Stud Start Applications Open

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) has today opened applications for its successful Stud Start program, which provides a gateway for people with little or no previous experience to enter the breeding industry.

Fully funded by TBA, Stud Start was launched last year to compliment TBA’s flagship training program, Fast Track, and is designed for people – particularly in rural areas – who are looking for a career change or to re-enter the workforce, who are keen to pursue a career in the thoroughbred breeding sector.

Successful applicants will be inducted into a six-week taster program that combines online learning with an intensive week-long learning block in Scone (NSW).

During the week in Scone, students will receive class-based education and hands-on experience with horses, which puts into practice the online lessons they have completed over the previous five weeks. Other activities include farm visits, hearing from guest speakers and networking opportunities.

On conclusion of the six-week course, participants will have completed three units of competency which can be used in their Certificate III in Horse Breeding, should they choose to pursue this qualification.

The aim is to provide participants with the basic skills, knowledge and contacts necessary to take their first steps towards joining Australia’s thriving breeding industry.

“Stud Start will provide successful participants the confidence and skills to enter a career within thoroughbred industry. This year we are excited to offer not only face-to-face learning but a hybrid structure of online study and hands-on practice throughout the six weeks, which is a development from the launch of the program in 2023,” says Madison Tims, TBA’s education and projects manager.

“The course structure provides the foundational horse skills needed to begin a career on farm as well as putting trainees on a path to securing a formal qualification.”

TBA is encouraging any interested parties to apply for the program by Friday, 17th May. Successful applicants will commence their online learning from Monday, 17th June, with the course ending on Monday, 22nd July.

Following the online learning component, students will participate in an intensive course at TAFE in Scone from Wednesday, 24th July to Wednesday, 31st July.

Students will be provided with accommodation during the week in Scone. Depending on the participant’s travel requirements, financial assistance may also be provided.

“Thoroughbred Breeders Australia are always looking for new initiatives to bring people into the breeding sector. This is a national program designed to provide an opportunity for those seeking a career change or looking to re-enter the workforce to get a job with horses,” says TBA chief executive, Tom Reilly.

In addition to Stud Start, TBA also runs Fast Track, a 12-month traineeship program that places students in full time employment on stud farms around the country while they study for the Certificate III in Horse Breeding – a nationally recognised formal qualification. Now in its seventh year, the 2024 Fast Track intake is set to commence in late May.

For enquiries about the Stud Start program or Fast Track, please contact Madison Tims at madison@tbaus.com or by phone on 0405 535 436.

Start your Stud Start application here.