As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we spoke with one of our fabulous animal care Trainer-Coaches, Claire Slaughter, based in our Welsh division. Here, we find out more about her role at Haddon Training and her experience of apprenticeships.

“I have worked as a Trainer-Coach at Haddon Training for almost three years now. I have worked in the animal care and education sectors throughout my career, and it is a delight to now be working for a specialist animal care and equine training provider, because we are all animal mad! I feel lucky to be working as part of an amazing team at Haddon Training. I am based in our Welsh division and we are supported not only by the wider Haddon Training team, but also by each other.

I started my career as a veterinary nurse before moving into teaching. I completed a degree, post graduate certificate and teaching qualification all whilst working as a lecturer of veterinary nursing and animal care, so I know the many benefits of working alongside completing your qualifications! Using the new knowledge and skills I had gained, I decided to take on the role of a Trainer-Coach because I believe apprenticeships are a fantastic way to begin and progress your career in this popular industry.

We know that our work with employers is fundamental to the success of our apprentices. Employers need to help, support and guide their apprentice to develop their job specific skills and knowledge everyday they are at work. We work with all our employers to make sure they understand the requirements and responsibilities of taking on an apprentice. This is why our apprentices gain such high standards of practical job specific skills and knowledge making them an asset to their business and very employable.

One of the best parts of my job is watching our learners develop and grow. I enjoy seeing learners improve enormously in confidence, and watching the satisfaction they get from achieving their qualification in an industry they love. It is also amazing to see our apprentices that achieve their maths and English with us, having been unable to achieve the grades at school. This is such a massive success for them and something that often they didn’t believe they could do. Some leaners even gain enough confidence to start a new service or provision in their animal care business after completing an apprenticeship.

Observing what our learners go on to do after their apprenticeship is also a brilliant part of my job. We have learners that go on to work in kennels and catteries, day care centres, veterinary centres, rescue centres, animal sanctuaries, dog groomers, pet retail, animal trainers, farm parks and zoos! For those that complete our level three advanced apprenticeships they are also more equipped to move into a more senior role or specialise into a specific area with in their organisation. It’s rewarding to watch our learners at dog grooming salons too, who progress from a bathing, drying and styling preparation role, into a styling role and start to create their own grooming masterpieces!

I would like to add that I feel especially proud of all our learners who have been working hard on their apprenticeships during the pandemic. During lockdown, we have carried on learning and assessing using remote technologies and we are delighted to say this has meant that we can keep in touch more than ever! We know it has taken perseverance and motivation to keep progressing in this climate, but the rewards of achieving your qualifications and furthering your career in this incredible industry will make it so worthwhile!”

Our thanks go to Claire for sharing her perspective of apprenticeships and experiences in the animal care industry.

If you would like to find out more about apprenticeships or how to start your career simply contact our friendly team today.