Stablehand Job Ready Program – Pathway to Employment in Racing Free 3-Week Training & Work Placement Program

Want to turn your love of horses into a paid job?

Team Thoroughbred NSW Training Academy Job Ready Programs are an ongoing statewide initiative designed to train new people for real jobs in the thoroughbred racing industry.

Programs are being delivered across NSW racing regions, combining practical training, work placement and direct connections with racing employers to help participants develop the skills, confidence and industry experience needed to transition into paid employment.

The next Stablehand Job Ready Program begins in Scone on 7 September 2026, with only limited places remaining.

This free three-week program is designed specifically as a pathway into stablehand employment. Participants are trained in the practical skills racing employers are looking for before completing work placement within a working thoroughbred racing stable.

Further Job Ready Programs will continue to be delivered across NSW based on participant interest and local industry workforce needs.

What does the program involve?

Successful applicants will complete:

• Two weeks of hands-on training at the Team Thoroughbred Training Academy in Scone
• One week of work placement with a thoroughbred racing trainer
• Practical training in horse handling and care
• Daily racing stable routines and operations
• Workplace safety and industry expectations
• Direct exposure to racing employers and potential employment opportunities

The pathway to a job

The Job Ready Program has been developed to help new people move from training into employment within the racing industry.

Participants first develop the practical skills and confidence employers are looking for, before completing work placement in a working racing stable.

The aim is to connect job-ready participants directly with racing trainers who are actively looking for staff, giving suitable participants the opportunity to transition from work placement into paid stablehand employment.

Who should apply?

We would love to hear from you if you:

• Love horses and would like to work with them professionally
• Are looking for your first job or a new career
• Are a school leaver considering your next step
• Want practical, hands-on training
• Are reliable, willing to learn and interested in joining a racing stable team

No previous racing stable experience is required, and the program is completely FREE for participants.

 Interested?

If you’re interested in starting a career working with thoroughbred racehorses, apply now by submitting an Expression of Interest HERE or contact us via rstepetz@racingnsw.com.au

If the September Scone dates don’t suit, we still encourage you to register. Expressions of Interest help Racing NSW identify participant demand, preferred locations and industry workforce needs to determine where future Job Ready Programs will be delivered across NSW.

Turn your interest in horses into skills, experience, and a pathway to employment in racing.