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Leading thoroughbred racing and breeding figures have launched Thoroughbred Industry Careers - a not for profit organization seeking to safeguard the long-term future of the billion dollar industry by strengthening its reputation amongst the young and making it an employer of choice for future generations of Australians.
Adrian Bott/Gai Waterhouse Racing, Arrowfield Stud, the Australian Turf Club, Chris Waller Racing, Godolphin Australia, Lindsay Park Racing and McEvoy Mitchell Racing are amongst those providing the knowledge, expertise and investment necessary for Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC) to address the critical staff shortages facing the industry.
Thoroughbred racing and breeding currently employs 75,000 people in full-time positions across the country and with the 6.6% employment growth forecasted by the Department of Employment for the racing industry over the next five years, the industry is banding together to ensure staffing levels can meet demand now and into the future.
Central to the plan is the creation of www.thoroughbredindustrycareers.com.au which provides a one-stop shop for information on employment and educational opportunities available to anyone considering a career in the thoroughbred industry in Australia. The website caters for students, parents and careers advisors, outlining the breadth and depth of employment opportunities available.
Another cornerstone of the initiative will be the ‘Explorer Cadetship’- a 12-month stud and stable horsemanship and mentoring program. This will include a 12-week residential component with practical and theoretical training, followed by two paid work-experience placements at leading racing stables and stud farms. The program is designed to allow young people the opportunity to explore the thoroughbred industry before deciding which area they may like to pursue as a career. The first intake of 40 students will commence study in 2019 and applications will open in November.
Planning is also in place for TIC to:
• launch Pony Racing in partnership with Racing NSW in 2019 as a way of encouraging Grass Roots involvement for young riders and their communities in the sport. This will be modelled on similar programs running in Ireland, England and America,• develop a numeracy and literacy program for school children based on the successful British charity ‘Racing to School’,
• integrate further with school and tertiary career expos and create awareness amongst careers advisors on opportunities available for their students,• develop additional educational programs to expand pathways into the industry, with particular focus on a Graduate Program,
• develop relationships with government, equestrian communities and interschool events and leading brands like the Royal Agricultural Society to implement education initiatives and create awareness of industry careers and their pathways,• work with the racing and breeding industries to improve existing staff retention and welfare levels.
