'Apprenticeships mean people like me have had a door opened' - how racing is creating pathways into the industry

The Jockey Club and the British Racing School have launched new pathways as part of National Apprenticeship Week, with racing organisations continuing to expand their efforts to get new people into the sport's workforce.

National Apprenticeship Week, which runs until Sunday, celebrates apprenticeships and shines a light on the impact they can make to individuals, businesses and the economy. It a different route into work from the traditional educational-based avenue of completing A-levels and moving on to university, with apprenticeships offering a more direct working experience, whether that be running social media accounts or a hands-on role with horses.

The British Horseracing Development Programme and the Racing Media Academy are fine examples of different routes into the sport, but the Jockey Club and British Racing School (BRS) are among many institutions offering apprenticeships. As part of National Apprenticeship Week, the Racing Post has explored what schemes run and the benefits of them, both to participants and the sport as a whole.

What schemes run?

The BRS has launched a two-year, non-residential foundation course, this week, which begins in September and will provide 16-18 year-olds with a level two Racehorse Care and Exercise qualification.

It will be based at the BRS's headquarters in Newmarket, where apprentices will work and ride the 70 horses there, as well as developing an understanding of racehorse health and welfare and stable management.

The BRS already runs the course in a residential format for six, 12 or 18 weeks depending on riding experience, where participants earn a level one diploma in racehorse care and management in their first year before a paid apprenticeship in a trainer's yard for their level two diploma.

The organisation also has a flexible learning programme for year ten and 11 students, with a day out of school once a week to work towards the level one diploma.

The Jockey Club's apprenticeship scheme launches on Friday. A minimum of five apprentices will be taken on for roles including information services, facilities management and ground maintenance.

The course will involve workplace experience, training courses and a "buddy" scheme to provide them with day-to-day support.

How is racing benefiting?

Organisations pride themselves on how their alumni does, but apprenticeships allow them to branch out into areas of society which have limited or no interaction with racing.

Andrew Braithwaite, chief executive of the BRS, said: "We live in a much more urbanised country and we want to make racing accessible for as many people as possible from all levels, with a structured pathway to follow.

"We're really starting to see the benefits of these with trainers. It's vital we're always wanting to do more to get racing on the front foot, and we've been to Epsom this week with horses and ponies to engage with a different cohort."

What's it like being an apprentice in the industry?

Sienna, 17, from south London, was part of the first Riding A Dream scholarship programme in 2021-22 and fell in love with horses and racing immediately.

She went on to do the BRS's 12-week foundation course after moving to Newmarket, and is now with trainer Charlie Fellowes. She is also close to completing her level two diploma.

"If you asked if I'd be doing something I love like this a few years ago, I'd laugh at you – it's been crazy," she said. "I've just booked my end-point assessment, and I didn't know all of this would come.

Sienna, 17, has thrived through her apprentice with the British Racing SchoolCredit: Alice Gough

"I saw a flyer at school about Riding A Dream and not many people from the city knew about racehorses, but it's brilliant being with like-minded people of all ages and backgrounds."

Had there not been apprenticeships, Sienna believes her career aspirations to work in racing after Riding A Dream would have been dashed.

She added: "Before, you could all have that common ground but find it impossible to get access. Having apprenticeships means people like me from inner-city boroughs have had a door opened.

"In school, we were made to feel like GCSEs and sixth form was the be-all and end-all. Apprenticeships are for people who don't like staring at a whiteboard, but instead you're doing hands-on work and learning all the time."

Where can you find further information?

Racing jobs and apprenticeships are posted on the Careers In Racing website, with a variety of positions regularly advertised.

Under its Early Careers & Education Apprenticeships part of its Training & Education section, information can be found for foundation training with the National Horseracing College and the Scottish Racing Academy. It also has details on the Entry to Stud Employment programme, which is run at the National Stud in Newmarket.

To get in touch with the British Racing School, you can email careers@brs.org.uk or click the links: foundation course, level two in Racehorse Care and Exercise and Flexible Learning programme. 

For more information on the Jockey Club's scheme, contact recruitment@thejockeyclub.co.uk.

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