Fast Track program underway

Students from across Australia have commenced the 2026/27 Fast Track program, beginning their first intensive training block this week at TAFE NSW’s Scone campus.

Now in its ninth year, the initiative combines full-time employment on leading stud farms with formal study toward a nationally recognised Certificate III in Horse Breeding, providing participants with both practical experience and industry qualifications.

This year’s intake has been placed with some of the country’s most respected breeding operations across New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.

Thoroughbred Breeders’ Australia (TBA) chief executive officer Andrew Hore-Lacy said Fast Track continues to play a vital role in building the industry’s workforce.

“Fast Track continues to give motivated young people a genuine pathway into the thoroughbred industry, while also supporting farms to develop the next generation of skilled workers,” Hore-Lacy said.

“We are grateful to the stud farms who continue to invest their time, resources and guidance into these trainees. Their support is critical to the ongoing success of the program and to the long-term strength of our industry.”

Since its inception, Fast Track has helped more than 220 graduates secure careers across Australia’s thoroughbred breeding and racing sectors.

Meanwhile, TBA is also inviting expressions of interest for Stud Start, a short introductory program designed for people considering a career change into the thoroughbred breeding industry.

TBA has also welcomed the strong response to the national Workforce Strategy survey, which received more than 520 completed responses from across the thoroughbred breeding and racing industries.