Lewis Robertshaw-Smith and Ellie Dawson have won the Stubbing Court Training Ltd (SCT) ‘Apprentice of the Year’ and ‘Advanced Apprentice of the Year’ awards for 2020.
The final judging for SCT’s prestigious Apprenticeship awards was done by top international showjumper Matthew Sampson at Parklands EC, Sheffield, on 10 July. The awards were sponsored by Lycetts, who generously gave £150 to each of the winners, and both Lewis and Ellie also received a £50 voucher to be used at Thomas Irving Equestrian Superstore and 12 month subscription to Equestrian Life magazine.
Lewis, 17, is employed by showjumping superstars James and William Whitaker, who said: “Lewis goes above and beyond in everything he does.” Lewis recently groomed for William at British Equestrian’s World Class training session at Hickstead in July.
20-year-old Ellie works at Ann White’s Manor Farm Stables and Rehab in Rotherham. Ann said: “We’re super-proud of Ellie; she is a well-deserved winner and a key part of our team.”
Lycetts’ Anna Goodley said: “Lycetts are once again delighted to sponsor the SCT Apprentice of the Year Awards. With many difficulties and frustrations being faced due to the Covid-19 crisis, it is more important than ever to recognise the hard work and dedication shown by those working in the horse industry. At Lycetts we are proud to recognise the outstanding achievement required to win these awards, but this year we would also like to extend our acknowledgement to all young people who are in the process of completing their apprenticeships. Professionalism and dedication are at the heart of any successful yard, and horses need looking after 365 days a year. Well done to you all!”
Debbie Kay of Thomas Irving Superstore added: “Thomas Irving Equestrian Superstore is once again proud to support the Apprentice of the Year awards. We are delighted to help recognise the accomplishments of these young people and hope they continue to use their knowledge and professional skills gained to pursue a successful career within the equine industry.”
Matthew Sampson, who has been a great supporter of SCT’s Apprenticeship programme for many years, also gave the first in SCT’s acclaimed Masterclass Series since the global pandemic took hold in March. He taught small groups of SCT apprentices and their employers in Parklands EC’s large outdoor arena, and great efforts were gone to by SCT staff to ensure all government guidelines as regards social distancing and hygiene were adhered to.
Matthew said: “It was another great day working with the Stubbing Court Training Ltd team. It’s brilliant to see all the riders enjoying their day and improving. The SCT scheme is a wonderful opportunity for enthusiastic equestrians to further their careers, and I cannot recommend the SCT Apprenticeship programme more highly.”
Belinda Turner MBE, SCT’s Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted that we were able to hold this Masterclass, and also the final judging of the Apprentice of the Year and Enterprise Awards. The current pressures have not made it easy, but we consider it so important to be able to give our apprentices and employers access to first-class training from the very best in the business, so we were determined to do everything we could to enable the Masterclass to happen safely.”
East Midlands-based SCT is Britain’s leading equine training provider, and its team have worked exceptionally hard to help its apprentices and employers to keep abreast of changing government advice and guidance, and will continue to do so.
SCT’s equine apprenticeships allow young people to earn a wage and gain valuable qualifications while learning from excellent professionals, giving them the best possible start to working life. It provides all-round support and advice to both apprentices and employers and, through its superb network of contacts within the horse world, is perfectly suited to fit the right person to the right set-up. SCT provides superb training, wide-ranging opportunities for personal development and chances to develop employability and professionalism.
For more information on SCT’s Apprenticeships, visit www.stubbingcourttraining.com
