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 racing and put you in a great position to get your first job or go onto 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 and 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.

Equine Student Progression Programme 

If you have already studied at an Equine College, you might feel that you need more training specific to horseracing ahead of applying for jobs at a Racehorse Trainer’s yard and we are now working with the British Racing School to deliver the Equine Student Progression Programme for Equine College graduates.

The programme is an intensive 7-week training course and will teach participants how to ride and look after racehorses. Upon successful completion of the seven-week training course, participants will be placed into employment at a Racehorse Trainer’s yard.

Find out more, click here.

Entry to Stud Employment 

The Entry to Stud Employment programme 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. 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 known as the British Horseracing Graduate Development Programme) is well known and highly regarded throughout the British Horseracing industry.  A two-week induction programme is followed by a paid placement of at least 8 weeks, sometimes longer.

This Programme, which has been running for over for 30 years, provides an invaluable source of talent to the sport and its supporting industry.  The Programme was renamed in 2021 and is now an early careers programme suitable for candidates with Degrees, Higher Apprenticeships or equivalent skills and capabilities.  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 careers 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 has been developed to support underrepresented groups in British Racing and to give a fantastic opportunity to explore the range of careers routes in the sport of horseracing. This is a free development programme for 16 – 25-year-olds from ethnic backgrounds and will focus on careers in the administrative side of the sport, such as marketing, media, regulation, and event management.

Those that join the programme will have access to several events and activities rolling 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 for those people who love the idea of working in racing, sports, and media.   The Racing Media Academy gives its students the opportunity for work experience and training within racing’s top media houses. An intensive week’s training has been designed 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 our simple application process to be in with a shout of being one of our first 10 candidates.

Find out more, click here.