The Explorer program is a 12-month Cadetship which has been developed by and is managed by Thoroughbred Industry Careers.
The course will commence a three-month Boot Camp at the TAFE NSW, Richmond Campus to allow Cadets to become work-ready, with residential accommodation at Western Sydney University (Richmond Campus).
Following the three-month base camp, Cadets will be allocated to a leading racing stable where they will spend 4.5 months on their first paid work experience. Following their stable work, Cadets will move to a rural area for their second paid work placement on a leading stud farm. Cadets will be accommodated throughout the 12-month program. They will be required to pay for their accommodation at Western Sydney University during the first three months of the program, then their employers will provide suitable accommodation during their paid work-experience placements and the cost of this will be deducted from their wages.
Following the 12-month program Cadets will be guided into an area of the industry which interest them to study further or to work.
Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC) will match you to a suitable employer. Cadets need to be prepared to be posted where TIC deems a Cadet to be most suited to.
The program aims to allow young Australian’s the chance to experience the thoroughbred industry first hand, exploring all the career opportunities it has to offer along the way, before deciding what area is the right fit for them. There are many career opportunities in the thoroughbred industry and no matter what area Cadets end up working in they will benefit greatly from this experience.
Your days will begin in the early hours. If you are working in a city stable (which majority of Explorers will be) start times begin around 3.30 – 4 am with a few hours off in the middle of the day.
Explorers who are competent enough riders will have the opportunity to ride once their level is assessed with their racing stable.
Depending on the time of the year, Explorers will live on the farm they are allocated to and start work around 6 am, with breaks during the day for breakfast and lunch. Generally speaking, staff on stud farms get around two hours in the middle of the day for lunch and finishing the day around 4 pm. During the breeding season, the days will be more intense and require longer hours.
Explorers will be required to work on weekends as per the roster of their employer.
The program commences the first week of February each year.
The program will take 12 months to complete and once Cadets commence their first work placement, they will receive minimal time off.
The program will involve riding and hard physical work, so Cadets will need to be fit and healthy and have a strong will to succeed.
Cadets will need to be 18 years or over at the commencement of the program and 24 years and under.
Applicants will need to demonstrate a passion for horses, animals and/or racing and a level of equine experience through the application process to be considered for the program.
Dedicated, hardworking, positive attitude, well-mannered and a will to succeed.
Check out the Course Overview and view A Day in the Life to see what this course involves
There is one intake per year and the program commences in the first week of February.
Cadets will need enough funds to cover the cost of their accommodation and living expenses for three months whilst living at Western Sydney University, Richmond during Boot Camp.
Accommodation costs:
The cost of your tuition will be determined upon formal enrollment.
Explorers are paid a salary during their work-experience placements, on average between $35K to $45K per year.
Cadets who have shown a level of skill during the Boot Camp will most likely ride the pony during their first work placement at a racing stable. It will be up to the discretion of their trainer if they will be suitable to ride.
During the three-month Boot Camp in Richmond, you will be studying full time and therefore will need enough money to cover your food and living costs.
Students will need to complete the application form which includes uploading photos of themselves.
