When you leave high school or university it’s hard to know what your next step should be – there are so many career choices. It’s even harder to know what a job will be like when you do it and whether it is going to be the right fit for you.
The thoroughbred industry is all about passion. For most people who work in the industry, their passion starts with a love of horses. For others, it starts with a love of the excitement that racing brings. One thing is for sure, once you work in the thoroughbred industry your love of horses grows to a higher level.
The thoroughbred industry has two major sectors; the breeding industry and the racing industry, and within these, there are many different types of careers. So, to take the challenge out of deciding straight away we have designed a 12-month pathway that allows you to Explore both.
Applications are now OPEN for the 2022 intake. Don’t miss this opportunity of a lifetime.
TIC is currently looking for a new home for the Explorer Program following the closure of Richmond Equine TAFE by the NSW Government. Please follow us on social media for important updates on this program.
Move into Western Sydney University, Richmond Campus
Students commence their 13-week learning block at Richmond.
click here for an outline of costs
The Qualification
Cadets will complete the Certificate II in Racing during the 13 Boot Camp session. The Certificate II in Racing is a nationally recognised formal qualification that gives Cadets a sound understanding of the basics before they embark on their paid work experience.
Riding During Bootcamp – All cadets will ride during Boot Camp, even those who have never ridden before. The more experienced riders will progress their riding skills further towards track work and beginners will learn the basics. All previous Cadets who have never ridden before value the riding enormously.
List of units Cadets will study over the 13 weeks:
| Number | Title |
|---|---|
| ACMEQU205 | Apply knowledge of horse behaviour |
| ACMGAS202 | Participate in workplace communications |
| BSBWHS201 | Contribute to health and safety of self and others |
| RGRCMN201 | Investigate job opportunities in racing and related industries |
| RGRCMN203 | Comply with racing industry ethics and integrity |
Elective Units
| Number | Title |
|---|---|
| ACMEQU202 | Handle horses safely |
| ACMEQU208 | Manage personal health and fitness for working with horses |
| HLTAID003 | Provide first aid |
| RGRPSH201 | Handle racehorses in stables and at trackwork |
| RGRPSH202 | Assist with transportation of horses |
| RGRPSH205 | Perform basic riding skills in the racing industry |
| RGRPSH207 | Perform racing stable duties |
| RGRPSH211 | Work effectively in the horse racing industry |
| SISXEMR001 | Respond to emergency situations |
Throughout the 12-week Boot Camp, students will gain valuable insight into the thoroughbred industry through Industry Days and Industry Expert Talks. This includes excursions to the races, yearling sales, morning track work and stud farms, along with hearing from leading trainers, jockeys, bloodstock agents, media and administrators about their careers in the industry.
The Explorer Cadetship Program will include the development of valuable life skills. Topics include; work ethic, being on time and being reliable, personal presentation and language, manners, self-respect and respect for others, how to conduct yourself, how to greet people and how to speak to owners/clients, personal motivation, health and fitness (mental health), healthy eating habits, how to work in a team and how to resolve conflict.
Once you complete your 12- week residential training you will commence part 2 of the program with a leading racing stable which Thoroughbred Industry Careers will allocate you to. Your accommodation will be arranged by your employer or Thoroughbred Industry Careers and the cost of this will be deducted from your remuneration package, taking the worry out of finding a place to live while you work and learn.
During your stable placement, you will gain invaluable hands-on experience in a leading racing stable, in conjunction with seeing first-hand all the elements and careers which the industry offers.
When you start work with your racing stable, your teachers will do a handover with your employer, so that you will be given work suitable to your abilities at that stage. Once with your employer, your responsibilities may grow as you grow in your experience.
Visit our FAQ’s page to find out how Cadets are paid.
Part 3 of the program will see you move to a rural area to work for a leading stud farm (accommodation will be provided). During this phase you will learn the vital day to day workings of a commercial stud farm from mares foaling, mares being served and preparing yearlings for major Australian Yearling Sales.
There are many careers in the breeding industry and during this time you will be able to see first-hand if any area is of interest to you.
The final part of the Program will be the Graduation Ceremony and mentorship into the area of the industry Explorers would like to pursue. There are many traineeships and apprenticeships available within the industry which Explorers will be able to enter and the training completed throughout the year will contribute to a National Qualification in Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding industry.
