New course on track with racing industry partnership
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between SWTAFE and the racing clubs this week to deliver the Certificate III in Racing (Track Rider) course.
Under the agreement Glenormiston will host the track rider component, while the practical aspects of the course will take place at the Camperdown and Terang racing clubs.
The two year qualification uses a traineeship model that engages students in job training and assessment, ensuring graduates are job ready.
South West TAFE chief executive officer Mark Fidge said he was pleased to be working with Racing Victoria and the local south west racing industry to return track rider training to Glenormiston and local racing tracks.
“I have no doubt this exciting initiative will ensure students are given a fantastic experience by our world class trainer Lisa Coffey who will not only focus on all aspects of track rider training but look at how each student can establish a long term sustainable career in this exciting industry.
“Our organisation looks forward to working with Camperdown and Terang racing clubs and broadening this initiative across Victoria as we work towards supporting the racing industry and their employees,” he said.
Camperdown and Terang racing clubs group manager Karen Van Kempen welcomed the initiative and said the excellent racing surfaces and facilities at the Camperdown and Terang racecourses would provide track riding students with a wonderful opportunity to learn and enhance their skills which would be of enormous benefit to trainers, owners and the entire racing industry within the region.
“Track riders are pivotal to the ongoing progression and growth of the racing industry and this investment in their education and training is a significant step forward in securing a strong racing industry in the south west of Victoria,” she said.
The track riding course starts in March and South West Trainers Association president Bill Wilde said he was delighted to hear of the course starting at Glenormiston.
“Along with the growth of horse racing in our region comes the need for more skilled track riders.
“The industry welcomes the provision of this quality training course which will provide jobs for riders not only in Victoria, but throughout the nation and will enhance workplace safety,” Mr Wilde said.
Minister for Training Gayle Tierney said the initiative was a great example of how TAFE was aligning training to the needs of the local industry.
“This is a proud day for the region and the significance of this partnership cannot be understated,” she said.
As part of the partnership with local racing clubs South West TAFE is also proud to be sponsoring apprentice jockey awards at this week’s Camperdown Cup and at upcoming races in Terang and Warrnambool.
To find out more about the track riding course and other agricultural courses being held at Glenormiston come along to an information session being held at the Glenormiston training facility on Monday, February 12 from 12pm to 2pm.