Leading thoroughbred racing and breeding figures have today 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:
Lindy Maurice, who has extensive experience marketing within the thoroughbred industry, has been appointed to oversee the organisation. She has engaged with all sectors of the equine industry during its development.
“You can’t be what you can’t see, so Thoroughbred Industry Careers is on a mission to raise the curtain on all the wonderful and rewarding careers our industry and our sport offers,” Maurice said.
“High-profile industry figures like Chris Waller and Hugh Bowman are excellent examples of how much individuals can achieve in the thoroughbred industry. Thoroughbred Industry Careers, however, will also showcase the whole army of people working behind the scenes.
Maurice said to help the industry secure a future workforce, the industry needs to collaborate on an education platform which showcases the industry as a whole; promotes Principal Racing Authority and Breeder initiatives; engages with schools and equine communities; promotes an industry brand; and positions our industry as an ‘employer of choice”.
“This is a breakthrough development for the industry.
“It is unprecedented to have so many key identities working together to promote the unique and exciting opportunities available in the thoroughbred breeding and racing industry.
“We’re all so passionate about what we do and through Thoroughbred Industry Careers we want to shine a spotlight on the diversity of options available to young people and the pathways to access them.”
“I have never been more confident about the future of Australian racing and breeding, but our capacity for growth is threatened by diminishing numbers of people to fill the many roles within the industry.
“We can offer not only excellent career options, but also a lifestyle connected with the land, an extraordinary animal, a vibrant global community and an incredibly exciting sport.
“Thoroughbred Industry Careers will make it much easier for people to find us, learn about what we do and access quality training and assistance, and I’m very pleased to support it.”
“Godolphin supports the establishment of a national coordinated approach that elevates the Breeding and Racing Industry in the minds of the young, develops positive education programs and promotes industry career paths and opportunities.
“Thoroughbred Industry Careers will lead the industry into the crowded and competitive careers market and be pivotal in coordinating and promoting education initiatives within the racing and breeding industries
“To sustain our industry’s future, we must invest in the education of the next generation. This investment extends beyond our industry and the establishment of this organisation will provide industry-related youth career opportunities and development.
“International academic programmes like Godolphin Flying Start and Masar Godolphin Comment on Thoroughbred Industry Careers from Industry Leaders represent His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s ongoing commitment to education within the racing and breeding industries. Godolphin is committed to supporting and educating the youth and we are right behind TIC.”
“Horse racing in Australia is embarking on a golden era and there have never been more opportunities for young people looking for a career in the thoroughbred racing and breeding industry.
“The industry is incredibly diverse and offers young people the chance to follow various different pathways in agriculture, sports and entertainment as well as gaining internationally recognised skills to allow them opportunities to travel the globe.
“I am excited about what Thoroughbred Industry careers promises to offer and I look forward to being involved in the development of individuals who wish to pursue the unique and exciting lifestyle our industry provides.”
“It’s important we encourage young Australian’s into the thoroughbred industry particularly given the youth unemployment rate is high and our industry poses so many job vacancies and most importantly, great career opportunities.“
“The Australian Turf Club is pleased to support this initiative to generate increased community engagement and create employment opportunities in our diverse and wonderful industry.”
“All I wanted to do when I was young was work with racehorses; I had little education and the pathways to get involved in the thoroughbred industry were not straight forward
“Today, it is being made easier with Thoroughbred Industry Careers who will put the building blocks in place to give young people every opportunity to build a quality life in the thoroughbred industry.
“There are a lot of pathways you can take in this beautiful game and these will be made clearer through this organisation and this is why I am backing this great initiative.”
