At Haddon Training, we ensure that our staff understand the needs of our employers and that they have real experience in their chosen industry. Here our Equine Lead Developer, Laura Rolph explains her experience in the equine sector, and why Haddon Training is a leader in the provision of equine traineeships and apprenticeships.
“I’ve always been involved with horses. I got my first pony at the age of eight and continued riding into my teens, competing in mainly Showjumping and mounted games. I had a short break from owning horses whilst attending University, but I still found opportunities to ride. Then, after a while, I found myself as a horse owner yet again! Years later and I’m now currently the owner of an ex-racehorse who appears to prefer dressage to showjumping, so we’ve embraced that and I will leave the jumping for my next horse!
Professionally I have worked in a variety of teaching and education roles, including as the Training and Coaching Co-Ordinator for British Showjumping. It was whilst in this role that I realised how much I enjoyed seeing people develop and learn, whether that be through coaching or whilst on training programmes. Haddon Training’s philosophy fits perfectly with my own: teaching and developing the next generation, whilst also combining a true passion for horses.
Having taught in educational settings for many years, I know whilst some qualifications try to emulate working industries and developing the skills students potentially need in working life, they rarely ever do. In reality, all too often, students have a qualification but no actual transferable skills that would see them fit into the industry they wish to progress into.
In my experience, apprenticeships weren’t discussed in schools and colleges as a viable alternative for students to progress on to. That was until I moved to work in coaching and training at British Showjumping. There I caught a glimpse of Haddon Training’s Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) programme. AASE not only gives students a qualification but it actually equips them with real experience learning on the job and developing lifelong skills needed in the industry. It made me realise that more young people needed to be aware of these opportunities.
This role allows me to promote the message of apprenticeship training to a wider audience and shout about the amazing learners and employers we support and their fabulous achievements. Being able to work with employers who are so keen to support learners, young or old, in developing their skills to enable them to start or progress in their career with horses is amazing. I understand the difficulties and challenges that come with working with horses, as well as with training and educating someone, so I can offer support and guidance to new and existing employers, with the knowledge and understanding to be fully competent and confident in my work.
I think Haddon Training being focused as a traineeship and apprenticeship provider and specialising in a tailored number of specialist programmes for the equine industry, enables us to ensure we are delivering the best outcomes and service for all involved rather than spreading ourselves too thinly, like so many other training providers out there.
All of our equine Trainer-Coaches have experience in the industry and many are still active as breeders, instructors, and competitors. This means we truly understand our employers, and what it means to work in the equine environment. It’s all very well having knowledge of education and training but if it’s not combined and supported by real industry knowledge, then you’re not getting the best service you can.
I am really looking forward to getting out once the restrictions lift, visiting our employers and meeting new faces! Please do get in touch if you are considering taking on a trainee or apprentice, or would just like to find out more about what we can offer”.
If you would like to find out more about apprenticeships or how to start your career simply contact our friendly team today.