THE MODERN APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME

This Government scheme is intended to assist young people up to the age of 18 years to gain National Vocational Qualifications (N.V.Q.s) in Riding, Horse Care & Stable Management and this is a brief explanation of how the scheme operates.

The running of the scheme has recently been transferred from the Further Education Funding Council to the Learning & Skills Council, so it is not unlikely that there will be some changes as the new authority becomes more familiar with its operation. However, this is the current situation.

Trainees work a five day, 40 hour week, during which time they receive on average 2 to 3 hours instruction each day, both theoretical and practical, in riding, jumping, horse care and stable management. The rest of the time you will be expected to assist with the general day-to-day running of the yard and care of the horses and ponies of which there are about 26. It is this practical experience which will help you to gain your qualifications. It is not enough, for example, just to be able to make neat plaits - you have to be able to make them swiftly!

In addition to N.V.Q.s however, we strongly recommend that trainees take British Horse Society qualifications as these generally command greater respect in the British equine job market and are officially recognised in some 24 overseas countries. The training is the same, but trainees have to fund their exams themselves, details of which are given on the next page.

We expect our students to live in and we provide accommodation "in house". We all eat together, proprietors, staff, guests staying with us on riding holidays and trainees. There is a common-room with TV/video etc. where trainees can relax or study during their off-duty hours. The food is varied, plentiful and nicely cooked.

Trainees accepted under the current scheme are entitled to a weekly allowance of £55.- until they reach the age of 17 at which time it increases to £60. - There is an entitlement to 1.5 days paid holiday for each complete month after a probationary period of 3 months. Trainees are expected to contribute £3 per day towards their food and accommodation, Bed linen is provided and there is a washing machine and tumbler drier available for your use.

Potential pupils are expected to come for a 5 day trial. As we all live together as a large family, it is important that we all get on well together. We therefore like potential trainees to come and spend 5 days with us. without obligation on either side, to ensure that they fit in and will enjoy life here at Sunrising.

Once both parties are satisfied about the suitability of the other, a binding contract will then be signed by the trainee. This is necessary as the L. & S. C. funding for the training given by the School is only paid out when the trainee achieves their N.V.Q 2. Should the trainee lose interest and leave before achieving this qualification (as has happened!) the School receives no funding whatsoever.

To avoid such losses, the School will deduct the sum of £10.- per week for the first 40 weeks., i.e. up to a maximum of £400.- which will be saved on behalf of the trainee and presented to them when they obtain their N.V.Q.2. In the event of the trainee losing interest and leaving before gaining this qualification, the sum will be forfeited to compensate the School for the loss of funding from the L & S C.

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