A course at TAFE NSW Goulburn is equipping students with the skills they need to pursue employment in a $1.3 billion dollar nation-wide industry.

Equine businesses and supporting industries are forecast to expand over the next five years. This growth has increased pressure on operators to employ staff with horse handling qualifications.[i]

TAFE NSW Equine Teacher Linda Molloy has seen steady growth in demand for employees with a formal qualification, a demand that is expected to increase in line with the expanding industry.

She said performance horse operators often don’t have the time to train people, which makes this course perfect for grooms, strappers, stud-hands, breeders and anyone who owns horses or wants to work with horses.

“We know that employers are seeking people with qualifications and who understand biosecurity, animal welfare, have WHS training, and have hands-on experience in handling horses. We ensure that our students are equipped with these skills,” Ms Molloy said.

“TAFE NSW has designed the course to be flexible so that students can study online in their own time and attend four practical workshops per year. Students have access to our equine facilities such as stables, paddocks, tack-room, round yard, outdoor all-weather arena and horses.

“It’s a very safe and effective way to gain practical skills and work experience to work in the industry and on-site accommodation is available at TAFE NSW Goulburn.”

TAFE NSW student Georgia Pan already works with animals as a veterinary nurse but hopes to transition into working with large animals.

“I grew up around horses, so I have a pretty solid base knowledge but I gained a whole lot of hands-on experience at the recent TAFE NSW Goulburn workshop,” Miss Pan said.

“I wanted to be the best I could be at my job, so I enrolled in Certificate III Performance Horse so that I had the skill-set I needed to get ahead in my career.”

She said the certificate was a way to formalise her knowledge with a nationally accredited qualification.

“This qualification will help me gain employment in one of a number of fields in the large animal industry.”

The course is offered through a blend of online tutorials and face-to-face workshops at the TAFE NSW Goulburn equine centre, giving students flexibility in where and when they study.

To find out more about studying a Certificate III Performance Horse at TAFE NSW Goulburn, phone 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au.

Media contact: Adam Wright, TAFE NSW Media Officer, phone 02 4421 9895, mobile 0466 375 552.