The Racing Foundation in the United Kingdom has announced that it will focus on education and training through its scholarship awards. Trustees of the Racing Foundation have announced that 10 new scholarships totalling more than £400,000 pledged, with a key focus on education and training will sponsor the racing industry’s participants.
The pledge for a capital growth towards the expansion of a new training facility at Askham Bryan College will help to address the staff shortage in the racing industry and encourage young people to pursue careers in the industry.
The Racing Foundation Program Explained
The ‘Racing Stream’ program will fulfil the development of a custom-made racing yard at the College’s York campus, together with the provision of a range of horsey and racing related courses. This will cover 350 part-time and 150 full-time students. In addition, the program will also offer courses for point-to-point jockey, sports turf management, secretaries, pony racing, taster sessions for racing enthusiasts and racehorse care for veteran nurses.
Askham Bryan College, which has a strong reputation for delivering successful courses, is currently researching how it will fund the Racing Stream. Due to its reputable status as a specialist in land-based colleges, it’s also able to access high-levels of funds from Government.
The Racing Stream program has a wide range of support from the industry and has been endorsed by local racecourses, British Horseracing Authority, National Trainers Federation, The National Association of Stable Staff, Pony Racing Authority, and Point-to-Point Association. Askham Bryan College’s work will complement the work of the British Racing School in Newmarket and the North Racing College in Doncaster. Collaboration between the three colleges has been explored.
In further support of education and training, the UK Racing Foundation has also been chosen by the Thoroughbred Club to fund this year’s 2-day careers course which will take place on the 14th and 15th November 2016. The course will give youth an insight on horseracing industry, job opportunities within the industry and how to build a successful career in this industry.
Commenting on the Racing Stream program, Chief Executive of the Racing Foundation Rob Hezel said they are happy to be supporting the program and welcome the training capacity which will cater for the horseracing industry.
Chief Principal of Askham Bryan College Liz Philip also commented saying this is exciting and extremely important for the UK racing industry as whole. He added by saying their courage has been recognised by the industry and beyond. The college will provide youths with skills and proper training needed to climb the ladder in the industry.
