ITBA launch new scheme to attract younger people to the thoroughbred industry

The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association has launched its Next Generation Apprenticeship Scheme, with the aim of attracting young workers to the Industry and providing opportunities for career development.

Successful applicants, who are required to have a genuine interest in rural activity and in particular working with horses, will undergo a period of induction in early January before being placed on a stud farm from January 21 for the remainder of the year.

The Supporting Employment programme will offer up to ten individuals the opportunity of one year’s paid work on a stud farm.

“Over the last number of months we have been approached by our members highlighting the difficulty with recruiting entry level staff,” ITBA apprenticeship coordinator Isabelle Carroll said.

“We are very excited about the scheme, which is an invaluable opportunity for those interested in pursuing a career in the thoroughbred breeding industry.

“Together with mentoring students and on the job training the scheme will provide guidance throughout the year to maximise learning outcomes.”

Throughout the placement apprentices will learn the basic skills required to work on a stud farm, involving both personal and professional mentoring from an employer and the ITBA, while training days and seminars to assist with career development will also be included.

Applicants are required to register their interest by December 7. A selection process will then follow shortly after, with an induction course due to take place in early January before the start of the programme.

The application form is available to download on www.itbang.ie or across the ITBA’s social media platforms.

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