NSW Thoroughbred Workforce Development Project

Media Release - Friday April 8

Thoroughbred Breeders’ NSW is calling for 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 four locations across the state: Scone, Newcastle, Warwick Farm 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.

2021 Thoroughly Schooled work experience Group

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

Advertisement

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 four locations - Scone, Newcastle, Warwick Farm 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.

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

Advertisment
More Reading...
Wakefield Gears Up for Another Busy Season
Wakefield Stud is preparing for another busy breeding season in 2025, as the business continues its re-emergence in the industry after coming under new ownership in 2024.
Glorious Goodwood Day 1- Bluebloods, Bargains and Tragedy
The famed Glorious Goodwood meeting got underway overnight with three Group races contested that saw all of the favourites rolled with a new G1 winner for Justify, a first stakes-winner for a young Frankel sire son and a return to form for Golden Eagle winner Lake Forest.
Closer Look at Written Tycoon – The Golden Crop Delivers
The sun might be setting on the stud career of Written Tycoon, but he’s not going into the twilight years quietly and is set to be crowned Champion Australian 3YO Sire this season, which is probably something predicted by many when he got the opportunity of a lifetime to cover at Arrowfield Stud for one season in 2020.
Exceedance 2yo Express Class Surprises On Debut
Surprisingly unwanted in the betting, having won two of his four jumpouts prior to making his debut, the Gerard Maloney trained Exceedance 2yo Express Class got the better of the race favourite to make a winning debut in the Sportsbet Race Previews Handicap (1000m) and Sandown.
Promising Tagaloa Winner
Wyong trainer Kristen Buchanan went to Warwick Farm on Wednesday hoping she had a horse with a bright future and now she knows she has after two year-old colt Tambeloa relished a step up in trip to break his maiden.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Rosehill
This will be the last Juvenile Trial Watch story for this season with all these youngsters to turn three on Friday and there was plenty of action with eight heats won by 2YOs and two more of this season’s G3 2YO’s North England and Memo stepping out against the older G1 stars.
Stallion Shares in Cool Aza Beel Offer Rare Opportunity via Magic Millions Virtual Sale
Breeders will have a timely chance to invest in one of Australia’s most exciting young stallions next week, with two individual stallion shares in Cool Aza Beel to be offered via the Magic Millions Virtual Sale on Tuesday, August 5.
Savabeel Stakes-Winner in the Making
A patient approach with Force Of Nature is being rewarded in spades, with the son of Savabeel winning his way toward black-type assignments.
Steve Davis Awarded NZTBA Personality of the Year
Bloodstock auctioneer and media personality Steve Davis has been honoured as the 2025 NZTBA Personality of the Year, in recognition of a lifetime of contribution to the New Zealand thoroughbred breeding industry.
Tenth Winner for Kings Legacy
King’s Legacy has had a promising start to his stud career with his tenth winner arriving on Tuesday while at the Rosehill trials one of his unraced youngsters produced a slick trial win to hold out Group performing colts Skyhook and West of Swindon.