The Guide Dogs Academy is home to our world-class training programmes and aims to recruit, train and develop our expanding specialist workforce of Guide Dog Trainers (GDT) and Guide Dogs Mobility Specialists (GDMS). 

The Academy is currently recruiting for three Academy Guide Dog Trainers (AGDT) at our Training Centre in Newcastle to join our training programme starting in February 2024.  

What is a Guide Dog Trainer?

A Guide Dog Trainer (GDT) is responsible for developing the skills and behaviours in a Guide Dog that are needed to support someone living with sight loss live the life they choose. 

A GDT not only ensures dogs are trained to the correct Guide Dogs’ standards but also has a thorough understanding of our service user matching process and will meet and help assess and support the needs of our service users through close working relationships. 

The GDT also works collaboratively with other specialists across a variety of areas including dog wellbeing teams, training and behaviour advisors, volunteers, puppy development advisors and many more, so the ability to work in a collaborative, positive and supportive way is essential. 

In the following video Chris and Jane, Guide Dog Trainers, explain their roles and why they love their job: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7al7nXvK7w


What does the training involve?

The Academy GDT (AGDT) role offers full training in becoming a Guide Dog Trainer. Using our industry leading learning platform ‘Guide Dogs Learning’ you will work under one of our Technical Learning Specialists in a cohort of three learners to become proficient in every aspect of the GDT role.

This is not your normal 9 to 5 role, and no two days are the same. For example, one day you may be in planning meetings, another day walking in all weathers training dogs.

As an Academy GDT your starting salary will be from £22,660 to £26,000 per annum dependent on experience.  Throughout your training you will receive competency-based gradual salary increments. Once you are fully competent and graduate from the Academy (usually within 2.5 years of starting training), your salary will increase to £27,025.

Should you be shortlisted you’ll be required to attend an initial virtual online interview to take place week commencing 6th November and may subsequently be invited to attend our Assessment Day in Newcastle due to take place week commencing 13th November.

Due to the volume of applications we will receive for this role there will be a delay in receiving an outcome of your application until mid - October.

What are we looking for? 

We’re looking for people with a determined and positive mindset who have a passion for supporting and empowering people – and of course, you also need to love dogs! You’ll be active, professional, and committed to providing the best service to our service users.  A commitment to learning is important as we take your professional development seriously and you’ll be working with world-leaders in the dog behaviour space, so you must be prepared to learn.

Ideally you’ll have: 

 - Previous practical experience working or volunteering with adults and/or young people and/or animals in a supportive capacity. 

 - Understanding of positive training approaches and techniques in the development of human or animal behaviour. 

 - Knowledge of safeguarding practices when working with vulnerable adults and children. 

 - Additionally, you’ll be empathetic and understanding of individual’s needs, as well as demonstrate resilience working in a challenging environment and being flexible to change. 

 - Current valid UK/EU Driving Licence

For the complete list of all criteria please see the Job Description attached. There is also a FAQ document and tips on making a great application. 
 
Due to working with our service users there may be restrictions regarding when you’re able to take holiday. Therefore, we can’t guarantee that time off can be taken during school holidays for example.  During your training there will be other times where annual leave will be limited. 
 
More information about Guide Dogs Academy and the role can be found here: https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/about-us/careers/guide-dogs-academy/  
  
How to apply  
 
Our recruitment system has a one-hour time limit; therefore, we would advise you to prepare everything first and then copy and paste into the online form once finalised. 
 
Applications need to be made using the online application form, accessed using the ‘apply’ button above. The application form is made up of 3 mandatory elements;   A CV, cover letter and application form.
 
Diversity   
Guide Dogs’ strives to be a diverse and inclusive employer, ensuring our workforce reflects the communities we support.  We welcome applicants regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or nationality.  We are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role.  
  
Safeguarding   
Guide Dogs is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk of harm with whom we work. We expect all our employees and volunteers to fully share this commitment.  
 
We reserve the right to close adverts earlier than the closing date 3rd October, midnight.

 
We cannot provide sponsorship for this role.  
 
If you have any questions please contact us at academyrecruitment@guidedogs.org.uk