BUSY At Work is backing Racing Queensland in providing some exciting work opportunities for those wanting to establish a career in the racing industry.
Racing Queensland Education and Welfare Manager, Maurice Logue said it was important for Racing Queensland to create highly trained and committed jockeys through the Racing Queensland Apprentice Jockey School in Deagon.
“We have been working closely with BUSY At Work on strategies to boost recruitment opportunities for young people who want to become highly trained jockeys or trackwork riders in our industry.”
“At the moment we have a major shortage of young people undertaking jockey apprenticeships and we are keen to work alongside BUSY At Work to create lifelong opportunities for people in the racing industry.”
“The support we have received from BUSY has been exceptional and they are always on the front foot in signing up new apprentices and keeping us informed on changes in government subsidies,” Mr Logue said.
As part of Racing Queensland’s Education and Welfare Department, Maurice said it was important to educate young apprentices about the potential risks associated with becoming a jockey.
“Racing Queensland is committed to an Injury Management Process to help determine what type of employment we can provide to assist a jockey with their recovery should they become injured while carrying out their racing duties.”
“Unfortunately, not every injured employee can return to pre injury duties so it is important that jockeys receive the opportunity to be reskilled and find meaningful employment,”
One of the first employees to benefit from this approach is former jockey Ben Saunders who (unfortunately) received career ending injuries in April last year.
Based in Toowoomba, Ben is the new Apprentice Mentor/ Coach for many apprentice jockeys signed up through BUSY At Work.
Racing Queensland is also assisting Ben to become a re-skilled Trainer and Assessor looking after the Eastern Downs area.
“With 37 years in the industry we believe that Ben’s great knowledge and experience will be a major asset to those starting out on their careers,” Mr Logue added.
BUSY At Work Corporate Solutions employee, Kate Dobson said BUSY had built up a strong working relationship with Racing Queensland and the partnership had gone from strength to strength.
“Our Corporate Solutions team has been working in partnership with Racing Queensland for a number of years and we are delighted to be their preferred provider for all their apprenticeship, traineeship and recruitment needs.”
BUSY At Work Managing Director, Paul Miles said BUSY was pleased to partner with Racing Queensland to deliver skilled employees in the racing industry.
“As an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider we are proud to be supporting Racing Queensland in providing rewarding careers and assisting them with all their recruitment needs,” Mr Miles said.
Nearly 42,000 are employed or engaged in the racing industry in Queensland providing an economic contribution to the state of $1.2 billion.
MEDIA CONTACT: Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
0438 173 960 leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
