EQUUIP is the education and training department within Horse Racing Ireland (HRI). The brand was launched last month with a digital and print campaign called ‘people behind the moment’ which celebrates those working in racing and breeding and showcases pathways into careers within the industry.

Director of people and equuip at HRI, Carol Nolan said, “We’re conscious that we need to have a constant flow of people coming into the industry, it is important to have people in Ireland that have a greater level of awareness about the racing industry, the breeding industry and everything that it can offer someone from a career point of view.”

It is a common misperception that in order to get involved in the racing industry, you have to be born and bred into it, or at least know someone already in the industry. Equuip is all about breaking down these barriers and giving people the means to research the industry and find out what career paths are available to them.

By working with primary and secondary schools, equuip are educating young people on how anyone can become a part of the racing industry, regardless of their background.

Carol says that the first port of call for anyone considering a career in the racing industry should be to check out the career map on the equuip website, which shows all of the possible areas of employment within the industry.

Equuip want people to understand how vast the industry actually is, “the biggest piece of advice I would give to someone looking to get involved is to not get too caught up on any one thing initially. For example, some people become quite fixated on becoming a jockey and they go after that dream and then for lots of reasons that dream might not work out and they don’t choose to stay in the industry.

“What we’re trying to say to people is absolutely chase that dream, but also be aware of the other opportunities that are there and the other initiatives that are available,” Carol said.

So maybe while you’re trying to become a world champion jockey you might run a different qualification alongside it. Educate yourself on what’s available before you make the decision.

“People might think they have to go to college and go down that route and then leave their dream of working alongside horses behind, but you can combine the two if you’re willing to work hard enough. It is more than realistic to make a career out of horses and not just have it as a hobby in your free time,” Carol said.

Long road

Despite only recently launching the equuip brand, Carol and her team have been working in this field of education and training for the industry for the last five years.

“Over the years, we definitely have learned that you have to have the parents on your side. They have to be able to understand the pathways, the career options, all of it, that’s why we have the dedicated section on the website for parents.

“In other industries it’s a little bit clearer how students can navigate their career and it’s a little bit more transparent, where as we found it may not be as clear in our industry, so that’s why that section is there and that will help parents as well as career guidance counsellors support young people through these decisions,” she continued.

The aim is to promote the racing industry as a viable career option, “the key thing for us is that you’re competing with lots of other industries, its very competitive out there, you really are competing for talent,” Carol said.

Employers

Equuip recognises that in order to make the industry more appealing to work in, they need to have the proper supports in place for employers. “We want employment in the industry to be sustainable, we want everyone to be paid at the right level and looked after and in order to do that people need to be running sustainable businesses, so we’re keen to provide support there for those employers who need some help,” Carol explained.

“Some trainers or breeders start off very small and all of a sudden they might be employing 10 or 15 people. So it’s important to have support available to allow them to grow while supporting their employees.

“We really want to keep an eye on people who might be joining the industry, the people who are already in the industry and the people who you really want to hang onto.”

Following on from the education and training survey conducted in November 2019, equuip will also conduct the second phase of industry research, focusing specifically on employers within the industry. Communication has already been made with all employers within the industry and Carol is calling on them to fill out this survey so they can gather the data needed to put beneficial supports in place.

1. Attraction

Working to attract new people to join the industry by showcasing the careers and opportunities available.

• Build effective partnerships with education providers, career guidance counsellors, pony clubs, riding schools and urban equine groups.

• Establish strong industry presence at career events and on career portals/platforms.

• Partner with schools and colleges to develop educational programmes.

• Develop a multifaceted TY programme.

• Market campaigns utilising social media to engage with potential employees.

• Develop an industry induction programme.

• Support RACE with the junior academy days and summer camp.

• Work with Teagasc to drive industry related apprenticeship programmes.

• Explore alternative approaches to encourage diversity.

2. Develop and grow

Develop our people to deliver and grow their skills, and careers, in our industry

• Establish training needs to inform solutions and delivery mechanisms.

• Provide relevant and accessible industry specific development programmes.

• Collaborate with third level institutions to create modular based, blended learning solutions.

• Regional approach working closely with ETBs, Local Enterprise Offices, Teagasc, and other government agencies.

• Ensure best utilisation of expertise, resources and facilities.

• Invest in an online learning platform to ensure nationwide reach and standardised delivery.

• Alignment with the equine welfare agenda.

3. Sustain and retain

Support employers to retain their people to deliver and grow within our industry

• Prioritise business and management skills for employers.

• Provide a fit for purpose industry assistance programme as a welfare support.

• Provide financial support for further education through educational grants.

• Provide training and resources to improve employment standards.

• Develop resources in relation to legislation; health and safety and safeguarding.

• Focus on retaining people with experience within the industry through cross-skilling.

• Develop career pathways to depict the variety and options available for a long and successful career in the industry.