The Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association (HTBA) in conjunction with Hunter TAFE, Youth Express and Rural Skills Australia proudly unveiled the EquiStart School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) last Thursday.

Principals and career advisors from schools across the valley attended the EquiStart SBAT launch at the Vinery Stud in Scone, which was followed by a tour of that farm and the Arrowfield and Darley studs.

Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association vice-president John Sunderland said the initiative was a rewarding collaboration between the industry and Hunter training and youth support organisations. 

“EquiStart comprises a two-year course where students remain at school for three days a week,” he told the Hunter Valley News.

“They’ll also spend one day at Hunter TAFE Scone Campus plus one fully-paid day on stud farms gaining hands-on practical skills and experience.

“The course will begin on October 8 to coincide with the start of the school term.”

Mr Sunderland said EquiStart demonstrated the association’s commitment to training and education.

“We’re working in partnership with training and school organisations to deliver pathways and real opportunities for young school students as future employees and, possibly, future leaders of our industry,” he said.

“This is an exciting initiative.

“Not only does this traineeship offer on and off the job training and units towards student HSC, but it also provides units that can be credited towards a student’s Australian Tertiary Admission Rank.

“I pay tribute to all those involved in this program, including our partners at the Hunter TAFE, Youth Express Rural Skills Australia and funding commitment from NSW and commonwealth education departments. 

“The HTBA is committed to encouraging young people to forge a career in the thoroughbred industry.

“The EquiStart traineeship is one example of this promise.”