Major Hunter Valley breeding identities have embraced the Fast Track concept tailored to introduce young people to the thoroughbred industry.
The national training scheme was launched last year and is a joint venture between Thoroughbred Breeders’ Australia, breeders and TAFE New South Wales. It was introduced in 2018 in response to staff shortages in the breeding sector and TBA’s vision to establish formal training pathways into the industry.
Applications are now open for the 2019 course and will close on March 31 ahead of a 12-month programme that starts in late May. Among those who have welcomed the concept is Yarraman Park director Arthur Mitchell.
Watch: TBA Fast Track Program
“We can teach the trainees from the ground up to start on a stud and learn from the grassroots,” he said.
“We can teach the trainees from the ground up to start on a stud and learn from the grassroots.” – Arthur Mitchell.
“Whether they stay in breeding or go on to another role in the thoroughbred industry, I think this is a great way to get a career off to a good start.”
Sledmere Stud’s Royston Murphy said TBA deserved high praise for introducing the scheme.
“I would absolutely recommend to anybody to get behind this. I think we really need to push these initiatives and we’ll definitely be taking on some more people every year.”
Mick Malone, of Kitchwin Hills, said the programme would go a long way to ensuring long-term employment opportunities in the industry.
The program will provide pathways for careers in the thoroughbred breeding industry
“Fast Track is a great initiative that will benefit farms all over the country as it provides a great introduction to breeding.
“Fast Track is a great initiative that will benefit farms all over the country as it provides a great introduction to breeding.” – Mick Malone.
“We are very happy with our trainee and are keen to continue our involvement with the second intake.”
Godolphin, Holbrook Thoroughbreds, Three Bridges Thoroughbreds, Widden Stud, Newhaven Park, Davali Thoroughbreds and Vinery Stud are also in behind the initiative.
“The programme is a great way for anybody with a love of horses to develop a rewarding career that can last a lifetime,” TBA chief executive Tom Reilly said. “Fast Track has proved a great success in its first year and it will be supported by many of Australia’s leading breeders again in 2019.”
“The programme is a great way for anybody with a love of horses to develop a rewarding career that can last a lifetime.” – Tom Reilly.
Successful applicants will be placed with respected farms where they gain hands-on experience via a traineeship, while also completing a Certificate III in Horse Breeding through Scone TAFE.
Students will gain a Certificate III in Horse Breeding
The TAFE component of the programme includes two intensive learning blocks, six weeks in total, and includes 16 formal study modules. All facets of the breeding industry are covered in the modules, including: Broodmare care, foaling, handling young horses, mating procedures, disease prevention and horse behaviour.
“I would encourage everyone who has an interest in working with horses to apply.” – Tom Reilly.
Insights from a number of the Australian thoroughbred industry’s leading identities, field trips, race meetings and social events will complement the TAFE course. TBA will once again call on breeding experts to deliver a series of lectures on topics relating to: Understanding pedigrees, conformation and the business of breeding.
Reilly said a graduation ceremony would be held for all trainees at Scone at the end of the 12 months. “I would encourage everyone who has an interest in working with horses to apply.”
The inaugural programme attracted 130 applications with 15 students selected.
The inaugural Fast Track class
