APPLICATIONS will open for the relaunched ITBA Next Generation Internship Scheme on Monday, with one level of the initiative open to those aged 18-30 and another for Transition Year students.

Past interns on the scheme, first established in 2011, have worked at sales companies, racecourses, leading stud farms and industry bodies before going on to have successful careers in the industry.

The relaunched ITBA Internship for those in the 18-30 bracket will be a year-long, fully-paid internship offering two successful candidates “invaluable experience working in three different industry areas for four months each”.

There will be two types of internship: one focusing on office placement and working with businesses within the industry, while the second will be a practical placement with work on stud farms offering hands-on experience.

The placements will begin in August ahead of the sales season and will be divided into three placements: August to December 2024, January to April 2025 and May to August 2025. There is a degree of flexibility for the successful candidate and dates can be adjusted if needed.

Each employer will be required to appraise their intern throughout the relevant semester and report back to ITBA at the end of the period in question. In addition, the intern will be required to post a blog in industry publications and work on short video projects during each placement, designed to give exposure to both intern and employer.

Junior option

As for the ITBA’s Junior Internship, this will be targeted at secondary school students before they go into their Transition Year and is for ages over 16. The aim is to link students up with a stud farm in their locality where they can spend their work experience. A short Health & Safety and Basic Handling course will be offered to those to give them confidence going into a new environment.

There will also be several opportunities to shadow ITBA’s Next Generation Committee during sales days, race meetings and other industry events.

ITBA Chairman Cathy Grassick said: “This a fantastic opportunity for anyone who has a passion for the thoroughbred industry.

The scheme is a great way to help develop skills and network with industry leaders, as well as encouraging the next generation into the industry. The placements and people you meet offer an invaluable experience in the industry.

“We are looking forward to introducing two different levels of the scheme, as well as developing the Una McElroy Business Internship.

This was a project that was very close to Una’s heart and it is very fitting that this Internship will honour her memory.”

Applications for both schemes will open on Monday, with interviews being held in May/June. Application forms and full terms can be found on itba.ie and must be submitted to Nextgen@itba.ie before close of business on Friday, May 10th.