With the Spring Internship theory online learning soon commencing, the Academy is now actively taking expressions of interest for the next Summer Intern Program —beginning in 2024 with the one week of practical experience coinciding with the Warwick Farm yearling sales. Following the huge success of our last summer program with interns having the opportunity to experience the Inglis sales, we are certainly looking forward to our next intake of interns.
August was a very busy and exciting period for the Silverdale Academy. We facilitated two RIEP school industry tours with the Illawarra and Western Sydney regions which saw 60 students have the opportunity to explore the industry. The RIEP programs allow school children to explore career options in the thoroughbred and racing industry; the success and demand for these programs have been extremely encouraging.
Following on from the success of our Illawarra Region programs, we are hoping to run a unique one-week work experience program which will be held at Silverdale Farm later in the year, with students from 2023 tours to be selected for a one-week work experience internship. We hope following our work experience program, students can have a clearer understanding of the career and study pathways ahead of them as they transition out of school. Their first opportunity will be to complete the 6-week intern program and go on to traineeships next year.
This is extremely exciting progress being made, and we are grateful for the support of Neil Bessant and Jennifer Watts, RIEP Illawarra, and Rhonda Stone, RIEP Western Sydney. They put so much passion and effort into helping school children discover their career opportunities and connecting them with industry. Together we are investing in the future careers of so many young people.
Silverdale Academy Summer Intern Program
We are now taking expressions of interest for the Summer Internship Program commencing early 2024 with dates yet to be confirmed
Where: The Internship Program will be delivered via online learning for five weeks plus a one-week practical horse handling assessment at Warwick Farm Racecourse during the Inglis sales.
What are you waiting for? Click the button below to register your interest NOW!
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
Expression of Thanks
The Silverdale Academy has had the incredible opportunity to work with the wonderful Bec Stepetz and the Ciaron Maher Racing Team. They have been instrumental in ensuring our interns receive an in-depth experience working in a training stable. We have had numerous interns know by the end of their course that they know what they want to do – working in a stable. Bec and the team are one of our number one supporters and genuinely engage with our programs. They value the professionalism of our programs, so much so, they have had one of their young staff come through our program.
CMR actively invests in the development of their staff to ensure the retainment of staff with the best team possible for the success of their business.
Recruitment of Interns
If you are looking to employ young graduates from our intern programs, please contact Danielle Tiller on 0407877022 or dtiller@silverdalefarm.com.au. We would like to be able to provide our graduates with work experience opportunities, traineeships or long-term employment opportunities in the industry.
Silverdale Academy Graduate Spotlight
Each month we like to highlight Academy graduates that are out in the workforce.
This month’s graduate is Tom Moran.
Tom was one of our star interns from the February 2023 cohort of interns. Tom had an incredible knowledge of pedigrees and a passion for pursuing a career in breeding. The February 2023 cohort coincided with the Inglis sales, and Tom turned up with his sales book in hand and ready to follow the sales. Steve Grant was thrilled to be able to impart his knowledge on how Silverdale study their pedigrees.
Tom impressed the Silverdale team with his passion and maturity, and allowed him to be supported through his Cert III in Horse Breeding via a traineeship and building his career in thoroughbred breeding. With the breeding season upon us, he has now had the opportunity to experience foaling and prepare for Yearling parades and sales. Working on a thoroughbred farm can be incredibly rewarding and provides the chance to gain a well-rounded knowledge of the evolution of the horse in the breeding and racing industry. Tom now also provides career chats and inspires our students and interns who come through our programs. Tom has a bright future ahead of him.
Profile of the Month
Silverdale Academy has been fortunate to work with a true gentleman in the industry. Mark Jones, Track Manager for ATC, assists generously with the Silverdale Intern Program at Warwick Farm in ensuring our interns have an in-depth experience of careers at race tracks. In particular, the many different career opportunities. Whether it be his career chats with interns, track tours and watching barrier trials, gardening, maintenance, swimming pool exercising, or connecting us with Jockey and trainers, he is always a delight to work with. We value his experience and support.
How did you get into ATC?
My Father-in-law trained a small team of horses at Warwick Farm Racecourse. The racecourse was looking for Ground Staff, so I successfully applied for a position. Before I became involved in the industry, I enjoyed watching the races. I was captivated by the sport but had no idea how many employment opportunities there were in this industry.
How long have you been working with ATC?
I have been working in the racing industry for 34 years. I started my journey at Warwick Farm Racecourse. After 18 years, I was fortunate enough to be allowed to work for the Sydney Turf Club at Canterbury Park and then Rosehill Gardens as the Assistant Racecourse Manager. The Racecourse Manager’s role became available at Warwick Farm Racecourse, so I applied successfully. It was a dream come true, returning to Warwick Farm.
What does the role of a Racecourse manager entail?
A Racecourse Manager’s role is very diverse. You are responsible for maintaining all tracks and gardens throughout the race course, including turf, synthetic and sand tracks. Leading up to a race meeting, the Racecourse Manager’s role is to rate the track each morning, including weather conditions, rainfall and irrigation applied. There are also some media commitments. Liaising with the Stewards, Racing Officials and Trainers is also necessary. You are also responsible for a large number of staff, machinery and equipment required to maintain all tracks and gardens.
What are you most passionate about in the industry?
I am passionate about the horses and the people in the industry. The trainers, owners, trackwork riders and strappers all have one common goal: the love of the thoroughbred. I feel very fortunate to be involved in this industry.
Testimonials
We love to hear back from our Interns about their experience at the Silverdale Academy. Hear from three of our recent graduates below;
“My Name is Sevasti. I was in this year’s Winter internship program. I would like to thank you for this fantastic opportunity to experience what the horse industry has to offer. I appreciate the time you took out of your schedule to let us see how amazing your farm runs. Thank you again.”
“I would just like to take a minute to reach out and say thank you for such a fantastic week. It was a very motivating and rewarding five days, which has put me in good stead for my future. Beforehand, I had never handled a horse, let alone apply gear or muck out a box. Through this internship, I have added a skill set that I will find helpful. Thank you, Linda and Dave, for such excellent teaching; I never felt nervous through your confidence and support. Thank you to Danielle for all your behind-the-scenes work; it was a very organized and smoothly run week. And finally, thank you to Steve. Your initiative to set up this internship has paved a new pathway for where I want to go in my career, and I will not be the only one to say that. I can only admire the effort you’ve put into establishing Silverdale Farm, and your mindset/attitude towards life is evident throughout the farm and your employers.”
“I will not forget those five days anytime soon, and I hope to be in touch with you all again. Thank you. Stephen”
Coming Up!
RIEP School Week Experience
RIEP helps schools build relationships with employers to strengthen the link between the classroom and the workplace, providing enhanced student career development opportunities.
Following a successful launch in 2023 of our essential school careers tours, we are hoping to present a selection of students an opportunity to participate in a 1-week work experience internship at Silverdale Farm. They will have the chance to meet with some key leaders in the industry and gain hands-on experience in various fields in the racing and breeding industry.
Undoubtedly, we will see some future students from the Illawarra region commence their journey in the industry after they graduate from school at the end of the year.
Next Internship Program:
Beginning of 2024 – registrations of interest are open now.
Schools Week Internship
Illawarra Schools Industry – TBC
Special Announcement
Silverdale Academy is currently working on a new and exciting program to be launched in 2024. Stay tuned for further details.
