Dog Grooming Apprentice

Summary

Start your dog grooming career with hands-on training in a busy, friendly salon. Based in Wirksworth, this apprenticeship offers full support, real experience with all breeds, and training delivered in partnership with KEITS. Perfect for animal lovers ready to learn and grow in the industry.

Wage

£11,778 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Wage will increase in line with national minimum wage as the apprentice progresses and based on performance reviews.

Training course

Dog groomer (level 2)

Hours

Shifts vary weekly and may include up to 6 days, including Saturdays. Typical hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm, with a minimum of 30 hours per week including training. Flexibility is essential; occasional cover at our Allestree salon may be required.

30 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

1 year

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Here’s a list of day-to-day tasks the apprentice will carry out:

Prepare dogs for grooming by brushing, detangling, and checking coats
Bathe, dry, and assist with drying and prepping dogs for styling
Support senior groomers with handling and calming dogs of all sizes and temperaments
Clean and maintain grooming equipment and salon hygiene standards
Welcome customers, take payments, and assist with reception/shop duties

Where you'll work

14A MARKET PLACE
WIRKSWORTH
MATLOCK
DE4 4ET

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

KEITS TRAINING SERVICES LTD

Your training course

Dog groomer (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

Develop a dog grooming plan to meet the individual requirements of the dog and owner
Carry out a dog grooming plan to meet the individual requirements of the dog and modify as required throughout the groom
Identify normal signs of good and bad health including poor skin condition and external parasites
Identify when to report abnormal signs of health and advise the customer when abnormal health may require veterinary attention
Recognise and adapt to behavioural change indicators and signs of relaxation, fear, aggression and stress in dogs
Handle and move dogs, adapting own behaviour to meet the needs of the dog
Identify and use relevant dog restraint equipment to move and handle the dog according to temperament, age, breed, and size, and in line with manual handling and lifting procedures
Bathe a dog using procedures which account for breed, coat type and anatomical features, including selecting, preparing and using products according to coat type
Store grooming and bathing products, including medicated shampoo, in accordance with COSHH regulations
Dry a dog selecting and using equipment, methods and products which account for coat type, breed, and anatomical features
Handle the dog and use nail clippers and/or scissors to trim dog’s nails.
Select, handle, and use coat trimming equipment
Identify factors that require the groom to be terminated early, such as illness, zoonotic infections, behaviour, stress
Identify and escalate health and safety, and animal welfare concerns
Maintain dog records
Communicate with colleagues, customers, and stakeholders and use terminology suitable to audience
Clean, maintain, store and sterilise products and equipment
Clean and disinfect the work area and dispose of waste in accordance with COSHH regulations
Develop a dog grooming plan to meet the individual requirements of the dog and owner
Carry out a dog grooming plan to meet the individual requirements of the dog and modify as required throughout the groom
Identify normal signs of good and bad health including poor skin condition and external parasites
Identify when to report abnormal signs of health and advise the customer when abnormal health may require veterinary attention
Recognise and adapt to behavioural change indicators and signs of relaxation, fear, aggression and stress in dogs
Handle and move dogs, adapting own behaviour to meet the needs of the dog
Identify and use relevant dog restraint equipment to move and handle the dog according to temperament, age, breed, and size, and in line with manual handling and lifting procedures
Bathe a dog using procedures which account for breed, coat type and anatomical features, including selecting, preparing and using products according to coat type
Store grooming and bathing products, including medicated shampoo, in accordance with COSHH regulations
Dry a dog selecting and using equipment, methods and products which account for coat type, breed, and anatomical features
Handle the dog and use nail clippers and/or scissors to trim dog’s nails.
Select, handle, and use coat trimming equipment
Identify factors that require the groom to be terminated early, such as illness, zoonotic infections, behaviour, stress
Identify and escalate health and safety, and animal welfare concerns
Maintain dog records
Communicate with colleagues, customers, and stakeholders and use terminology suitable to audience
Clean, maintain, store and sterilise products and equipment
Clean and disinfect the work area and dispose of waste in accordance with COSHH regulations

Your training plan

The apprentice will receive full training on-site at The Hound Hut, gaining hands-on experience in a busy salon environment. In addition, they will complete remote learning sessions with KEITS, supported by a dedicated training provider. A KEITS assessor will conduct regular visits to the salon to monitor progress and provide one-to-one guidance. There is no need to travel to college, making this a flexible and practical route into the dog grooming industry.

More training information

raining is delivered by KEITS Training Services, a specialist apprenticeship provider in animal care and grooming. The apprenticeship follows a structured programme combining practical salon experience with online coursework and regular visits from a KEITS assessor. Progress reviews and skills assessments will take place throughout the apprenticeship to ensure the apprentice is developing the necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviours for a successful grooming career.

Requirements

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Attention to detail
Customer care skills
Team working
Initiative
Animal Care

Other requirements

Dog grooming can be physically demanding and involves standing for long periods, lifting dogs, and handling animals of various sizes and temperaments. Applicants should be comfortable getting wet and messy, and confident working in a busy, fast-paced salon environment.

About this company

The Hound Hut is a busy, independent dog grooming salon with two locations in Wirksworth and Allestree, Derbyshire. Established in 2021, we’ve quickly become known for our high standards of grooming, gentle handling, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for both pets and their owners. Our team is passionate about animal welfare and creating a positive grooming experience for every dog, from nervous rescues to show breeds. Alongside our grooming services, we also offer a retail area with carefully selected pet care products. As we grow, we’re committed to developing future talent through quality apprenticeships and hands-on training.

http://www.houndhut.co.uk (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, there may be an opportunity to progress into a full-time junior dog groomer role at The Hound Hut. Further training and development can lead to becoming a qualified stylist, with the potential to specialise in breed-specific grooming or take on more responsibility within the salon.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

The Hound Hut

Drew Pritchard

hello@houndhut.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000325460.

Apply now

Closes on Sunday 31 August 2025

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

Cookies on Find an apprenticeship

Contents