Guide Dogs Academy is a pioneering centre of learning that’s home to our world-class training programmes. In Academy, we recruit, train and develop our growing specialist workforce of Guide Dog Trainers (GDT) and Guide Dog Mobility Specialists (GDMS).
These roles are crucial to ensure Guide Dogs meets the needs of people living with sight loss and supports them in living the life they choose.
The Academy is recruiting for three Academy Guide Dog Trainers (AGDT) to join our learning programme starting in November 2025 at our Regional Centre in Forfar. This is a permanent, full-time position and once your training is complete, you will remain based in Forfar.
What is a Guide Dog Trainer?
A Guide Dog Trainer (GDT) is responsible for developing the key skills and behaviours needed in a guide dog, so that they can support someone living with sight loss to live the life they choose. GDTs have a thorough understanding of the process that matches our dog and people partnerships and prepares the dog for this key stage in the matching process.
This is not your normal 9 to 5 role, and no two days are the same – one day you might be meeting with volunteer fosterers, another day out training dogs (rain or shine!). You need to be able to work collaboratively with a variety of other specialists - including Dog Welfare teams, volunteers, Puppy Development Advisors and many more – in a positive and supportive way.
In the following video, Alex (who recently graduated from Academy) talks about his role as a Guide Dog Trainer:
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What does the training involve?
Training to become a Guide Dog Trainer in Academy takes around two and a half years. You will start off working with one of our Technical Learning Specialists – who are experts in the job themselves - in a cohort of learners. Through a combination of hands-on practical work and a package of digital learning materials, you’ll become proficient in every aspect of the GDT role. As you progress through training, you’ll need to meet practical and theoretical requirements to become fully competent. You’ll be assessed and observed in practice, and supported with feedback and objectives to help you become the best you can be. You need to be willing to take responsibility for your learning and to be proactive in your own development.
Salary
As an Academy GDT, your starting salary will be from £23,113 to £26,000 a year, depending on your relevant experience. As you progress through your training, you will receive competency-based gradual salary increments. Once you’re fully competent and have graduated from Academy, your salary will increase to £27,566.
Assessment Dates
Should you be shortlisted, we’ll ask you to attend an initial online interview during week commencing 8th September 2025. Depending on the result of this interview, you may be invited to attend an Assessment Day at our Forfar office during week commencing 22nd September 2025.
Online Information Session
We’ll be hosting an online information session about the role on Wednesday 23rd July at 5pm, where you can find out lots more from members of the team. For more details and to register, please follow this link: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/54b31594-3a3b-49b4-b81b-c048026830a7@cb3bcfb5-16c9-4fd2-851a-82287749c564
About You
We’re looking for people with a determined and positive mindset who have a passion for supporting and empowering people – and of course, who love working with 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 – you’ll be walking around 20,000 steps a day and handling large dogs.
Ideally, you’ll have:
- Previous practical experience of supporting people, either in a paid role or as a volunteer.
- Understanding of positive training approaches/techniques and their use with animals or humans
You need to have a full UK/EU Driving Licence before making your application. This includes the ability to drive manual cars.
The role is subject to an Enhanced PVG check.
Is this role for me?
Training to become a Guide Dog Trainer is a big decision. You'll need to be committed to your learning and able to work in a changing and sometimes challenging environment. See our 'Keeping Things Transparent' document, attached to this advert, to help you decide if the role is right for you.