Thoroughbred Breeders’ NSW is calling for racing and breeding industry participants who would like to receive free accredited training in Leadership and Mentoring short courses, registrations for expressions of interest to enrol close 1 June. The two-day short courses will be delivered in five locations across the state: Scone, Newcastle, Warwick Farm, Southern Highlands and Goulburn commencing from late June through to November.
In addition to that, studs who take on trainees are in line for financial support as well, making it easier for their staff to train the next generation of stud workers.
As the largest state of thoroughbred breeders and stud farms in Australia and with an increase in the numbers of trainees entering the workforce, the NSW Workforce development project was initiated in 2020. The Project focusses on retaining existing staff, creating a training pathway for newcomers and upskilling the existing workforce. In phase one the NSW team secured over $1,000,000 in State Government funding, helping to provide free training to the Hunter Valley breeding industry in a pilot program.
By the end of 2021 an array of nationally accredited programs opened, phase one delivering free training to over 200 participants. They include:
- 16 high school students received “Thoroughly Schooled” Work experience introductions
- 46 enrolments in Cert III Horse Breeding and 3 in Cert III Agriculture (included new trainees)
- 20 participants in Foaling Night Watch short course
- 124 completed Supervisor, Leadership and Management Units of Competency
- Level 1 – Provide Work Skill Instruction
- Level 2 – Contribute to Team Effectiveness and Workplace Relationships
- Level 3 – Lead Team Effectiveness and Workplace Relationships
Feedback from phase one participants showed an improved retention of staff in the industry and also launched a career pathway for traineeship graduates.
“Our goal is focussed heavily on retention and offering professional development training to the existing workforce, ultimately supporting national newcomer programs from Silverdale Farm Internships, TBA Fast Track and TIC Explorer Cadetships” said TBNSW Executive Officer Julianne Christopher.
Phase two of funding which is estimated to exceed $1,500,000 is set to expand programs across the state, across five locations – Scone, Newcastle, Warwick Farm, Southern Highlands and Goulburn and commence in late June. Based on expressions of interest and the success of the pilot program, the project is again supported by NSW Government Training Services and courses are offered fee-free to existing workforce participants in both the breeding and racing industries.
Expressions of interest are now open for registration and TBNSW encourages industry participants to get involved in building a work-force of high-quality staff, helping expand the NSW Thoroughbred industry in future years.
Courses offered in 2022 are listed below – click on the links to view the course content.
- Thoroughly Schooled (High School Work Experience Program)
- Certificate III Horse Breeding (RGR30619)
- Foaling Night Watch Short Course
- Certificate IV Horse Breeding (RGR40619)
- Emerging Supervisors Short Course (TAEDEL301)
- Leadership Short Course (BSBPEF502)
- Mentoring Short Course (TAEDEL404)
Contact TBNSW to find out more and secure free training in 2022 for you or your team.
Phone: (02) 5504 3816 or info@tbnsw.com.au
