Written by Jessica Owers
Just two years ago, Thoroughbred Breeders’ NSW (TBNSW) initiated an effective, state-wide Workforce Development Project with three primary aims; it wished to retain existing staff across the industry, provide training pathways for newcomers and upskill the existing workforce.
TBNSW secured over $1 million in State Government funding for the Project, and its first phase was a pilot program that provided free training to breeding industry participants across the Hunter Valley. By the end of 2021, the Program had provided nationally accredited training programs to over 200 participants.
While part of it was devoted to newcomers to the industry, the Program largely focused on the important, existing workforce within the breeding and racing industry.
A yearling being paraded at Inglis Riverside Stables | Image courtesy of Inglis
Short courses offered training in Supervisor, Leadership and Management units, along with certificates in Horse Breeding and Agriculture, and more entry-level training in Foaling Night Watch.
It was a highly successful program for TBNSW, one that ticked critical boxes in staff retention.
“Our goal is focussed heavily on retention and offering professional development training to the existing workforce,” said Julianne Christopher, TBNSW’s executive officer.
Something for everyone
Now, phase two of the TBNSW Workforce Development Project is underway and, with its funding expected to tip over $1.5 million, it will deliver its programs to a much wider catchment than just the Hunter Valley.
Two-day courses will occur in Scone, Newcastle, Warwick Farm, the Southern Highlands and Goulburn, with courses expected to begin in late June. Right now, TBNSW is seeking expressions of interest.
“We’re calling for industry participants in both racing and breeding who would like free, accredited leadership and mentoring short courses,” Christopher said. “There’s a whole pathway that we’re opening up with this program. We’re developing a formal education program for the industry to take up.”
“We’re calling for industry participants in both racing and breeding who would like free, accredited leadership and mentoring short courses.” - Julianne Christopher
Phase two of the Workforce Development Program outlines a five-tier pathway.
There’s training at an entry level for the newcomer, while the next level is aimed at those already in the industry. The remaining three levels are aimed at industry supervisors and foremen, assistant managers, and finally studmasters or stud and stable managers.
“Whether they’re in the newcomer section or their first few years, or if they’ve just graduated from one of the great national programs that we’ve got, or even if they’ve been in the industry for 25 or 30 years, there is something in our pathway for everyone to take up,” Christopher said. “We have courses available for every level of industry participant.”
John Sunderland and Julianne Christopher | Image courtesy of TBNSW
Calling all interest
TBNSW is expecting very good uptake of phase two.
“From our pilot, we had over 200 people, and that was just in the Hunter Valley,” Christopher said. “What we’re opening up to now is broader New South Wales, but of course that doesn’t exclude the Hunter Valley, and we’re actually opening new units of competency in mentoring and leadership that wasn’t available in phase one in the Hunter Valley.”
As the second phase of the Program approaches, TBNSW said it was critical that existing staff within the industry had avenues for further education and, while the Workforce Development Program catered in part for newcomers, it’s primary focus was on the existing labour force, from racing stables to stud staff and owners.
“We want to arm the existing workforce with all the skillsets to remain in the industry,” Christopher said. “There is so much talk these days about bringing in new staff, but what we really feel is important is keeping all the wonderful staff that we already have industry-wide, and offering them pathways to keep upskilling.”
“There is so much talk these days about bringing in new staff, but what we really feel is important is keeping all the wonderful staff that we already have industry-wide, and offering them pathways to keep upskilling.” - Julianne Christopher
TBNSW has outlined extensively each of its two-day short courses that will be offered in 2022, and the organisation is seeking expressions of interest until June 1.
