THE Academy

The thoroughbred racehorse industry is Australia’s third biggest industry and employs over 75,000 people and generates $5 billion per year to the Federal Economy. The aim of the Academy is to provide early integrated learning for all future participants across all aspects of the industry.

For many years, Steve has dreamt of creating a thoroughbred training centre that focuses on the horses and the people. He has spent time inspected training facilities in other racing jurisdictions worldwide, such as Changi, Singapore and Dubai.

The programs offered by The Silverdale Academy are a culmination of wide-ranging formal education and training resources and contributions from many visionary industry leaders looking to improve industry participant training and knowledge.

“The Silverdale Academy was founded in 2021 by Silverdale Farm’s Steve Grant. “

The Silverdale Academy Intern Program

Fully subsidised

Hands-on learning with combined related theory.

Full day excursion to the racetrack.

Opportunities to learn from and engage with industry professionals.

For school leavers, 16 years and mature age.

In conjunction with TAFE NSW, The Silverdale Academy Internship provides enthusiastic students the opportunity to participate in an immersive six-week learning experience. The program outcomes are designed to introduce students to the career opportunities within the breeding, racing or other sectors of the horse industry. A five-week online theory component is delivered via Connected Classroom, followed by one week on the farm.

This program provides insights into various job roles and the numerous study pathways associated with a career in the horse industry. Participants include those already involved/interested in the horse industry or those that want to experience industry work and gain an understanding of potential job possibilities and outcomes.

Leadership & Management Training

The Leadership and Management courses provides breeding and racing managers with leadership and mentoring skills. To register your interest contact dtiller@silverdalefarm.com.au

School Visits

The Silverdale Academy in partnership with RIEP (Regional Industry Education Partnerships) provides the opportunity for secondary schools to host single-day excursions to Silverdale Farm, in the NSW Southern Highlands.

RIEP connect employers and secondary schools to learn about jobs and pathways to employment. They develop new skills and employer networks, allowing them to make informed decisions about their career pathways. Employers have the opportunity to educate students about their industry and actively participate in the development of talent pipelines.

Trainees

The Silverdale Academy is now assisting Intern Graduates with employment opportunities under traineeships in the Thoroughbred industry. Our interns are now transitioning into work across a diverse network of businesses in the Industry.

Horticulture

For students interested in studying farm husbandry and horticulture, The Silverdale Academy’s Horticulture Program provides an effective and hands-on opportunity for study.

Testimonials

"It is simply amazing that our intern group experienced that week on the farm, the significance of Silverdale Academy and to have it recorded for prosperity thanks to Thoroughbreds Are Go. It seems even more special now that we've had a little time away and not so overwhelmed by "everything" . I can't thank you enough for all you have accomplished too to create such a unique course and experience. THANK YOU."

"Every sale, I am going through every pedigree, this includes sales in Australia, France, Ireland, England, Japan, and America, picking out horses, learning more about stallions, seeing trends in shapes and sexes, what tracks and distances suits stallion’s progeny. I have done my own study, read articles and learning as much as I can through books, but now looking towards a more accredited learning, able to get feedback, learn from professionals and get hands on within the industry. I have admired your farm for a few years, driving past and seeing the lovely facilities and beautiful horses. If granted this opportunity, I am enthusiastic to learn and take as much value as I can from this program."

Upcoming
Opportunities

“The Silverdale Academy was founded in 2021 by Silverdale Farm’s Steve Grant. “

Silverdale Academy Internship Program
Australian Turf Club 2024

About your study:

Silverdale Academy with TAFE NSW is offering immersive Horse Industry short fully accredited courses that includes five day on site Internships. This program aims to provide participants with an understanding combined with related experience at breeding farms and race tracks. Interns will have the opportunity to be involved in hands on activities, coupled with knowledge and theory sessions across the program. Choose from programs run at Silverdale Farm and Warwick Farm Race Track.

The programs are designed to introduce interns to the roles and responsibilities of a career working with horses. It provides insight into the industry as a whole, encompassing safe horse handling, feed preparation, stable duties, racing, horse care and general health and welfare of horses.

Whilst studying at TAFE NSW and the Silverdale Academy, you can earn a Nationally recognised Industry qualification. Your career will get the best start possible for a range of horse industry positions! The Internship program gives you a qualification that enables you to move into any sector of the horse industry with the
opportunity to keep adding further qualifications building credentials that are fit for Industry requirements.

Nationally Recognised Qualifications include:

ACMEQU217 Load and unload horses
ACMEQU212 Handle horses safely
ACMEQU313 Work safely in equine workplaces
ACMGAS202 Participate in workplace communications

Course includes:

Tuition, training, experience and networking with industry professionals in a real world environment, leading to employment with potential of a life long career in any sector of the horse industry.

IMPORTANT DATES 2023/2024

Next Internship Programs

Silverdale Farm

Where – Five weeks online learning & one week at Silverdale Farm

Online learning – 25 March – 31 May 2024

Practical learning – 06 – 10 May 2024

Registrations – Registrations open 30th November.

For more details contact:

Linda Molloy
TAFE NSW Goulburn & Moss Vale
Equine Teacher, Silverdale
Academy Internship Coordinator
Agribusiness South

M: 0400 377 811
E: linda.molloy@tafensw.edu.au

The Silverdale Academy encourage early learning in the industry and Thoroughbred Breeders Australia have a great online free learning resource for people who are new to the industry, want to join the industry or want to learn the basic skills and knowledge required to breed and raise happy, healthy and fast horses.

If you are thinking of undertaking the Silverdale Academy Intern program, this resource can provide you with a basic horse handling knowledge.

Start your journey on Horse Handling Course

THE Academy