Keep up to date with all the industry careers news, from new initiatives and training courses to the latest new features on this very website.

A further placement opportunity added to the Graduate Development Programme 2010 - applications close in under 3 weeks!

Yet another placement opportunity has been added to the already impressive list for this summer's Graduate Development Programme with Tattersalls. This is a placement for someone with an interest in thoroughbred pedigrees and sales. Based in Newmarket, it typically provides an opportunity to work in one of the world's greatest auction companies over a period leading up to one of their premier autumn sales. Full details on the placements and the Programme in general can be found under our 'Training Courses' section, including how to apply. Applications close on 20th February!

New placement opportunity added to the Graduate Development Programme 2010  

A further placement has been added to this year's Graduate Development Programme at Newton Abbott Racecourse. For those whose ultimate ambition is to be a racecourse manager, this placement is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable experience in all areas of running a small racecourse. Full details on the placements and the Programme in general can be found under our 'Training Courses' section, including how to apply. Hurry though, as applications close on 20th February!

Congratulations to all of the following who received qualifications in December

British Racing School
NVQ Level 2:
Ricky Alleyne, Reece Coulson, George Downing, Effie Gray, Rosie Alice Mckee, Laura Peddie, Jack Michael Quinlan, Maria Rodin, Byron Rushworth, Glynn James Smith Maryann Wall, Jonathan David Willetts, Sinead Woolf

NVQ Level 3:
Caroline Fryer, Christopher James Martin, James Roderick Millman, Anton Moyiseyenko, Helena Ann Warbrick

Northern Racing College
NVQ Level 1:
Hannah Pitcher

NVQ Level 2:
Joe Colliver, Alistair Andrew Rawlinson, Simone Woods 

National Stud
NVQ Level 2:
Lewis Abbott

NVQ Level 3:
Susan Corbett

Haddon Training Ltd.
NVQ Level 3:
Daniel Kubler

Walford & Shropshire College
NVQ Level 1:
Katie Lamb, Gary Peel

The Farriery Training Agency
Level 3 Farriery:
Dominic Michael Blades, Oliver John Meadows, Ross Derrick Parker, Christopher Michael Searl, Benjamin Paul Senders, Edward Christopher Watts 

British Grooms Association launches support for Employers

Keep up to date with all the industry careers news, from new initiatives and training courses to the latest new features on this very website. The British Grooms Association (BGA) has proudly launched the Equine Employers Handbook, the first ever dedicated guide to employing staff in the equestrian industry.

Made possible due to a £4,400 Grant from the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, the BGA has worked tirelessly with Morrish Solictors LLP to pull together this easy-to-use problem solver. It addresses the everyday and more infrequent issues that every employer needs to deal with, from recruiting to discipline and termination, employment facts, sickness and employee relations. Tailored pecifically to the challenges of the equine industry, the Handbook includes: Case Studies, Sample letter templates, Practical handy tips, Useful links, The legal facts, Check lists.

Executive Director, Lucy Katan, explained more: "The realisation that the Equine Employers Handbook was going to be possible happened thanks to the 2009 National Equine Forum. I was honoured to speak for the second time at this prestigious event and after my presentation the Worshipful Company of Saddlers offered to support our project. As the BGA is a Social Enterprise we have always had a vision that to help the grooms, we must also offer support and guidance to employers - this Handbook fulfills this ambition. We have not used any of our members' funds or association sponsorships to develop it; however any profits will go back into supporting the association.

Since its launch in 2007 the BGA has received countless requests for help from employers. "We have been contacted so many times, by really conscientious employers who are keen to employ their staff in the best possible way; they know it makes good business sense. We realised that there was nowhere else for equine employers to turn to for help, so decided to tackle this issue - for the ultimate benefit of the grooms", explained Lucy.
the Equine Employers Handbook has received unanimous support from all sectors of the industry. It has been endorsed by the BEF. Chief Executive Andrew Finding said: "The Equine Employers Handbook is an excellent, well researched and practical tool for any equine employer. As an industry we depend on our employees and our businesses reap the benefit if they are correctly managed. I am delighted that the British Grooms Association has undertaken this important work and I recommend the Equine Employers Handbook to all who seek to employ staff who do so much vital work within our industry."

Mary King was one of the first to see the Handbook and she has also offered her endorsement: "Having been an employer for many years I am thankful that at last there is an informative guide to employment relevant to the equestrian industry and its demands. The Equine Employers Handbook is full of useful information and advice. I would strongly urge all employers,no matter how experienced you are, to have a copy on your shelf. 

For more information and to purchase your copy of the Equine Employers Handbook for just £37.50, visit www.britishgrooms.org.uk

The British Racing School Expands the Racing Qualification for 14-16 year olds

From September 2010, the British Racing School is offering an opportunity for a limited number of young people aged 14 – 15 years to weekly board at the BRS for the final two years of their compulsory education. The scheme is brand new and will see these young people ride out each weekday morning, attend a local school for four days of the week where they will study for their GCSEs (or for the Land Based and Environment Diploma). One day a week will be devoted entirely to learning about and riding our ex-racehorses and by the end of the second year (Year 11), periods of which may be spent in a Newmarket trainer’s yard, they should have achieved their NVQ 2 in Racehorse Care.

This is a variation on our current Flexible Learning Programme which is available to young people at schools in the Newmarket area. We think this will appeal to those with a passion for racing but who live too far from Newmarket to travel daily. A number of promising young jockeys have been through our FLP programme, amongst them Luke Morris, Charles Eddery and William Carson. Parents will be required to cover the boarding costs (food, accommodation, supervision, travel to/from school) at the British Racing School which will be £8,000 per year. There are no tuition fees to pay. For more details please contact Duncan Gregory (Duncan@brs.org.uk) or Jaki Houston-Campbell (jakihc@brs.org.uk) or phone 01638 665103.

Nominations open for the Goldolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards 2010 

Trainers and studs with any questions should contact Kelly Barnes on 020 7152 0164 or email kbarnes@britishhorseracing.com.