WHEN it comes to attracting and retaining people for the industry, the availability of suitable career pathways is vital but before that there has to be the lighting of a spark in young minds and the fostering of ambition.

Sports such as rugby and rowing have capitalised on international success with the creation of role models and the attraction of large numbers of participants all fired with the dream of following in the footsteps of their heroes.

STARTING EARLY

This process has to start as early as possible if racing is to compete with the wide range of sporting attractions and over the past two years we have been developing Junior Academy activities in an effort to build enthusiasm and relationship amongst a broad pool of young people aged 10-16 years old.

With the support of HRI/CARE, these activities are expanding further and this year a series of one-day programmes were offered at different levels to match age range and experience and the feedback continues to be very positive from participants and their parents.

It is wonderful to see the youthful spark of interest and enthusiasm and gives us hope that we are sewing seeds for the future as we deal with the challenges of ensuring these young people will face positive career opportunities in the industry if they decide to enter racing in the next few years.