Dog grooming apprentice

HAIR OF THE DOGS DOG GROOMING SALON LTD

TEMPLECOMBE (BA8 0TG)

Closes on Thursday 1 October 2026

Posted on 10 August 2026

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Summary

Exciting Apprentice Dog Groomer opportunity based in Henstridge, Somerset. This apprenticeship involves full training in all aspects of professional dog grooming, breed standards, and salon care. A fantastic opportunity for a reliable, dog-loving individual with own transport to start a long-term career in the industry.

Wage

£14,560 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Dog groomer (level 2)
Hours
1 day at college , 4 days in the salon. Working hours to be confirmed.

35 hours a week

Start date

Sunday 1 November 2026

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

  • Greeting dogs and owners as they arrive and helping settle dogs into the salon
  • Bathing, shampooing and conditioning dogs of all breeds and sizes
  • Brushing, combing and detangling coats ready for grooming
  • Blow-drying and preparing coats • Assisting the qualified groomer with clipping, trimming and styling
  • Clipping nails, cleaning ears and general hygiene checks
  • Keeping the salon clean, tidy and hygienic at all times - including cleaning baths, tables and equipment
  • Washing and sterilising grooming tools
  • Learning about different breed standards, coat types and dog behaviour
  • Providing excellent customer service and helping owners with re-booking

Where you'll work

STONEHILL GARDENS
HENSTRIDGE TRADING ESTATE
HENSTRIDGE
TEMPLECOMBE
BA8 0TG

Training

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

Training provider

SPARSHOLT COLLEGE

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

Sparsholt college.

 

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
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental
  • Patience
  • Physical fitness

About this employer

Nestled in the countryside at Stone Hill Gardens, Henstridge, Hair of the Dogs is a peaceful, rural grooming salon where dogs get our full, undivided attention. We specialise in calm, 1-2-1 grooms tailored specifically to your dog - no cages, no rush, and no other dogs sharing the table. Whether it's a full breed-standard cut, a practical pet trim, or just a much-needed bath and tidy, every groom is done at your dog's pace in a quiet, stress-free environment. Simply drop off, grab a coffee in the village, and return to a happy, freshly groomed pooch.

 

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

Evolve to level 3 dog grooming.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

HAIR OF THE DOGS DOG GROOMING SALON LTD

Emma Michael

Hairofthedogs22@outlook.com

07812079920

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000046202.

Apply now

Closes on Thursday 1 October 2026