Applications are now open for the Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC) Explorer Cadetship for 2022, a 12-month program of stud and stable horsemanship and industry training.
The Explorer Cadetship is the only entry-level education program of its kind and has quickly cemented its place as the pre-eminent pathway in Australia, providing training in both the thoroughbred racehorse breeding and racing sectors, giving participants a holistic view into one of Australia’s largest industries.
Industry leader John Messara AM stated, "the Explorer Program is the best initiative Arrowfield has ever supported, because of its exceptional value to the industry and the immensely positive impact it has on the lives and aspirations of young people who want to work with thoroughbreds."
As well as a three-month ‘boot camp of theory and practical learning (whilst residing at WSU’s Hawkesbury Campus), cadets complete nine months of paid work placements with several leading employers including Godolphin, Chris Waller Racing, Arrowfield Stud, McEvoy Mitchell Racing, Lindsay Park Racing, Adrian Bott and Gai Waterhouse, who, in conjunction with the Australian Turf Club, are the founding stakeholders of TIC. Program applicants do not need to have a background in the industry or an equestrian background to apply.
Run by Chief Executive and founder Lindy Maurice, TIC is a not-for-profit organisation that funds the cadetship program. Developed to fill a marketplace gap, the organisation aims to provide a centralised platform to promote racing and breeding industry careers options and to facilitate best practice education pathways.
Since its inception in 2019, just under 90 students have been through TIC programs, with an 89% success rate.
An avid supporter from the outset, Godolphin Managing Director Vin Cox is still excited by the growth of the program and its provisions to the industry’s long-term staff shortage crisis.
“Despite our size and the contribution our industry makes to this country’s economy, our industry was, and still is, in need of a program like the Explorer Cadetship to assist in opening the doors and attracting new people,” said Cox.
“I continue to be amazed by the calibre, enthusiasm and skills of program participants, whether they have industry experience before starting or they’ve come in as a complete newcomer. As an employer, it is comforting to know that thanks to their experiences with the program, we’re getting a well-rounded employee who also appreciates the fantastic opportunities they are presented. The graduates are a testament to Lindy and her team, and I know I’m not the only employer eager to employ Program graduates.”
Australian Hall of Fame horse trainer Chris Waller is another employer impressed by the program and echoes Vin’s sentiments on its benefits to the racing and breeding community.
“Our industry has been in desperate need of highlighting the career opportunities available within it for some time now,” said Waller.
“The work of TIC and the Explorer Cadetship Program goes a long way to bridging that gap. My participation with the program has had a big impact on our stable in a very short time. I encourage anyone with even a hint of interest in working in our industry to apply.”
2021 Program graduate Bella Anderson completed her work placement with auction house Magic Millions and was recently recruited by Racing.com as a Mounting Yard Analyst and Presenter.
“I fell in love with the sport of racing as a child through the influence of my father, and now, through my time on the Explorer Cadetship Program, I’ve had the incredible experience of working at one of Australia’s biggest horse auctions and my newest adventure has bought me to Melbourne. The networking opportunities made possible by TIC are so beneficial and valuable when starting out in this industry,” said Anderson.
Numerous other graduates have also gone on to secure other life-changing roles in the industry including GSSSA Newcomer Award winner Jack Cripps (McEvoy Mitchell Racing - Sales and Syndication Manager), Leigh Allen (Ciaron Maher Racing - Communications), Marley Mezi (Chris Waller Racing - Trackwork Rider), Kaitlyn Summers (Bellerive Stud - Foaling Manager).
"The TIC program is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get a solid grounding in the racing industry,” said trainer Annabel Neasham.
“We recently had one of their cadets, Amy, on placement with us for four months and she was a great asset to the team. It was incredibly rewarding to be able to give Amy the exposure of what life is like in a racing stable, which will help her, in the long run, decide which area of the industry she would like to focus on. I am also a big supporter of what TIC has set out to achieve for the betterment and longevity of racing, and we are currently supporting them by donating 10% of every ANR merchandise sale that we make.”
Applications for the 2022 February intake of the Explorer Program can be made via http://tbindustrycareers.com.au/overview/.
The program is open to young people across Australia (18-24yrs), with or without industry or horse experience and applications close mid-November 2021.
