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By Mark Brassel

THE FIFTH OF INSTALMENT OF A FIVE-DAY RACING NSW TRAINING INITIATIVE KNOWN AS ‘THOROUGHLY SCHOOLED’ HAS PROVED HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL

Delivered in partnership with Training Services NSW, Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association and TAFE NSW at Scone, the program incorporated practical skill sets including a four-hour work placement on a stud farm and racings stables and received Government funding via Training Services NSW.

The aim of the program is to build on the career aspirations of students who have expressed an interest in pursuing a career within the equine industry.

Participants watch horses being loaded into the barriers at Muswellbrook races

“This program provides an immersive career and industry exposure opportunity within the local community and incorporates critical employability skills,” explained Stu Rich, Executive Officer for NSW TRB Training Ltd.

“A future delivery of the program at Scone in 2025 will be under our Registered Training Organisation (Team Thoroughbred NSW Training Academy).

“The five-day program provides an extensive building block for successful transition into employment into the industry and incorporates practical skill sets including a four-hour work observation on a stud farm and racings stables.”

Thoroughly Schooled 2024 attracted a dozen Year 10-12 school students from targeted regions of New South Wales as a career immersion program into the equine industry, with a specific focus on Thoroughbred breeding and racing streams.

Objectives of the project include building capabilities among students in the skills and knowledge needed for post-school employment and training in the equine industry. It was also to inform and promote the diversity of career opportunities in the equine industry.

Another aim is to establish partnerships between participating stud farms and racing stables and schools around NSW for future collaboration. Some of the performance outcomes include a greater awareness of the equine industry and diversity of careers available.

Activities included in this five-day program consisted of classroom lessons centred around the Thoroughbred and racing industry, practical lessons on horse-handling skills, Work, Health & Safety, and what employers are sourcing for from students.

It also included visits to Muswellbrook Race Club, Godolphin Kelvinside, Arrowfield Stud and Scone Equine Hospital.

“Overall, the program ran smoothly and the established structure, industry engagement and supervision and care of the students led to the performance outcomes being met,” said Mr Rich.

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