TBV launch Victorian Breeding Academy
Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria (TBV) yesterday announced the launch of their Victorian Breeding Academy. The academy has been established to try and encourage the next generation into the Victorian thoroughbred industry.
The academy will offer both formal and informal educational courses for those who would like to be involved in the industry and will commence in March, with a nationally recognised Certificate IV in Agriculture being the end goal for students.
The focus subjects will be equine breeding, leadership and pasture management. Students will also gain a good foundation in other subjects such as foaling down, nutritional needs for horses, handling horses safely and caring for horses.
Students will be enrolled in the Certificate IV in Agriculture as trainees for one year with Victorian farms. They will spend one-week blocks at Cornwall Park Stud in Toolern Vale where they will gain the hands-on experience needed to work in the industry.
The Certificate IV in Agriculture is the first stage of TBV’s strategic plan, with TBV’s overall mission to qualify existing staff in the industry, if they desire, as well as to offer other formal pathways for students to enrol in.
“The launch of the Victorian Breeding Academy is a very exciting time for everyone at TBV and the wider industry. Everyone at TBV is so passionate about the future of our industry and ensuring we attract new entrants,” said Charmein Bukovec, TBV executive officer.
“There are already so many great options available across Australia and we are excited to provide the first formal hands-on pathway in Victoria.
“As an industry, we need to ensure we are giving the next generation a great foundation coupled with the skills and opportunities to excel and grow.
“We are responsible for enticing new entrants into our wonderful industry. We can’t sit back for people to turn up at our doors, we need to highlight the benefits and international opportunities which exist.”
To showcase these pathways, which are on offer in Victoria and wider Australia, TBV, in collaboration with the Australian Chinese Jockey Club and Musk Creek, will be conducting an educational pathway event ahead of the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale on February 23 at 4pm. For anyone interested, they can register here.
Those who wish to learn more about the Victorian Breeding Academy, or to those who would like to register an interest, can do so by clicking here.