Written by Virginia Harvey, The Land
Silverdale gains momentum.
Now in its second year, the Silverdale Academy Intern Program, which is ran in conjunction with TAFE NSW, helps students gain knowledge and experience, which can lead to employment in the Australian Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry.
Its program includes a five-week online learning module before a one-week practical experience component which begins next Monday at Warwick Farm racecourse.
Pictured: The Winter Program Interns who recently completed their hands-on week at Warwick Farm and Silverdale Academy
Once completed, the program gives students a nationally recognised qualification that enables them to move into any sector of the horse industry with the opportunity to build further qualifications and credentials fit for any horse industry requirements. Some programs combine hands-on experience at Silverdale Farm, Avoca, Southern Highlands, and at Warwick Farm racecourse.
Encompassing all facets of the horse industry, from handling practices to breeding and marketing, the program is designed to introduce interns to the roles and responsibilities of a career working with horses. The Silverdale Academy also incorporates horse career paths aimed at school students.
This year saw the Silverdale Academy launch its Regional Industry Education Partnership Program (RIEPP) school career tours with the Illawarra and Western Sydney regions, which promotes industry jobs for students from year 10 to 12.
Image: Harrison Edwards
Run by the state government’s Training Services NSW, the RIEPP work together with school careers advisors. A recent success story of the Silverdale Academy is Harrison Edwards, who graduated in February 2023. Mr Edwards is employed by the Australian Turn Club in a multi-faceted role which includes race day and office work. He also undertakes bid-spotting during live auctions at Australia’s oldest operated horse auctioneers, Inglis at Warwick Farm.
