Imagine being on parade with thousands of people watching. Or riding a horse at a royal event. Join the Royal Artillery (RA) as a Ceremonial Gunner and things like this will be part of your life. In this role, you join the famous King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and become an expert rider. You perform on horseback and fire guns at state occasions. You can also get qualifications and skills as a carriage driver, saddler, farrier or tailor. With a great team around you plus Adventurous Training and sports, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
The Royal Artillery is the heart of the action - everywhere across the battlefield - providing the British Army with its eyes, ears and firepower. Using high-tech surveillance devices and uncrewed aircraft, the Royal Artillery finds the enemy. We then monitor them before striking decisively. We do this by co-ordinated use of our guns, rockets and missiles, the Army’s attack helicopters and other weapons, including fast jets and even the guns of Royal Navy ships. With the chance to ride at ceremonies and get out in the field, you'll have the best of worlds.
Troopers in the Household Cavalry are trained to drive and operate armoured vehicles, gathering information about the enemy and carrying out fast attacks. They also spend time in the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, taking part in famous public events on horseback. It's one of the most varied and famous roles in the Army.
The Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) provides the armour capability of the British Army. It combines speed, momentum, firepower and reconnaissance capabilities with armoured fighting vehicles, such as the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank and Jackal Fighting Vehicle. Apprentices will be entering a vocational industry, where they can expect to handle a variety of horses in different working environments. They must adhere to safe working practices, be prepared to work in all weather conditions and often in “out of hours” situations. They will be required to have dedication, commitment and the physical and mental toughness to cope with the rigours of the role. Living on site for part or all of the duration of the apprenticeship may be necessary.
The occupation requires competent individuals who are committed to the safety and welfare of the horses in their care. They will use their theoretical knowledge and understanding, practical experience and empathy to maintain the horses’ physical and psychological well-being within a safe working environment. This is a practical, “hands on” occupation where apprentices will work under supervision individually or as part of a diverse team. The Equine Groom is an integral part in the life of the horse, providing essential day-to-day care. They will be involved with feeding, grooming, cleaning equipment, handling, preparing, exercising the horses and carrying out routine yard duties.
The Equine Groom may also be required to assist with the preparation of, transport to and care for horses at competitions, the races, sales, shows and other public appearances. Dependent on which sector of the industry the Equine Groom has chosen, appropriate people skills will be essential.Training:Training for the role;Step 1 - Your initial military training teaches you how to be a soldier, covering everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle. If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do a 40-week military training course at Harrogate. If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the regular 14-week adult basic training.
Step 2 - You head to Bovington, Dorset for 20 weeks of specialist training, focusing on communications, fighting from vehicles and an introduction to the Ajax armoured fighting vehicle. You will complete your driving licence (if you don't already have it). You will then move to Windsor to begin your riding course to prepare you for all aspects of becoming a mounted ceremonial soldier on duty in London. After 18-24 months of ceremonial duty, you will be posted to the Household Cavalry Regiment, Bulford, to train on the AJAX armoured fighting vehicle and obtain your tracked vehicle licence.
Qualifications you could get after training;
Car Licence (Cat B + E).
Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship: Animal Care and Welfare Assistant.
HGV licence (Cat C + H) (after 18+ months).
Functional Skills Levels 1 & 2 in Maths and English.
As your career progresses you could also earn;
Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship: Farrier
Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship: Senior Equine Groom
Training Outcome:The apprenticeship is a gateway to a full-time career in the British Army. Promotion, along with increased salary and responsibility is dependent on successful completion of the apprenticeship and then on merit by competitive selection. As you advance through the ranks, you will have the increased opportunity to lead and direct people, managing resources and workforce within your area of work to deliver the required outputs whilst maintaining and instilling the highest values and standards expected of the British Army. You belong here.Employer Description:Protecting the nation and its dependent territories will always be the British Army's first role. Highly trained soldiers are ready to deploy anywhere at any time to meet a variety of challenges, ranging from support to the Police following a terrorist attack, to specialist capabilities such as bomb disposal and intelligence experts, 24 hours a day 365 days a year, we are always ready to serve. You belong here.Working Hours :Shift and working patterns may vary. Working locations will vary nationally depending on the apprenticeship and working requirements. Days and times to be confirmed.Skills: Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Presentation skills,Analytical skills,Logical,Team working,Initiative,Physical fitness....Read more...
