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 Forfar to join our training programme starting in late March 2025.

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 works collaboratively with other specialists across a variety of areas including dog wellbeing teams, 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 explain their roles as Guide Dog Trainers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7al7nXvK7w


What does the training involve?

Training to become a Guide Dog Trainer in Academy takes approximately 2.5 years. You will work with one of our Technical Learning Specialists in a cohort of three learners to become proficient in every aspect of the GDT role. You’ll need to meet practical and theoretical requirements as you progress through training to become fully competent in the role. You will be assessed and observed in practice during your programme, supported with feedback and objectives to help you be the best you can be. You must also be willing to take responsibility for your learning and proactive in your own development.

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

This is a permanent, fulltime position working every day from the Forfar Training School.

As an Academy GDT your starting salary will be from £23,113 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 your salary will increase to £27,566.

Should you be shortlisted you’ll be required to attend an initial online interview to take place w/c 9th or 16th December 2024 and may subsequently be invited to attend our Assessment Day in Forfar to take place w/c 13th January 2025.

Online Information Session

We will be hosting an information session about the role on Wednesday 6th November at 6pm. For more details and to register please follow this link: Register Here for Webinar

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! The role is deeply rewarding but also challenging. You’ll need to embrace learning a new set of skills and be adaptable when things don’t go to plan.

The role is very active and you’ll be walking on average 8-10,000 per day. You’ll be handling large dogs and building up to training around four dogs at a time.

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.

It is essential that you have a current valid UK/EU Driving Licence before applying for this role.

For the complete list of all criteria please see the Job Description attached. Please also read the attached FAQ document for more information and application advice.  
 
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.  

This role is subject to an Enhanced PVG Service check.
  
If you have any questions please contact us on 0118 354 0345 or academyrecruitment@guidedogs.org.uk