Bha Opens Graduate Development Programme
The British Horseracing Authority has opened the 2014 edition of its Graduate Development Programme, which continues to provide valuable training and development to newcomers to the Racing Industry.
The opening coincided with Dubai Future Champions Day at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile, where the BHA’s Careers in Racing initiative held a trade stand at the ‘Racing for Jobs’ recruitment fair.
Over the years, nearly 350 graduates have completed the 10-week Programme and many have gone on to successful and high profile careers within British Racing.
Ross Hamilton, a graduate in 2011 and now external affairs officer at the BHA said of the initiative: ‘The programme is a great way to get involved in the industry and has such a pedigree within Racing with its previous alumni that it gives you an excellent platform as a graduate to succeed.’
‘This programme suits people from all walks of life – whether you can ride a horse or not, or haven’t placed a bet in your life – to get involved in British Racing. As a passionate fan of sports generally, the programme offered me the chance to pursue my dream graduate career. I could not recommend it more highly.’
Following the programme, graduates are well-positioned to begin a career within the Racing industry, with many continuing to work in the sport and a number of previous graduates have gone on to fill senior positions within a broad range of Racing Organisations.
Harry Williams, a Graduate on the 2013 programme, who has secured a full-time job with the ROA added: ‘The British Horseracing Graduate Programme provides an invaluable opportunity for anyone looking to pursue a career in the racing industry. Irrespective of your background, it offers graduates a unique insight into the sport and maintains its importance as a source of new talent.’
‘Not only did the programme introduce me to some of the most influential people in the world of Racing, but has helped me build a network with the other graduates.”
With over 300 applications for an average of 18 placements there is a rigorous assessment process to select the candidates.
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.
Graduates then begin an eight-week paid placement with one of the wide-ranging sponsors within the industry. In 2013, placement opportunities included roles at the BHA, Horseracing Betting Levy Board, Racing Enterprises Ltd, Tattersalls, the Racecourse Association, the Racing Post, Timeform, Coral and Weatherbys, as well as several Jockey Club Racecourses.
Graduates can apply for the Programme through careersinracing.com.
