Apprentice Trainer Program
Paw Commons Training Department is excited to announce the Apprentice Trainer Program. We have identified a need within our community to provide a sustainable opportunity for the next generation of trainers to grow and be welcomed into a collaborative collective. This vision gave way for an 18-month education program that gives new trainers a balanced approach to education, hands-on experience, and one on one coaching. Below outlines the details of the program and requirements of applicants.
Outline of Program
There are 2 learning modules that an apprentice will go through: Evaluator and Trainee. Within these modules, we have set learning curriculums that build upon each other and provide experience for all training opportunities at Paw Commons. Below is a snapshot of each module.
| Role | Timeframe | Summary of Curriculum |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluator Module | 6-month Contract | The Evaluator Module focuses on foundational tools for working within a Pet Resort, managing a dog daycare, communicating, and building sales tools with clients, and building proficiency with Animal Handling and behavior identification. |
| Trainee Module | 12-month Contract | The Trainee Module focuses on the immersive hands-on learning of animal training, behavior modification, and psychology of human learning. This 12-month module is divide into 6 month sections: Trainer 1 and Trainer 2. |
| Trainer 1 | 6 Months | As Trainer 1, you will experience 96 hours of Learning & 192 hours of hands-on coaching with training clients and dogs. You will work on training techniques, refine training modalities, and grow personal and professional development. You will also learn Animal Behavior training theory, canine training modalities, the history of dog breeds and the impact of ethnology, advanced identification of behaviors, and hands-on experience with the training program dogs. |
| Trainer 2 | 6 Months | The trainer 2 role is the final stage of the apprentice program and by this module, individuals are learning the finishing touches of the training profession. In the last six months, individuals will experience professional development, human learning theory, client psychology, advanced sale tactics, the importance of client retention, and building a personal clientele. |
Expectations of the Program
There are expectations we would like to share:
- Education Contract: This education program is a contracted paid job within Paw Commons. All members of this program will be required to sign two different contracts: a 6-month evaluator contract and then a 12-month Trainee Contract. At the conclusion of the 6-month period, members of the program as well as the company will evaluate the performance, professionalism, and commitment of the Apprentice. This allows individuals who are no longer interested or meeting expectations to leave the Apprentice Program.
- All staff members within the program will have ongoing coaching from the Director of Training, Regional Manager, and their location’s Trainer 3. Training Apprentices will also receive a review at the end of every module.
Application Process
Individuals who are interested in the apprentice program must pass two interviews (Regional Training Manager and Director of Training), Application, and 2 references (1 personal and 1 professional).
Requirements for Role
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED) is recommended.
- (1-3) years of related customer service experience, and/or training
- Computer experience is required.
- Must be able to read, write and speak English, bilingual employees are encouraged to apply.
- Desire to contribute to building a positive working environment for themselves and their coworkers.
- You must possess sound ethics & integrity with people and animals; you must exhibit accurate judgment, be dependable and reliable.
- You must be able to work a variety of hours including weekends and holidays.
- While performing the duties of this job, you will be required to frequently sit and walk; stand; use hands, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. You may have to occasionally be required to stoop, crouch, bend, crawl and talk or hear. You may be exposed to wet/hot/humid conditions and a loud noise level.
- You must be able to lift up to 50lbs.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and peripheral vision. (Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions & to follow all state & federal guidelines).