Committing to good employment practices is a necessity for all employers; it ensures they are meeting the necessary legal requirements whilst protecting both themselves and their employees. We work in partnership with the Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) to raise awareness of employment rights. We are also privileged to work alongside some of the best employers in the industry, that are as passionate about good employment as we are.


“We have enjoyed having a number of apprentices through Haddon Training over the years. We ensure we fulfil all government requirements regarding contracts, pay, time off and holidays with particular attention to each apprentices mental wellbeing.”

– President of British Eventing and Owner of West Kington Stud, Jane Holderness-Roddam –


Our guide to good apprentice employment details six key employment requirements that must be complied with;

Duration

A contract of employment must last for at least the duration of the learner’s apprenticeship, including End Point Assessment and achievement.

Days

Apprentices aged 16-18 are required to have at least two consecutive days off every week. 18+ must have at least one day off per week or two days off per fortnight.

Hours

It is a legal requirement for apprentices aged 16-18 to be employed for a maximum of 40 hours per week. This increases to a maximum of 48 hours per week for 18+ apprentices.

Time off

Apprentices will receive a minimum of 20 days paid holiday a year, plus bank holidays. Your contract must include details of annual leave, sick pay, maternity/paternity and other statutory requirements too.

Rate of pay

Apprentices must be paid at least the government minimum wage for apprentices. If they are 19 years or older and have completed the first year of their apprenticeship, the learner must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage for their age group. All salary payments must also go through the PAYE system.

Pay date

Apprentices must have a contract of employment that states how and when they will be paid, and they must receive payslips.


“Good employment is about ensuring that all parties are aware of their legal rights and responsibilities.  Both employer and employee have legalities they need to be aware of such as health and safety, so as an employer we ensure that we have policies in place but also that our employees are aware of these and are following them. All staff should have a contract of employment- it is our obligation as an employer to provide this whether they are apprentices or already fully qualified, but also that they understand what their responsibilities are and that those standards are met. Good employment is about both sides working together.”

– Kim Murray, MS Team Eventing –


If you’re an equine employer and want more information about the requirements for your business we offer an exclusive discounted rate for EEA membership for all employers working with us.  Alternatively, you can contact the EEA directly to find out more about their services and how they can support you.

If you’re a learner and aren’t sure of anything, please get in touch with us or your Trainer-Coach so that we can help.

Special thanks to West Kington Stud & Pauline Henson, Eventing Images/Tim Wilkinson and Caron Roberts Equestrian for the use of these images.