Racing recruitment scheme designed to inspire school leavers
Two new initiatives have been launched by the British Horseracing Education Standards Trust (BHEST) to encourage young people to consider a career in racing.
The new “Racing to Work” scheme will support schools with racing-specific careers advice.
Meanwhile, the “Racing for Riders” programme will target those already taking part in other equestrian sports to consider racing as an option.
“BHEST is in a unique position to support through relevant education and guidance the work being undertaken by the racing and breeding industries to recruit and retain staff,” said the charity’s executive director Judith Allen.
“We want to inspire young people by opening up opportunities for training towards a career in the racing industry that they probably never knew existed, or perhaps felt was somehow out of reach.”
The BHEST currently runs a “Racing to School” scheme, which gives more than 10,000 schoolchildren a year the chance to learn about racing at a racecourse, stud or trainer’s yard.
The charity has also appointed former Great British Racing PR director Nick Attenborough to its board of trustees.
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John Blake has joined the BHEST from World Horse Welfare as fundraising director.
“The future success of racing depends upon attracting young people into the sport, either as fans or as a career path,” said Nick.
John added that it is in the industry’s interest for the charity to generate ideas, choices and ambition among children of all backgrounds.
“I will be asking individuals and businesses who invest in racing and breeding to take up the opportunity to support and share in the success of BHEST’s development,” he said.
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.