograph: Polo employers can now look forward to home-grown British grooms. By Lucy Wilson
 | | Other top stories
 Fri 19th Apr 2024
La Dolfina & Valiente Reach US Open Final
Cambiasos will do battle once again
 Wed 17th Apr 2024
Polo Times April Issue Out Now
This issue packed with insights, reports & features
 Mon 15th Apr 2024
US Open Polo Championship Semi Finalists
Last spot being decided today
 Thu 11th Apr 2024
Synergy Clothing Lift Thai Autumn Cup
Narrow 8-7 win in Final
 Wed 10th Apr 2024
Free Pony Changes During Extreme Heat
UK Rule Change
 Tue 9th Apr 2024
2024 English High Goal Teams
22 teams will take part in this season
 Mon 8th Apr 2024
US Open Polo Championship Update
Today’s action between Dutta Corp vs Valiente
 Wed 3rd Apr 2024
Milly Hine & Mia Cambiaso Reach 9 Goals in US
U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship winner & finalist recognised
 Tue 2nd Apr 2024
WPL Palm Beach Open Finalists
Travieso vs Casablanca on Sunday 7 April
 Mon 1st Apr 2024
US Open Polo Championship Sunday Results
Wins for La Dolfina & Dutta Corp
 Tue 26th Mar 2024
The U.S. Open Polo Championship Fixture & Teams
Tournament begins on Wednesday 27 March
 Mon 25th Mar 2024
The USPA Gold Cup Final
La Dolfina/ Tonkawa lift trophy in Cambiaso playoff
 Fri 22nd Mar 2024
The WPL Founders Cup
Debut Win for Park Place
 Thu 21st Mar 2024
2025 Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz Dates
 Wed 20th Mar 2024
HPA Polo Assistant Vacancy
|
Contact us 
