Young people with a passion for horses or racing are being invited to consider applying to join the new ‘Explorer Cadetship’ - a Thoroughbred industry-designed and managed 12-month stud and stable horsemanship program in Australia.
For the first time, the country’s leading stables and stud farms are working together to offer an educational pathway to guide and mentor young Australians into careers within the industry.
Leading trainer Chris Waller says it’s an exciting time for anyone looking to become involved. “The racing and breeding industry is enjoying exceptional growth at the moment, which means there’s job opportunities as far as the eye can see,” he said.
“With a program like the Explorer Cadetship, young people will be able to experience these opportunities whilst getting valuable hands-on experience learning from the best horse people in the Thoroughbred industry.”
The program begins with a three-month practical and theoretical learning block at the Australian Racing and Equine Academy (Richmond, NSW), with students residing at Western Sydney University (Richmond Campus).
The students will then be allocated to a leading trainer, where they will spend four and a half months on their first paid work experience in a racing stable, followed by another four and a half months on a leading stud farm. On graduation, students will be further guided and mentored into an area that interests them.
The first intake of 40 students will commence studies in February. Click here for further information on the program and how to apply. Applications are open from November 15.
This training program is part of a wider push by newly established not-for-profit organization Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC), which aims to promote career pathways into the industry along with introducing new educational opportunities for young people.
Leading Thoroughbred employers Adrian Bott/Gai Waterhouse Racing, Arrowfield Stud, the Australian Turf Club, Chris Waller Racing, Godolphin Australia, Lindsay Park Racing and McEvoy Mitchell Racing are among those offering knowledge and expertise to TIC.
TIC CEO Lindy Maurice said applications close at the end of November. She anticipates entry to be competitive.
“When you are first starting out, it’s very difficult to know what to do and the choices are endless, so we have designed the Explorer Cadetship to give young people an opportunity to experience both the breeding and racing industries before they decide which area they would like to pursue further.
“This is the first time a program like this has been offered in Australia and, for those who want to pursue a life around horses, this is a great opportunity.”
Students will need to be 18 or over at the start of the program and 24 or under. Applications for the first intake can be made here.