THE Kildare RACE campus is now a national academy offering career options for young people and a range of education and training services for industry staff. RACE has an annual throughput of more than 1,000 people participating in a range of training activities and further education opportunities and it also houses the Irish School of Farriery.

The Level 4 Horsemanship programme (Racehorse Care & Riding) delivered in conjunction with KWETB, is more commonly known as the Trainee Jockey course and has been successfully producing riders and industry staff for more than 40 years. It continues to attract young people into a career in racing by offering certified skills training, a comprehensive education programme and professional job placement.

This 42-week residential programme provides a comprehensive foundation for candidates aged 16 and over and equips them to build a sustainable career in the thoroughbred racing industry either as licensed riders, stable staff or a variety of other roles including the breeding sector and stud farm work. Graduates have been remarkably successful in Ireland and abroad and contributed greatly to the promotion of Ireland as a world centre of excellence for horse racing.

Further education qualifications and progression pathways are also available via a Level 5 Horsemanship award delivered on a flexible basis over two years to suit people currently working within the thoroughbred sector and this programme is likely to resume in the autumn.

RACE can now also offer an introductory assessment for candidates of any age or level of experience who feel they would like to pursue a career in the industry but are unsure about requirements or competency levels and would like to get some professional guidance on suitability and training options.

For younger candidates, our Junior Academy activities offer an exciting range of training opportunities for 10-to-15-year-olds who want a taste of jockey training and wish to explore what is involved in becoming a licensed rider or pursuing a career in the industry. These events usually coincide with school breaks and holidays.

RACE is an ideal starting point for anyone hoping to build a foundation for a future career in racing.

More information, including details of Open Days and Junior Academy events, is available at www.racingacademy.ie and the RACE Facebook page or by calling the RACE office at 045 522468 or enquiries@racingacademy.ie