By Darren Cartwright
A career path in the racing industry has become more attainable for Queensland high school students following the establishment of a dedicated college course on the Gold Coast.
Whether it be as a greenkeeper, steward or vet, a new partnership between Australian Industry Trade College and the Gold Coast Turf Club can turn their dream into a reality.
The bespoke Equine Industry QuickStart (Equine IQ) program starts in July, for Year 10 ATIC students, designed to educate and fast-track young people to become apprentices and trainees in their chosen field within the racing industry.
Equine IQ will offer school-based apprenticeships in their chosen field to fast-track their careers in Queensland’s racing industry, connecting students with employers and race clubs for work experience and placements.
This can all be achieved while a student completes Year 12 to gain their Queensland Certificate of Education.
It’s the first program of its nature in the Sunshine State and the bigger picture is to develop it into a racing education academy.
Despite persistent rain on a sunless Saturday last weekend, the inaugural Open Day at Aquis Elysian Field at Boyland on the Gold Coast still attracted a solid turnout.
About 20 families attended the event which included the chance for budding jockeys to experience the mechanical horse to test their riding technique and a visit to Aquis Farm.
Gold Coast Turf Club CEO Steve Lines said that often, outside of the industry, many think of racing careers in terms of stewards, trainers, and jockeys, but the industry is much more diverse.
Courses include marketing, event management and communications within an administration module, stewarding, veterinary, track maintenance, stable hand and stud hand.
“The equine industry has such a diverse occupation opportunity for many young people, and this is what we can do in the long term to bring people into our industry,” Mr Lines said.
“It’s not about having a bet, riding a horse. There are so many things and so many opportunities around this industry that provide the perfect breeding ground for an industry school.
“I don’t think people understand the diversity of the industry from vets to stewards to CEOs, to marketing. To even managers, to greenkeepers to people who make the leather straps for a saddle.
“We know, over time, this will be an outstanding outcome for the equine industry.”
The program was the ideal entry-level for students who had their heart set on being part of the racing industry, ATIC CEO Marks Hands.
He said the program was a revolutionary transforming school that aimed to set up racing career outcomes for students.
“It was set up as a school for young people with technical intelligence who may be didn’t want to go to university at 18, but were offered careers from horse breeding to hospitality to the building industry,” he said.