Early Career Programmes & Apprenticeships

Depending on what stage you are in your career, there are many early career programmes and training courses available in Horseracing. For example, you could study for an Apprenticeship.

Many of these courses are free and a fantastic way to get to know your way around the world of horseracing. They will put you in a great position to secure your first job or move on to a more formal training qualification.

If you want to work directly with horses, these might be of interest:

Foundation Training (leading to an Apprenticeship)

If you are still at school and looking for your next step after leaving, you could consider applying for foundation training in racehorse care at either National Horseracing College or The British Racing School. You will then go on to complete an apprenticeship whilst working in a racing yard. Similar options are available if you live in Scotland, via the Scottish Racing Academy.

Thoroughbred Industry Access Course 

This course is tailored for those who wish to pursue a career in the Thoroughbred industry but do not have practical experience. It is ideal for those who want to work with racehorses but don’t want to ride. The programme is run at the National Stud in Newmarket, usually starting in October each year. Recent graduates are currently working at Darley, Cheveley Park Stud, Juddmonte, Newsells Park and Watership Down Stud, among others.

Found out more, click here.

If other aspects of the sport interest you, such as racecourse management, media, regulation, marketing, etc., you could try one of the following.

British Horseracing Development Programme 

The British Horseracing Development Programme (formerly the British Horseracing Graduate Development Programme) has a strong reputation across the industry. It begins with a two-week induction, followed by a paid placement of at least eight weeks, and often longer.

The programme has run for over 30 years and continues to provide a valuable source of talent for the sport and its wider industry. In 2021, the industry renamed it as an early careers programme, now open to candidates with degrees, higher apprenticeships, or equivalent skills and experience.

To gain entry onto this programme, you will need to be successful at an assessment centre. Even if you are not successful, you still get career support from the careersinracing team and the opportunity to attend careers seminars and events.

Find out more, click here.

Step on Track Programme

The Step on Track Programme supports underrepresented groups in British racing and offers a great opportunity to explore a range of career paths in horseracing. This free programme targets 16–25-year-olds from ethnic backgrounds and focuses on administrative careers such as marketing, media, regulation, and event management.

Those who join the programme will have access to several events and activities running throughout the year, including insight days, industry trips, networking, careers support and much more.

Find out more, click here.

The Racing Media Academy

The Racing Media Academy is for those people who love the idea of working in racing, sports, and media.  It gives its students the opportunity for work experience and training within racing’s top media houses. The programme starts with an intensive week’s training at the British Racing School, where students will get an insight into the world of horse racing and learn about the different areas of the media.

The Racing Media Academy is accessible to anyone over the age of 18 and is entirely free with a paid placement. All you need to do is complete the simple application process.

Find out more, click here.