A new program aiming to improve training and employment opportunities in the Upper Hunter thoroughbred equine breeding industry has been launched in Scone on Monday, November 22.
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The 'Thoroughly Schooled Program' has been developed through the NSW government's Regional Industry Education Partnerships program in collaboration with the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association (HTBA) and Tafe NSW.
The HTBA said the program aims to expose Year 10 students to different areas of the thoroughbred industry and help them to build practical skills.
16 students from senior schools across the Upper Hunter will take part in the two-week program, which will include a week spent at the Scone TAFE campus to gain basic horse skills.
The HTBA said the program will also include "visits to the Scone Equine Hospital, Racing Australia Genetics Research Centre and visiting two world-class thoroughbred stud farms".
The excursions would allow students to discover and learn about the thoroughbred industry and allow them to connect with current industry employers and employees, highlighting potential career pathways, according to the HTBA.
The program concludes with a one-week work experience component which the HTBA said would open up "future job opportunities in this grown sector" which would be "advantageous to both the students and the stud-farms".
The HTBA said the team behind the program hope to see 'Thoroughly Schooled' expanded to eventually attract students from the Lower Hunter and across NSW in 2022.
