Dog Grooming Apprentice
The Hound Hut
Derby (2 available locations)
Closes in 30 days (Thursday 30 April 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 31 March 2026
Contents
Summary
Start your dog grooming career with hands-on training in a busy, friendly salon. Based in Mickleover, this apprenticeship offers full support, real experience with all breeds, and training delivered in partnership with Derby College. Perfect for animal lovers ready to learn and grow in the industry.
- Wage
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£12,480 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
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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
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Friday 1 May 2026
- Duration
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1 year
- Positions available
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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
You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship is available in these locations:
- 11 The Square, Mickleover, Derby, DE3 0DD
- 11 Park Farm Centre, Park Farm Drive, Allestree, Derby, DE22 2QN
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
DCG
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
Training schedule
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 one day a week training at Derby College, Broomfield Hall during term time.
Requirements
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted 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 employer
The Hound Hut is a busy, independent dog grooming salon with three locations in Mickleover, 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.
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
mickleover@houndhut.co.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000024243.
Apply now
Closes in 30 days (Thursday 30 April 2026 at 11:59pm)