The first equine apprentices have been enrolled at South Staffordshire College.
The eight students are taking their Level 2 horse care and riding apprenticeships at the College’s equestrian centre on its Rodbaston campus.
The students will spend one day a week at the College and the rest of the working week on placements.
After completing their Level 2 apprenticeship, students can progress onto their Level 3 apprenticeship in equine or take an extended diploma in horse management.
“The college side is great, and I am finding I can apply what I have learned at work,” said new student Emily Hunt.
John Renshaw, apprenticeship manager at South Staffordshire College said: “This is a great opportunity and has been met by local employers with enthusiasm as a local college helping to meet their business needs.”
The apprentices on the course also help with the centre’s busy events programme which includes dressage, showjumping and BHS Stage 1 training and exams.
South Staffordshire College is currently upgrading facilities with a new indoor arena surface and showjumps.
The College has a 60m x 30m indoor arena flanked by a 60m x 20m covered outdoor arena and a 40m x 20m uncovered outdoor arena.
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