Racing chiefs race to head off industry skills crisis with new body

Trainers and breeding figures will launch a new body, Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC),  a not for profit organisation set up to safeguard the long-term future of the billion dollar industry.

Among the racing elites – Adrian Bott/Gai Waterhouse Racing, Arrowfield Stud, the Australian Turf Club, Chris Waller Racing, Godolphin Australia, Lindsay Park Racing and McEvoy Mitchell Racing – there is a consensus something needs to be done quickly to end the racing skills shortage.

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.

Leading trainer Gai Waterhouse says 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,” Waterhouse said.

“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.”

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 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.

Taking a break from his preparations with Winx for this Saturday’s Cox Plate, trainer Chris Waller says it’s a great time to encourage people to get involved.

“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,” Waller said.

“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.”

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’,

- have further representations and integration 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 investigate methods to improve existing staff retention and welfare levels.

Lindy Maurice, who has extensive experience marketing within the thoroughbred industry, has been appointed to oversee the organisation and engaged extensively with all sections 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 David Hayes and Hugh Bowman are excellent examples of how much individuals can achieve in the thoroughbred industry. Thoroughbred Industry Careers, however, aims to also showcase the whole army of people working behind the scenes.

“We’ve had input from some of the biggest names in racing and breeding right through to grass roots volunteers which means that for the first time ever we have a wide reaching platform that makes is easy for people to find us, to learn about what we do and to access quality training and assistance.“

Thoroughbred racing and breeding currently employs 75,000 people in full-time positions across the country and with the 6.6 per cent 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.

Godolphin’s Managing Director in Australia, Vin Cox said: “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.

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.“

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.”