Apprenticeship Success for Chloe at Eland Lodge
Chloe Taylor, 18, has recently successfully achieved her Level 2 Equine Groom (Non-Riding) qualification with us at Eland Lodge, in partnership with Haddon Training.
If you’re thinking about a career in the equestrian industry, an apprenticeship is a great place to start! An apprenticeship is a fantastic option both for school leavers or people who want to retrain and pursue a practical career with horses.
John Coupland, Managing Director, talks about why Eland Lodge choose to work with Apprentices: “An Apprenticeship is an excellent way for a young person to enter our industry. Structured training both on and off the job provide a framework that supports the practical experience gained working alongside our extremely knowledgeable team. For the right candidate with enthusiasm, commitment and a desire to progress in the Equine world it’s the perfect way in.
We have all been very happy to watch Chloe develop through the program, learning a host of new skills and growing in confidence as the apprenticeship advanced. Chloe has become a valued member of the team here at Eland, we are proud of all of her hard work and of what she has achieved in becoming qualified.”
We caught up with Chloe to find out what motivated her to undertake an apprenticeship, and what she has gained from it.
Why did you want to undertake an Equine Apprenticeship?
“I have been around horses since I was 3, and spent my weekends helping out and working at local riding schools. Working with horses is what makes me happy and I knew that it was the area I wanted to go into for my career. I feel confident when I’m with the horses, and they’re great for relieving anxiety and stress. I also love that this career path helps me to stay active and keep me fit.
I chose to do an Apprenticeship instead of College or School as I just can’t sit still. I’m an active person, and I would rather do it myself and learn than just be told what to do. An apprenticeship is also great for my career progression as I’ve been able to gain lots of work experience, and as a bonus I’ve been earning at the same time as learning.”
What skills did you gain and what have you enjoyed about your apprenticeship?
“Through my qualification I feel like I’ve gained a strong in-depth knowledge of horses. From working on a full livery yard I also have a greater understanding of different relationships with horses and different ways horse care can be managed.
I love the fact that I can now do everything on the yard confidently and independently. I’ve been able to take the skills I’ve learnt during my apprenticeship and apply them to caring for my own horses. It’s really nice to be able to share my knowledge when someone on the yard asks a question or is having problems with their horse.
Through my apprenticeship I feel like I have grown as a person, I have much more confidence and I am more outgoing. I’ve really enjoyed being part of the staff team and I’ve made some great friends.
I’ve really enjoyed working with Haddon Training. The trainers are nice, especially my Assessor Cat. Most of my apprenticeship has taken place through the Coronavirus pandemic, and Cat made sure she checked in to see if I was ok and that I understood the tasks, and always had positive things to say.”
How would you like to progress your career?
“For now I’m continuing to work at Eland Lodge as a full time member of staff. I’ve been here two years now and really enjoy my job, I like the team and love gaining experience with the horses.
In the longer term I am aiming to work through my BHS qualifications and eventually become a livery yard manager, I have a particular interest in stud work and gaining knowledge of this area of equestrianism.”