Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria (TBV) have launched the Victorian Breeding Academy.
The Academy has been established to entice the next generation into the Victorian Thoroughbred industry.
The Academy will offer both formal and informal educational courses for those who would like to be involved in the industry and will commence in March with a nationally recognised Certificate IV in Agriculture.
Subjects will be focussed on equine breeding, as well as leadership and pasture management. Students will gain a solid foundation in subjects such as foaling down, nutritional needs for horses, handling horses safely and caring for horses.
Students will be enrolled in the Certificate IV of Agriculture as trainees for one year with Victorian farms. They will spend one-week blocks at Cornwall Park, Toolern Vale, where they will gain the vital hands on experience needed.
The Certificate IV is the first stage of TBV’s strategic plan, with TBV’s vision to qualify existing staff in the industry, if they desire, as well as other formal pathways for students to enrol in.
The Certificate IV complements the existing well received informal educational webinars which TBV have been running for the last few years.
TBV believe that both formal and informal education is vital for participants and are planning to expand on the informal educational webinars mid-year for Victorian breeders.
“The launch of the Victorian Breeding Academy is a very exciting time for everyone at TBV and the wider industry. Everyone at TBV is so passionate about the future of our industry and ensuring we attract new entrants,” commented Charmein Bukovec – TBV Executive Officer.
“There are already so many great options available across Australia and we are excited to provide the first formal hands-on pathway in Victoria,” she said.
TBV are currently looking for expressions of interest from both potential trainees and also from farms who would like to employ a trainee for the duration of the course.
“As an industry, we need to ensure we are giving the next generation, a great foundation coupled with the skills and opportunities to excel and grow. We are responsible for enticing new entrants into our wonderful industry. We can’t sit back for people to turn up at our doors, we need to highlight the benefits and international opportunities which exist,” she said.
To highlight these pathways, which are on offer in Victoria and wider Australia, TBV, in collaboration with the Australian Chinese Jockey Club and Musk Creek, will be conducting an educational pathway event ahead of the Inglis Melbourne Premier sale on Wednesday the 23rd of February at the complex from 4pm. For anyone interested, they can register here.
You can learn more about the Victorian Breeding Academy or to register your interest, by clicking here.
