A WELSH Government scheme has helped Marc Pugh get in the saddle for a his dream career working with horses.

The 20-year-old, from Llanfaredd, near Builth Wells, helped director Nicky van Dijk expand her Happy Horse Retirement Home at Crai, near Brecon. Marc has been promoted to assistant yard manager since joining the business as part of the Jobs Growth Wales programme.

Such is Marc’s commitment to the company, which provides a haven for owners to retire their beloved horses, he made a 72-mile return journey on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day to monitor and nurse sick horses.

The company recruited Marc to develop the business, which has grown 20 per cent in three years. A horse owner since the age of five, he achieved an extended Diploma in Horse Management with a distinction at North Shropshire College’s Walford campus before beginning his career.

Marc has been recognised for his success by being shortlisted for the Jobs Growth Wales Outstanding Achiever Award at this year’s Apprenticeship Awards Cymru, which take place at Venue Cymru, Llandudno on October 20.

Jointly organised by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW), the prestigious awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals, employers and learning providers who have excelled in contributing to the development of the Welsh Government’s Traineeships, Jobs Growth Wales and Apprenticeship programmes.

After achieving a Foundation Apprenticeship in Horse Care and Riding and British Horse Society Riding and Road Safety qualification, Marc was retained and promoted when his Jobs Growth Wales programme ended.

He has progressed to an apprenticeship in Horse Care and Riding through the Welsh Government’s Young Recruits Programme, has achieved the British Horse Society’s stage three qualification and aims to become a qualified riding instructor. His learning provider is Cambrian Training Company.

“I’ve listened to my mentor/trainer Nicky and proved to myself and my parents that I’m focused on my future,” said Marc, who has a reputation for staying calm in a crisis. “I’ve achieved goals that I thought I could never do.”