Residential Foundation Course
Level 1 Diploma in Work-Based Racehorse Care
The Foundation Course is the perfect entry point for individuals wishing to pursue a hands-on career in the British horseracing industry. Whether they have a wealth of experience riding and caring for horses or are complete beginners, the Foundation Course puts them firmly on track for a successful and lifelong career in the horseracing industry.
The Foundation Course is divided into two parts, with the initial training taking place at the National Horseracing College in Doncaster, followed by a further six weeks of training undertaken as a work placement in a racehorse trainer’s yard in England. During the work placement, participants further develop the skills and competencies required by a racehorse trainer in a member of their racing staff team.
The Course:
- Residential training programme
- *12 weeks or *16 weeks at the National Horseracing College, followed by a six-week work placement
- Upon successful completion of the work placement, which follows immediately upon completion of the initial residential training, it is anticipated the racehorse trainer will offer the learner a permanent, full-time, paid position as a racing groom. At this point, the opportunity to commence a Level 2 Apprenticeship Equine Groom (Racing) will present
- Foundation Courses start every 4 weeks
- Riding and non-riding pathways are available
- Designed to ensure learners are competent both on the ground working with horses and also whilst riding a thoroughbred horse at exercise
- Learners will receive lectures and demonstrations and will work to a routine similar to a racing stable whilst at the NHC
- The Foundation Course aims to prepare learners for work in a racing stable
* The Foundation Course is a 12-week residential programme for learners who have achieved a grade 4 or above in their maths and English GCSEs or a Level 2 Functional Skills qualification. For learners who have not achieved a grade 4 in their maths and English GCSEs or a Level 2 Functional Skills qualification and who have not yet reached their 19th birthday, the Foundation Course is a 16-week residential programme. The additional four weeks will largely be spent working towards achieving a Level 2 Functional Skills qualification. Functional Skills are a mandatory component of the Foundation Course and a UK Apprenticeship qualification. For learners aged 19 and above, the Foundation Course is a 12-week residential programme. The option to stay for a further four-weeks will present if the learner wishes to study for and achieve Level 2 Functional Skills in maths and English.
Who The Course is For:
We are determinedly inclusive and welcome applicants to apply if they meet the criteria below:
- Age 16+ (applications can be submitted before the applicant’s 16th birthday
- No academic qualifications required, however, if applicants do not hold a GCSE grade 4 or above in Maths and English, they will be required to take these subjects as functional skills
- No equine experience required
- No height restrictions
- Under 11 stone (70kg), ready to ride (i.e. wearing a skullcap, body protector and boots) if the applicant is an inexperienced rider
- Under 12 stone (77kg), ready to ride (i.e. wearing a skullcap, body protector and boots) if the applicant is an experienced rider. Applicants who consider themselves to be an experienced rider will be required to provide video evidence of their riding and to undergo a riding assessment
- There are no weight restrictions for applicants who opt to follow the non-rider pathway
- To read our Rider Weight Pathways Policy, please click here
Cost:
- Tuition for UK residents is free, including Irish residents
- A contribution of £500 towards the £1200 cost of the accommodation and meals is payable
- A £100 first instalment is required following an interview and to secure a place. The remainder of the course fee can be paid in agreed instalments prior to the course commencing
- There is currently a bursary available to cover a percentage of this cost if the person comes from a household with an income of less than £26,000. Please call Aimee Collins on 01302 861000 to seek advice or support regarding bursary eligibility
- To view our full policy on Bursary please click here Bursary Policy
Qualifications You Will Gain:
- As well as achieving your Level 1 Diploma in Work-Based Racehorse Care you will also gain the following skills and qualifications:
- Emergency First Aid Certificate
- Level 3 Award in the Principles of Transporting Horses by Road
- Introduction to Horseracing Industry Level 1 Award
- Life skills, including cooking, nutrition, fitness, looking after your money, CV writing and much more
- Functional Skills in Maths and English if you do not already have a level 4 or above in these subjects at GCSE
In addition, learners improve their self-esteem, independence, self-confidence and resilience.
What Happens After the Course?
Upon successful completion of the work placement, it is anticipated that the racehorse trainer will offer the learner a permanent, full-time, paid position as a racing groom. At this stage, the opportunity to enrol on a Level 2 Apprenticeship Equine Groom (Racing) may present. The Level 2 Apprenticeship is completed at the learners place of work, with regular visits from a dedicated Roving Tutor. The Level 2 Apprenticeship typically takes between 12 and 18 months to complete.
Upon completion of the Level 2 Apprenticeship, the learner may enrol onto the Level 3 Apprenticeship Senior Equine Groom (Racing). This apprenticeship is also completed at the learners place of work with the ongoing support of a dedicated Roving Tutor. The Level 3 Apprenticeship takes approximately 18 to 24 months to complete.
Subsidised accommodation is typically provided as part of the employment package within the horseracing industry.
Short Course Options
Need to comply with the British Horseracing Authority ruling? All staff aged 19 and under who work in a racing yard must be working towards their Level 2 Equine Groom Apprenticeship Standard.
Industry Fast Track Course
For those aged 16-to-18 years old already riding out for a trainer, the National Horseracing College offers short-course training tailored to individual needs. Attendees will gain a Level 1 Diploma in Work-Based Racehorse Care and will start working towards a Level 2 Equine Groom Apprenticeship Standard. Candidates must be recommended by a trainer.
Exemption Course
For those aged 19 and under working in racing, the employer can apply for an exemption from the Level 1 Diploma (Foundation Course) for a candidate they believe to be working at or above this level. Our Roving Tutors will assess the candidate in the workplace with a view to them enrolling on the Level 2 Equine Groom Apprenticeship Standard. Or, if gaps in mandatory qualifications are identified, the National Horseracing College may offer a free one-week residential course.
