It has been estimated that there are more than 50 different career paths in the horse racing industry and we want to help attract individuals from all walks of life to fulfil those roles. Horse racing is the second most
popular spectator sport in Scotland – and unlike many other countries, it operates as a year round sport. The five Scottish racecourses are Ayr, Kelso, Musselburgh, Perth and Hamilton Park which offer both flat and jump events. In 2018, they generated £23.9m, providing 180nfull time jobs. The Scottish Racing Academy has partnered with leading educational centres to help people learn the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in horse racing.

Courses on Offer
Schools Academy (Level 4 & Level 5)

– SCQF Level 4/5 – Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulations (OFQUAL)
Level 2 equivalent to meet regulations under the British Horseracing Authority
– Designed for 14-16 year olds who are at schools and have a keen interest in learning
about racehorses and how to look after them in a yard environment
– Delivered in conjunction with Borders College, our Schools Academy courses provide
an integrated approach to education, where senior phase pupils are given the
opportunity to learn a range of vocational skills, both practical and academic. This
provides them with a vocational pathway on to further and higher education at a
range of different levels

Level 5 (Stable Staff, Full Time or Part Time)
We offer a range of courses for those just starting out in the industry through to stable staff
who are well established within racing. We offer both work-based and college-based routes
in conjunction with Borders College and SRUC. These are delivered in a number of ways; for
the Full Time work-based option, learners will complete a minimum of 3 of the NPAs listed
below, the Full Time college-based option will complete the National Certificate in Horse
Care (Racing Route), and stable staff can complete any of the NPAs listed below alongside
working full time, uninterrupted. The various routes can be discussed upon application.
All Level 5 courses are detailed below:
– NPA in Racing Yard Routine
– NPA in Thoroughbred Preparation
– NPA in Specialist Racehorse Care
– NPA in Thoroughbred Exercise & Performance
– National Certificate in Horse Care (Racing Route) (college based)
All of these qualifications have been developed in consultation with Scottish trainers, and
aim to provide a pathway into a career in racing whether a learner is a newcomer to the
industry, or an established member of stable staff.

Following the completion of a Level 5 qualification, and 2 years industry experience,
learners can then progress on to our Level 6 qualification. This qualification consists of the
following NPAs:
– Horse Care
– Racehorse Care and Management
– Leadership for the Racehorse Industry
– Racehorse Exercise & Performance

The Level 6 qualification offers a pathway for career progression into senior yard roles,
racecourse work and training opportunities.