Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE

Marketing

Start your Equine career at secondary school

Secondary school students wanting to work in the equine industry can get their career on track by enrolling in a VET in Schools (VETiS) program through the National Centre for Equine Education.

The VETiS programs are ideal for students who are planning a career in the industry as they provide nationally accredited certificates which are recognised across Australia.

Dwayne Reid undertook the VETiS Certificate II in Racing (Stablehand) over 2005 and 2006 as a school based trainee while studying for his VCE. Dwayne's hard work and long hours tackling the VCE, a traineeship and part time study with the NCEE, was rewarded when he was announced the overall winner of the Racing Victoria Limited and Agri-Foods Industry Skills Council, 2006 Thoroughbred Employee of the Year Awards.

The Benalla resident took out the 2006 "Thoroughbred Employee of the Year" award and the 2006 "Thoroughbred Track rider of the Year" award. With his VCE, Level 2 First Aid Certificate, Certificate II in Racing (Stablehand), 2006 Trackrider of the Year and 2006 Thoroughbred Employee of the Year awards, Dwayne is well placed for a future in the racing industry.

Dwayne, who works part time for Wayne Nichols at Spring Lodge Racing and part time for Vincent Nolen Racing says his dream is to train racehorses, and acknowledges the recognition from the awards is a great head start. "It made the long days working before and after school as a trackrider worthwhile."

"I really love what I do so taking on study and work at the same time is not hard, as I know it will get me where I want to be," explains Dwayne. "The study load can be heavy but the visits to my workplace from the NCEE trainer make it easier," he says.

Dwayne is now enrolled in the Certificate IV in Racing (Throroughbred Owner Trainer) with the NCEE and aims to learn as much as he can about the industry to enhance his career prospects.

The NCEE has students from all over Victoria and in Tasmania. "Distance is no barrier to completing the course," says second year coordinator and trainer, Jo Brett. The online training and the workbooks are a great way for students to do the training. They can complete the tasks at home or school and submit their assignments to us by mail."

"At various stages of the course they undertake practical training and assessment tasks at one of our affiliated equestrian centres with experienced and knowledgeable assessors," said Jo.

"The NCEE is the only training organisation that offers graduates the EFA Introductory Horse Management Certificate," said Jo.

The courses are suitable for those new to the equine industry or undertaking their VCE studies. Courses can also be completed by those employees new to the equine industry. The course can lead into several employment areas including competition, horse racing, horse breeding and equine veterinary nursing.

For more information call the Customer Service Centre on 1300 00 NCEE (6233).