TAFE NSW has recently announced the next stage of the program, the Silverdale Academy Australian Turf Club Internship Program – giving students an insider’s view of the thoroughbred breeding industry.

Thoroughbred racing is Australia’s third largest industry, employing over 75,000 people and generating about $5 billion annually for the national economy.

“While I’ve always loved racing, I’d never had hands-on experience and the Silverdale Academy was the perfect way to learn,” Mr Edwards said. “The industry connections it exposed me too were invaluable in helping me progress to my current role. If I wanted to connect with someone, the opportunity was there.”

Mr Edwards now works as a part-time bid spotter for leading bloodstock auctioneers Inglis, which he secured through the Silverdale Academy, and as a racing and wagering assistance for the Australian Turf Club.

He said the course also gave him the practical skills and experience to better understand horse behaviour and physiology.

Following a successful launch in late 2021, the Silverdale Academy has given dozens of graduates like Mr Edwards the practical skills, experience and contacts to gain employment across all aspects of the racing industry.

TAFE NSW equine teacher Linda Molloy said the upcoming program would blend online learning with a visit to the Inglis Classic Yearling Sales next February, and the chance to meet some of the sport’s biggest names. Previous interns have been given personal masterclasses by racing icons, including Gai Waterhouse, Chris Waller and Ciaron Maher.

“This is an amazing opportunity for students not just to learn valuable employability skills, but network with some of the industry biggest names,” Ms Molloy said. “The job prospects for our interns are exceptional and everyone of them who has wanted to find a job after the course has successfully done it.”

Caption: GIDDY UP: TAFE NSW graduate Harrison Edwards says the Silverdale Academy helped him launch an in-demand career in the thoroughbred racing industry.

**Media contact:**Dan Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, (02) 7920 5000.

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