INFORMATION FOR
EMPLOYERS
We transform the lives of the young people who come to our college. We’d love it if your business could be part of that transformation. Almost a quarter (22%) of students who complete our horsemastership course go into employment—17.2% more than the 2022 - 2023 national average of 4.8%*. We want that number to rise – and with your support, we can achieve that.
YOUR BUSINESS CAN HELP
There are more than 850k adults of working age in the UK with a learning disability1. Around one in seven people in the UK are neurodivergent2. Could your business be the next company offering great opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)?
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One study found that workers with a learning disability are 3.5 times more likely to stay in a job than non-disabled co-workers3
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Research has also shown that employees with learning disabilities take fewer sick days on average4
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Companies with inclusive workforces are 35% more productive5
DEDICATED AND MOTIVATED EMPLOYEES
Our students want to find meaningful work. They are creative, engaging and loyal young people, who are dedicated to the jobs and volunteering opportunities they do.
Over our three-year course, many students achieve accredited qualifications in maths, English, ICT and other vocational subjects.
The course also teaches transferable skills that they can take with them into paid or voluntary work, including:
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English
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Maths
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Communication
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Teamwork and team support
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Social interactions
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Travel
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Memory
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Concentration
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Timing
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Financial management
Students learn in a horse-based environment. They are highly motivated by horses – being around them, interacting with them and working with them. Many of our students want to pursue an equine-focused career after graduating.
If you run a horse-based business, whether you own a yard, stables, grooming company or farriery firm etc., our students are ideally placed to join your team. You’ll gain a compassionate employee who is devoted to supporting your company and customers’ horses.
To help them achieve their career aspirations, students often achieve accredited equine qualifications and awards, including:
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BHS Challenge Awards
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BHS Groom Pathway Stage 1
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BHSQ Level 1 Diploma in Work Based Horse Care
While many of our students enter horse-based employment, some continue to work with animals in other capacities, from dog grooming to working on farms. Others may choose to work in a variety of occupations, such as for local hospitality and catering businesses, or volunteer with charity shops and local non-profit organisations.
HORSE-MOTIVATED WORKERS
REWARDING WORK EXPERIENCE
As part of their course, students have several work experience opportunities, both within the college and externally with businesses and charities in the New Forest area. They are exposed to different working environments to gain experience and boost their confidence.
Work experience placements students undergo include:
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Equestrian businesses (e.g. yards, stables, grooming)
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Cafes
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Dog grooming businesses
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Care homes
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Charity shops
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Therapy farms
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Catering
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Maintenance
If you’re a business owner or charity in the New Forest area and you’d like to offer work experience opportunities for Fortune College students, please get in touch.