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Not-for-profit organisation Thoroughbred Industry Careers has taken an important step forward in its quest to guide and mentor young Australians into careers within the Australian thoroughbred industry.

Thirty young horse-enthusiasts from around Australia convened at the Australian Racing and Equine Academy at Richmond in NSW to commence the inaugural Thoroughbred Industry Careers ‘Explorer Cadetship’ Program.

The Explorer Cadetship Program is designed to provide an educational pathway which will prepare young people for the many career options offered by Australian thoroughbred breeding and racing.

The program begins with a three-month practical and theoretical learning block at the Australian Racing and Equine Academy at Richmond,while students reside at Western Sydney University's Richmond campus.

Each student will then be assigned to a leading trainer where they will spend 4.5 months on their first paid work experience in a racing stable, followed by 4.5 months on a leading stud farm.

Mentoring and guidance will continue after graduation to help students find suitable opportunities in the areas that particularly interest them.

The program focuses not only on horsemanship but also life skills, manners, and etiquette, with Hall of Fame trainer Gai Waterhouse volunteering to conduct these classes herself.

This training program is part of a wider push by the not for profit organisation Thoroughbred Industry Careers, established in 2018 to promote career pathways into the industry and introduce new educational opportunities for young people.

Leading thoroughbred employers Adrian Bott/Gai Waterhouse Racing, Arrowfield Stud, the Australian Turf Club, Chris Waller Racing, Godolphin Australia, Lindsay Park Racing and McEvoy Mitchell Racing are among those offering knowledge and expertise to TIC.

TIC also acknowledges RNSW for their support of the program along with Inglis, Ranvet and Magic Millions for their sponsorship of the Cadets’ uniforms, the provision of breakfast each morning during the 12-week training and for providing financial assistance towards tuition fees for those students coming from states outside of NSW.

Gai Waterhouse said, “The Explorer Program, for young horse enthusiasts, who are keen to learn about our industry, is a brilliant concept and one which Adrian and I embrace enthusiastically. We can't wait to meet this exciting group of young people and help them develop their potential. Great for them, very good for racing."