Silverdale Academy is excited to launch their first newsletter.
Over the past year, the Academy has gone from strength to strength, and we would like to take the opportunity to share our news and highlights with our supporters and readers.
Silverdale Academy Intern Program
We have just commenced our next Intern Program and students have started their five weeks of online learning with TAFE NSW, Moss Vale Campus, with their one-week practical experience to be completed at Warwick Farm Race Course (commencing 24 July).
Our immersive Horse Industry short course includes a five-day on-site internship. This program aims to provide participants with a theoretical understanding combined with related experience at Silverdale Farm. Interns will have the opportunity to be involved in hands-on activities, coupled with knowledge and theory sessions across the program. The program is designed to introduce interns to the roles and responsibilities of a career working with horses. It provides insight into the horse industry as a whole, encompassing horse breeding, spelling and agistment, racing, horse care, health and welfare, safe handling practices and general farm duties.
Whilst studying at TAFE NSW and the Silverdale Academy, you can you earn a nationally recognised industry qualification. Your career will get the best start possible for a range of horse industry positions! The Intern 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 to build credentials that are fit for industry requirements.
Nationally Recognised Qualifications include:
ACMEQU212: Handle horses safely
ACMEQU217: Load and unload horses
AHCWHS301: Contribute to work health and safety processes
ACMGAS202: Participate in workplace communication
Regional Industry Education Partnerships Program (RIEP)
This year the Silverdale Academy launched their RIEP schools careers tours with the Illawarra and Western Sydney regions. So far, we have had over 30 students come through and expect to have over 100 students by the end of the year.
We have been encouraged by the positive feedback and expressions of interest from schools, teachers and parents contacting us to further assist in the next steps for future study pathways and how they can lead to careers. We have since referred students onto Racing NSW for further study in Racing, and the Silverdale Academy Internship Program. The Future generation are passionate and ready to learn.
RIEP help schools build relationships with employers so that they can strengthen the link between the classroom and the workplace, providing enhanced career development opportunities for students.
We would like to thank Neil Bessant and Jennifer Watts (both pictured with our horse Joules), RIEP, training services representatives for getting our first careers tours off the ground. We are looking forward to a long and rewarding partnership together.
Contact your local RIEP office if you have interest in your school participating.
Next school tours:
Illawarra: 10th August, 5th September, 20th November* – Silverdale Farm
*20th November is a one-week work experience program with selection process
Western Sydney: 11th August – Warwick Farm
Contact: dtiller@silverdalefarm.com.au for further information.
Silverdale Star Speaker Recognition
We have so many incredible supporters from the industry who step in to volunteer their time and inspire our students and interns.
This week we would like to express our thanks to Sophie Baker (Client & Media Relations, EA to Chris Waller) from Chris Waller Racing. When we contacted Sophie to speak to our interns, she initially wondered what she would have to offer, coming from the administrative background. We encouraged her as she definitely has an important story to tell. Well… Sophie was a hit! The feedback from students was that Sophie was one of the most inspiring speakers they met.
Her experience and encouragement really stood out to the students. Sometimes we don’t realise the contributions we can make, and that, especially with younger people, we can have a lasting impact on someone’s life and inspire them to achieve great things.
The industry has such a large scope of careers available and we are so thankful that Sophie gave us insight into the important role of client and media relations.
When we asked our intern graduates: “Who was the most interesting person you meet during the Silverdale Academy Internship Program?”
“Sophie from Chris Waller Racing – she showed that you can do anything within the horse racing industry. This may be all hands on with the horses or it may be in the office. She said don’t be afraid to approach someone regarding possible jobs.”
“I have to say Sophie Baker, she was so real, so forward and had attitude with no boundaries when it came to knowing what she wanted and how she went about getting where she is today.. she was super encouraging (as they all were) but really emphasized on not holding back regardless of situation or age if its right its right and follow your dreams.”
“Sophie: found her story about putting yourself out there and not giving up when someone says “no” inspiring. She didn’t wait for opportunities, she created them. A lot of the other speakers said to take opportunities when they come, Sophie said make your own.”
Expression of thanks
We have so many people to thank. We are incredibly humbled by the industry’s volunteers who inspire and participate. We thank:
Australian Turf Club, Warwick Farm
Kembla Grange Racetrack
Racing NSW
Thoroughbred Breeders NSW
RIEP
TAFE NSW
Inglis Bloodstock
Coming up!
Royal Agriculture Society – AgVision
The Silverdale Academy was invited to attend this years AgVision Careers Expo on 28 June. One of the largest agricultural careers expo in Australia.
Alongside TAFE, NSW and ATC we will be hosting six workshops throughout the day with special guest Clerk of the Course horses – Ozzie and Cracker.
Pictured: Top – Cracker, Bottom – Ozzie.
Silverdale Academy Internship Program
Next Internship Program:
11 September to 27 October
(Practical at Warwick Farm Racecourse)
