The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has today announced that applications are now open for the 2013 British Horseracing Graduate Development Programme.
The programme has been providing an invaluable training and development platform for graduates and employers alike for nearly 20 years. Around 300 graduates have completed the 10-week programme and many have subsequently gone on to successful and high profile careers within British Racing, while course sponsors have benefited from a regular intake of high calibre new employees.
Following the programme, graduates are well-positioned to begin a career within the Racing industry. Not only will many continue to work in Racing, but previous graduates have gone onto fill senior positions within a broad range of Racing organisations. Notable alumni of the graduate programme include Alan Delmonte, Operations Director (Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB)), Will Lambe, Head of External Affairs (BHA), Simon Clare, Director of Communications (Coral), Richard Norris, Group Racing Director (Jockey Club Racecourses), James Oldring, Operations and Events Director (British Champions Series) and Tim Kent, Director (Doncaster Bloodstock Sales).
One of the most recent and high profile success stories is 2002 Graduate Amy Starkey, who was this year appointed as a Regional Director for Jockey Club Racecourses, overseeing several racecourses, including the home of British Horseracing – Newmarket.
Speaking about the programme, Amy Starkey, Regional Director of Jockey Club Racecourses, said:
“The British Horseracing Graduate Development Programme is an excellent way in which university graduates can begin their careers in the exciting world of horseracing.
“I found the scheme invaluable as I became involved in the sport and look back on many of the wide-ranging aspects of the programme that assisted me.
“Quite a number of the people who have developed their careers in the management of Britain’s racecourses, including myself, came through the Graduate Development Programme and its positive influence is there for all to see.”
After candidates have completed a demanding application process due to the high demand for places, the scheme begins with a two-week residential course in Newmarket during July, where graduates take part in field trips and attend seminars by key Racing figures. The course not only helps graduates’ professional development, but also provides the opportunity to network with people from across the sport.
Graduates then begin an eight-week paid placement from one of the wide-ranging opportunities offered from sponsors within the industry. In 2012, placement opportunities included roles at BHA, HBLB, Racing Welfare, Racing Enterprises Ltd (Racing for Change), the Racecourse Association, the Racing Post, Timeform, the National Stud, Coral, Blue Square and Weatherbys, as well as several racecourses.
Further Information:
Applicants – Careers in Racing – the Industry Training and Recruitment department of the BHA – are now accepting applications and interested graduates are encouraged to visit www.careersinracing.com for further information on the programme, including how to apply and the recruitment process. Most graduates who take part on the scheme will have just finished their degree but recent graduates will also be considered.
Sponsors – There are still opportunities for employers to take part in the programme and to sponsor a placement in Summer 2013. To enquire about how to sponsor a placement or to find out more about the advantages of taking part in the programme, please contact Samantha Martin, Industry Training Associate, via [email protected] or call 020 7152 0019.