Earlier this week, the Animal Care and Welfare Assistant Apprentices visited the University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science for a training day on greyhound anatomy, function, injury and rehabilitation.

The day was led by greyhound specialist and Assistant Professor of Veterinary Anatomy Dr Richard Payne who, alongside his teaching team, gave the apprentices an insight into the latest research into racing greyhounds.

The vet school training day was the latest in a series of off-the-job training opportunities which seek to give the apprentices a broader insight into the world of greyhound racing. These opportunities, which have included visits to GBGB’s forensic testing lab and to the Dogs Trust, where the apprentices spent time with an animal behaviourist, seek to give apprentices a comprehensive understanding of how best to care for their greyhounds. The training day at Nottingham, which was also attended by some of the apprentices’ trainers, sought to enhance apprentice’s knowledge and skills in looking after the greyhounds in their care.

Apprentice Yazmin Schofield, said:

“It was a really informative day and we went into great detail on anatomy and muscle groups. I particularly liked the practical session and the lecture on the use of physiotherapy for the rehabilitation of sporting injuries. These off-the-job training sessions really help to improve our knowledge and I am really enjoying my apprenticeship.”

Mark Bird, GBGB Managing Director, said:

“This Apprenticeship aims to further professionalise and upskill our sport, proving expert training in all aspects of greyhound care. As people who work day-in, day-out with greyhounds and who look after their every need, I know that the knowledge will be incredibly beneficial to them as they progress in their careers.

“It was fantastic to see some of the Apprentices’ trainers accompany them today, as well as the track promoters involved in the scheme. In order to ensure our welfare standards remain the best in the world, it is vital that everyone involved in our sport is aware of the latest research so they can provide the very best care to our racing greyhounds.”

Find out more about the Animal Care and Welfare Assistant apprenticeship here or contact GBGB HR Manager Zoë Brown on zoe.brown@gbgb.org.uk.