- Applications open until 11 January 2015
- Two-week training course in Newmarket, followed by eight-week paid industry placement
- Placement sponsorship opportunities are still available
- 2015 will be the 25th running of the programme and all alumni are asked to contact BHA to be part of the celebrations
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced that applications for the 2015 British Horseracing Graduate Development Programme are now open. The opening coincides with Dubai Future Champions Day at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile, where many prospective applicants will be enjoying racing as part of Great British Racing’s Free Racing Weekend for students.
The Graduate Programme, which has provided valuable training and development to graduates wishing to forge a career in the Racing industry, celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2015. Around 350 graduates have completed the 10-week programme and many have gone on to successful and high profile careers within British Racing.
70 per cent of the graduates from the 2014 Programme have already secured full-time positions, with employers such as Cheltenham Racecourse, Lingfield Park, Epsom Downs Racecourse, Great British Racing International and Bloodstock Media.
Will Lambe, BHA Director of Public Affairs and Policy and British Horseracing Graduate Development Programme alumnus, said:
“The British Horseracing Graduate Development Programme provides an invaluable training and development platform for graduates and employers alike. The programme works as an entry point for graduates from all backgrounds hoping to start a career in Racing, offering wide-ranging insight and ‘behind the scenes’ access to the workings of many of the industry’s different component parts.
“The programme will be marking its 25th anniversary next year, and its longevity, continued prestige and the number of graduates that have gone on to successful careers in Racing and the betting industry all illustrate its positive influence and value to the sport.”
With over 300 applications for an average of 18 placements a demanding assessment process takes place to select the candidates for the Programme. The Programme begins with a two-week residential course in Newmarket during July, where graduates take part in field trips and attend seminars held by key figures in Racing. The course explains how various aspects of the sport work together and gives an insight in to how the different organisations function within the industry. It aids the graduates’ professional development, but also provides the opportunity to build valuable professional relationships with people from across the sport to develop their own careers.
Graduates then begin an eight-week paid placement with one of the wide-ranging sponsors within the industry. In 2014, placement opportunities included roles at BHA, Horseracing Betting Levy Board, Racing Enterprises Ltd, The Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Racecourse Association, Racing Post, Timeform, and Weatherbys, as well as a variety of posts at Jockey Club Racecourses and Arena Racing Company.
With the 25th Anniversary being celebrated in 2015 BHA are keen to hear from all alumni. If you took part in the British Horseracing Graduate Development Programme please get in touch via facebook or Linkedin groups or by emailing: [email protected].
Notes to editors:
1. Applicants – Interested graduates are encouraged to visit: www.careersinracing.com for further information on the programme, including how to apply and the recruitment process. Applications will be taken from recent graduates or those set to graduate in 2015. A background in Racing is certainly not essential.
2. Alumni: Find British Horseracing Graduate Development Programme Alumni groups on both Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/173619349440440/ and Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=8189602 or contact the team by email: [email protected].
3. Sponsors – There are still opportunities for employers to take part in the programme and to sponsor a placement in summer 2015. To enquire about how to sponsor a placement or to find out more about the advantages of taking part in the programme, please contact: [email protected].
4. About Careers in Racing – Careers in Racing run by the Industry Recruitment and Training department of the BHA to promote careers opportunities and training across the Industry. Visit: www.careersinracing.com for more information.
