The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) today launched an apprenticeship programme for young people entering the industry as kennel staff.
Today, to mark its launch, the new cohort of apprentices gathered at Nottingham Greyhound Stadium for their first sessions including a lecture from veterinary expert Dr. Polly Smith on greyhound anatomy. They were also joined by representatives from across the industry, as well as the canine stars of a new film featuring greyhound racing, Dusty & Me.
GBGB’s Animal Care and Welfare Assistant Apprenticeship will give the apprentices hands-on training in delivering world-class care to racing greyhounds, eventually providing a qualification in husbandry and greyhound welfare. Developed in partnership with a number of prominent animal organisations, including the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, it is the first of its kind launched under the government’s Trailblazer system.
Throughout the Apprenticeship (minimum of 12 months), the trainees will undertake off-the-job training and complete modules in animal care and welfare, biology, behaviour and handling. Added to this, they will also have the chance to attend guest lectures with specialists in the field, including an animal behaviorist from the Dogs Trust.
The launch of the apprenticeship comes six months after GBGB pledged to improve the professional development opportunities for young people entering the sport in its Greyhound Commitment. This eight-point agenda, which is backed by trainers, owners and promoters across the sport, sets out their expectations of how the sport should be run with greyhound welfare at its heart.
Trainer, Anna Thompson, said: “The new Apprenticeship programme is a big step forward, both for the sport and for the kennel hands involved. I’m delighted to have two brilliant kennel hands taking part in the scheme and I’m very much looking forward to watching them develop and build successful careers.”
Champion trainer Mark Wallis, whose son Daniel is on the first intake, said: “I think the apprenticeship scheme is a fantastic idea. Not only will the apprentices learn new skills to enhance their handling of greyhounds, but the qualification is valued and is transferable to other industries in animal care.”
Assistant trainer Teresa Cahill said: “It was a terrific day with the talk from Polly, who used to be at Towcester, being particularly informative. Anybody listening intently would have learned a lot. I think the apprenticeship scheme is a great idea and should bring some younger blood into the industry.”
Mark Bird, Managing Director of the GBGB, said: “As everyone involved in greyhound racing knows, behind every greyhound is a team of committed, caring and hardworking people. This scheme is an important signifier for the industry that we are serious about investing in the next generation of staff and specialists across our sport.
“Most importantly, this apprenticeship is centered on delivering the very best standards of care to the greyhounds at the heart of our sport and will ensure that those entering the industry have the knowledge and skills to uphold world-class welfare standards.”
Next year’s apprentices can begin signing up in Spring 2019. For more information about the apprenticeship and for details of how to apply, please contact GBGB HR Manager Zoë Brown on 0207 7822 0908.
