The Explorer program is a 12-month Cadetship developed and managed by Thoroughbred Industry Careers.
The course commences with a 13 week Boot Camp in Richmond NSW to allow Cadets to become work-ready, with residential accommodation arranged through Western Sydney University (Richmond Campus).
Following Boot 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. Accommodation for Cadets is arranged throughout the 12-month program. Cadets are required to pay for their accommodation at Western Sydney University during the first 13 weeks of the program, then the cost of their accommodation is deducted from their wages during phases two and three.
Following the 12-month program Cadets will be guided into an area of the industry that interest them to study further or to work.
YES! Cadets study the Certificate II in Racing during Boot Camp.
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 |
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.
This is the only program of its kind in Australia. 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 second 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 second 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 the course tuition fees will be fully covered by Thoroughbred Industry Careers – if a Cadet leaves the Boot Camp session due to non-medical reasons, or is asked to leave, they will be required to repay their tuition fees.
Thoroughbred Industry Careers will supply you with a uniform to wear on excursions and filming days.
Explorers are paid a salary during their work-experience placements, on average between $35K to $55K 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 trackwork.
During the 13 week Boot Camp in Richmond, you will be studying full time and therefore will need enough money to cover your food and living costs before you start earning a wage.
Students will need to complete the application form which includes uploading photos of themselves.
