Haddon Training Dog Groomer Apprenticeships

Haddon Training is an award-winning training provider offering high-quality, tailored apprenticeships throughout England and Wales. For more than twenty-five years they have supported people within the animal care sector to develop and hone their skills through workbased learning.

Within dog grooming, the Haddon Training team is led by animal care curriculum specialist Kirsten Clements, and her team of Trainer Coaches, offering their expertise and knowledge to support their learners.

In 2020, Haddon Training was privileged to work alongside the Apprenticeship Institute to develop the long-awaited dog groomer apprenticeship standard. The apprenticeship was in huge demand within the sector, with the aim to provide stylists, assistant dog groomers, dog groomers, technicians and assistant stylists with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to become a fully qualified and competent dog groomer.

The apprenticeship launched in September 2021 and delivers training on bathing, drying, and styling for a range of breeds to meet industry requirements. It also teaches learners to develop their understanding of legislation and regulations, canine health including basic canine first aid and the importance of customer service.

To ensure that their knowledge and skills are embedded into their daily work, learners are required to successfully complete an end-point assessment (EPA) at the end of their apprenticeship. The EPA includes a practical examination to showcase the learner’s technical ability by grooming a dog under the four coat types (wool, wool-mix, wire, and silk). Haddon Training’s close support and thorough preparation for EPA has resulted in a one hundred percent achievement rate for their learners.

Millie and Maddison from Bella Jo Jo’s Dog Grooming Salon are two learners who have recently completed their apprenticeship with Haddon Training.

Millie said: “I chose an apprenticeship because I wanted to earn a wage while gaining a qualification. I’ve always loved dogs! I’ve learnt so much, from covering the range of coat types you work with in grooming to the different styles and anatomy.”

Maddison adds, “I made the decision to do an apprenticeship because I learn best in a practical environment. I knew I wanted to work with animals and found an apprenticeship in grooming. It’s the best decision I ever made and Kirsten and the team at Haddon Training have been very helpful in supporting me to achieve this. I have learnt a lot through my apprenticeship which has advanced my knowledge and skills”.

The Level 2 Dog Groomer Apprenticeship is highly beneficial to the industry because it allows new groomers to learn their trade whilst working closely with experienced, qualified groomers in a professional salon environment.

It creates a whole new generation of passionate and knowledgeable dog groomers who can share their knowledge with others who also want to learn.

Employers supported by Haddon Training also recognise the importance of having a qualified member of staff with an accredited qualification.

Heather from Spruce Dog Grooming said: “We’ve had multiple apprentices in the business now and have found them invaluable for several reasons. Firstly, they are an affordable way to grow your capacity and ultimately your business. Secondly, it is really rewarding to watch the apprentices, learn and grow, and see how far they have come by the time they qualify. Thirdly, it’s really good experience for other members of the team to coach, mentor, and support apprentices. And last, but not least apprentices bring a new angle on things, often a fresh perspective and challenging questions are just what a business needs, and no one has a monopoly on good ideas! Being supported by a professional organisation like Haddon Training takes any of the worries of administration away from us too.”

We are here to help people get the most out of further education. Our tailored courses are a fantastic way to learn practical skills and develop the knowledge needed to succeed in animal care and dog grooming, with specialist coaching in the workplace delivered by our team of experts.

Tim from Tip Top Dog Grooming whose learner has just achieved her apprenticeship with a distinction adds, “We have worked with Haddon Training over the past few years to help our new employees who wish to gain a formal qualification whilst training and working full time on the job. Working with us and Haddon Training enables the apprentice to have both practical and theoretical structure in their training. The course considers much more than just the practical aspects of grooming dogs, resulting in a more rounded and successful groomer. Some of our apprentices have gone on to run their own very successful dog grooming businesses and we are very proud to have been a part of their development. Haddon Training works openly with the employer and apprentice with clear communication, feedback and updates making the whole process smooth and engaging.”

Meet the team

Haddon Training’s team of Trainer Coaches have an abundance of collective experience within their specialist industries. They use these skills to support employers and learners throughout their apprenticeship journey, ensuring the best outcome possible. Alongside this, they also support learners to gain independence and self-confidence.

Kirsten Clements

For more than fifteen years, Kirsten has been working within the animal care industry. Beginning in veterinary care before qualifying as a professional dog groomer in 2014, Kirsten was pivotal in developing the current dog groomer apprenticeship standard with the IFA.

Kirsten says, “I am so proud to be a part of the animal care team at Haddon Training. The collective knowledge and experience of dog grooming that we hold enables us to have a clear understanding of the support that apprentices need to thrive in their roles. All the team are qualified to an advanced level of grooming and are trained to deliver the skills required to the highest standard.”

With a wealth of experience, including Salon Management, Katie has been in the dog grooming industry for over eight years. Katie says, “I really want to share my knowledge with people pursuing dog grooming as a career. I have so much enthusiasm for the training we provide and working with a range of salons across the South of England enables me to showcase the many benefits of apprentices. Apprenticeships give an employer the chance to share their passion of dog grooming and have someone to help build their business to become stronger and more successful than ever.”

Alissa Dale

With over seven years’ experience in the dog grooming industry, Alissa covers dog grooming in North England. Alissa says, “I have valuable experience grooming a wide variety of dogs, from every day pet trims to show cuts.

I’ve always loved working with animals, which influenced my decision to become a Trainer Coach. Teaching new groomers entering the industry and watching their talent grow is really rewarding.”

If you are interested in the Dog Groomer Apprenticeship and how Haddon Training can help, please get in touch with Kirsten and the team.