Apprentice Review Almost Complete
- Friday, 18 November 2011 00:44
A review of apprentice recruitment, training and retention has reached the final stages and a draft report will be available to the review committee shortly. The final review report with detailed recommendations is expected to be presented to the December board meeting of Racing Queensland Limited (RQL).
The review commenced in September and the review committee has been meeting since October to identify key issues, assess feedback and oversee the review process. The committee consists of:
- Pat Duff – President, Queensland Trainers Association
- Glen Prentice – President, Queensland Jockeys Association
- Shane Scriven – Current licensed jockey and former champion apprentice
- Gary Palmer – RQL stipendiary steward and former leading jockey
- Peter Smith – RQL licensing and training manager
- Chris Watson – Consultant and former Racing Victoria general manager training and education
Forums and meetings with trainers, jockeys, apprentices, instructors and stewards have been held around the south-east and downs while a detailed survey was sent to over 200 trainers, jockeys and apprentices.
The objectives of the review are
(1) To identify improvements and changes to the ensure the program is structured, operated and resourced to provide an ongoing supply of well trained, skilled jockeys and to ensure that their working and training conditions are suited to the vocation of a thoroughbred racing jockey.
(2) To ensure the industry has in place the necessary training and workforce development resources to meet the future needs, challenges and risks of the industry.
While there are many likely recommendations, the overall outcome appears to be that RQL and related stakeholders will have to look seriously at ways to expand industry training and workforce development activities.
More than 30 separate recommendations have been drafted covering:
- recruitment, selection and retention
- employment and licensing
- riding skills
- education and training programs and facilities
- financial management and general welfare
RQL licensing and training manager Peter Smith said, "The board of Racing Queensland has offered its strong support to the review process and has confirmed the importance of ensuring apprentice programs and industry training continues to evolve and adapt to changing circumstance."
