New stablehand and track rider programs designed to fill skills gap in NSW

Racing NSW is planning two new initiatives aimed at attracting workers into the thoroughbred industry, less than a year after the closure of the respected Thoroughbred Industry Careers program.

During a briefing with trainers last week, Racing NSW outlined plans for a new three-week Stablehand Job Ready Program and a three-month Track Rider Program, which the regulator hopes will help address ongoing labour shortages across the industry.

Racing NSW representatives told trainers the organisation was expecting “hundreds of applicants from across the state” for the schemes.

The first Stablehand Job Ready Program is scheduled to begin in Scone on September 7, with Racing NSW indicating it could later be expanded across NSW.

According to promotional material released by the regulator, the free three-week program is designed to give participants practical experience in racehorse handling, stable routines, horse welfare, workplace safety and daily horse care.

The first two weeks will simulate the routines of a working racing stable before participants complete a one-week placement with a licensed trainer.

Racing NSW says successful participants may progress into employment and potentially continue their training through a Certificate III in Racing (Stablehand) traineeship.

Ten places are available for the September intake, with applicants required to complete an expression of interest process before applications close on August 21.

The regulator also briefed trainers on plans for a three-month Track Rider Program, although no start date has yet been set.

Trainers were told the course was expected to run initially from Scone and Warwick Farm, where accommodation facilities were available.

Trainers were also told the program could eventually be delivered at other venues around the state, with race clubs expected to keep tracks open at later times to accommodate novice riders.

The regulator told the meeting it was looking at using retired racehorses for the program, although horses had yet to be secured.

The announcement comes 11 months after Thoroughbred Industry Careers suspended operations. Racing NSW had declined to provide funding to that organisation.

Thoroughbred Industry Careers had become widely regarded as one of the industry’s primary recruitment and employment pathways before its closure.

Racing NSW has promoted the Stablehand Job Ready Program as a direct pathway into employment, while also calling on licensed NSW trainers to provide workplace placements for participants.