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:
- launch Pony Racing in partnership with Racing NSW in 2019 as a way of encouraging Grass Roots involvement for young riders and their communities in the sport. This will be modelled on similar programs running in Ireland, England and America,
- develop a numeracy and literacy program for school children based on the successful British charity 'Racing to School',
- integrate further with school and tertiary career expos and create awareness amongst careers advisors on opportunities available for their students,
- develop additional educational programs to expand pathways into the industry, with particular focus on a Graduate Program,
- develop relationships with government, equestrian communities and interschool events and leading brands like the Royal Agricultural Society to implement education initiatives and create awareness of industry careers and their pathways,
- work with the racing and breeding industries to improve existing staff retention and welfare levels.
Lindy Maurice, who has extensive marketing
experience 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, we need to
collaborate on aneducation 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'."
Please see below for comments from those
involved in the establishment of Thoroughbred
Industry Careers.
Trainer, Gai
Waterhouse:
"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."
-----------------------------------------------------------
John Messara, owner of Arrowfield Stud:"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's Managing Director in Australia, Vin Cox: "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 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."
-------------------------------------------------------------
Trainer, Chris Waller:
"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."
---------------------------------------------------------------
Steve McMahon – ATC Head of Membership and Community Engagement:
"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."
----------------------------------------------------------------
Trainer, Tony McEvoy:
"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.
