Australian racing industry leaders join forces in employment initiative

Godolphin has joined some of Australia’s most prominent racing figures in the formation of Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC), a not-for-profit organization seeking to safeguard the long-term future of the industry by promoting employment opportunities.

Along with trainers Chris Waller, Gai Waterhouse, Adrian Bott, David Hayes and Tony McEvoy, breeder John Messara and the Australian Turf Club, Godolphin Australia will provide knowledge, expertise and investment in TIC.

High among the organisation’s aims is to address critical staff shortages in the racing and breeding industry by strengthening its reputation among the young and making it an employer of choice for future generations of Australians.

Central to its operation will be the TIC website www.thoroughbredindustrycareers.com.au, a one-stop shop outlining the breadth and depth of available employment opportunities.

A major TIC initiative will be the ‘Explorer Cadetship’, a 12-month stud and stable horsemanship and mentoring program that will include a three-month residential component followed by paid, work-experience placements at leading racing stables and stud farms.

The first intake of 40 students will commence study in 2019 with applications opening in November.

The TIC, which will be overseen by experienced industry figure Lindy Maurice, also plans to launch a variety of projects aimed at providing experience to those seeking a career in the racing and breeding industry, among them:

• pony racing in partnership with Racing NSW and modelled on similar programs running in Ireland, England and America;
• developing a numeracy and literacy program for school children based on the successful British charity ‘Racing to School’,
• integrating further with school and tertiary career expos and create awareness among careers advisors on opportunities available for their students; 
• develop additional educational programs to expand pathways into the industry, with particular focus on a Graduate Program;
• developing relationships with government, equestrian communities and interschool events and leading brands like the Royal Agricultural Society to implement education initiatives and create awareness of industry careers and their pathways;
• working with the racing and breeding industries to improve existing staff retention and welfare levels.

Maurice said TIC would also showcase the roles played by the army of people already working behind-the-scenes.

“You can’t be what you can’t see, so Thoroughbred Industry Careers is on a mission to raise the curtain on all the wonderful and rewarding careers our industry and our sport offers,” Maurice said.

Godolphin's Managing Director in Australia Vin Cox praised the concept.

“Godolphin is committed to supporting and educating the youth and we are right behind TIC,” Cox said.
 
“Thoroughbred Industry Careers will lead the industry into the crowded and competitive careers market and be pivotal in coordinating and promoting education initiatives within the racing and breeding industries.

“International academic programs like Godolphin Flying Start and Masar Godolphin represent His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s ongoing commitment to education within the racing and breeding industries.”

Thoroughbred racing and breeding employs 75,000 people in full-time positions across Australia.