CIB - 735 Racing - apprenticeships and traineeships

Date of effect
14 August 2009

Updated
9 December 2022

Qualification

RGR40221 Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey)*

Terms of apprenticeship

Full time:

• 48 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
• 36 months or until relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds RGR30518 Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider)

Probationary period

3 months

Date of effect
7 February 2014

Updated
17 August 2018

Qualification

RGR20117 Certificate II in Racing (Greyhound)

Terms of traineeship

Full time:

• 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

School based

RGR20117 Certificate II in Racing (Greyhound)

The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.

Probationary period

2 months

Date of effect
14 August 2009

Updated
9 December 2022

Qualification

RGR40419 Certificate IV in Greyhound Racing Industry

Terms of traineeship

Full time:

• 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
• 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds RGR20117 Certificate II in Racing (Greyhound)

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

Probationary periods

Where the nominal term is:

• up to and including 24 months - 2 months
• greater than 24 months - 3 months

Date of effect
25 October 2019

Qualification

RGR30619 Certificate III in Horse Breeding

Terms of traineeship

Full time:

RGR30619 Certificate III in Horse Breeding

• 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
• 18 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds the ACM20217 Certificate II in Horse Care
• 16 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds the RGR20218 - Certificate II in Racing Industry

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

Probationary period

3 months

Date of effect
14 August 2009

Updated
17 August 2018

Qualification

RGR40118 Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer)

Terms of traineeship

Full time:

• 48 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
• 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds RGR30518 Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider) or RGR30218 Certificate III in Racing (Stablehand)

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

Probationary periods

Where the nominal term is:

• up to and including 24 months - 2 months
• greater than 24 months - 3 months

Date of effect
14 August 2009

Updated
9 December 2022

Qualifications

RGR20221 Certificate II Racing Industry (Stablehand)

RGR30218 Certificate III in Racing (Stablehand)

Terms of traineeships

Full time:

RGR20221 Certificate II Racing Industry (Stablehand)

• 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved

RGR30218 Certificate III in Racing (Stablehand)

• 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
• 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds RGR20221 Certificate II Racing Industry

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

School based

RGR20221 Certificate II Racing Industry (Stablehand)

The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.

Probationary period

2 months

Date of effect
14 August 2009

Updated
9 December 2022

Qualification

RGR30518 Certificate III in Racing (Trackworker Rider)

Terms of traineeship

Full time:

• 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
• 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds RGR20221 Certificate II Racing Industry

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

Probationary period

2 months

Date of effect
14 August 2009

Updated
9 December 2022

Qualification

RGR30518 Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider)

Terms of traineeship

Full time:

• 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
• 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds RGR20218 Certificate II Racing Industry

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

Probationary period

2 months

Date of effect
14 August 2009

Updated
9 December 2022

Qualifications

RGR20221 Certificate II in Racing Industry (Administration)

RGR30419 Certificate III in Racing Services (Racing Administration)

RGR40518 Certificate IV in Racing Integrity

RGR50218 Diploma of Racing Integrity Management

Terms of traineeships

Full time:

RGR20221 Certificate II in Racing Industry (Administration)

• 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved

RGR30419 Certificate III in Racing Services (Racing Administration)

• 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
• 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds RGR20218 Certificate II in Racing Industry

RGR40518 Certificate IV in Racing Integrity

• 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
• 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds RGR30419 Certificate III in Racing Services

RGR50218 Diploma of Racing Integrity Management

• 48 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
• 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds RGR40518 Certificate IV in Racing Integrity Services

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

School based

RGR20221 Certificate II in Racing Industry (Administration)

The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.

Probationary periods

Where the nominal term is:

• up to and including 24 months - 2 months
• greater than 24 months - 3 months

Date of effect
14 August 2009

Updated
25 October 2019

Qualification

RGR30419 Certificate III in Racing Services (Cadet Steward)

Terms of traineeship

Full time:

RGR30419 Certificate III in Racing Services (Cadet Steward)

• 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
• 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds RGR20221 Certificate II in Racing Industry

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

Probationary periods

Where the nominal term is:

• up to and including 24 months - 2 months

Date of effect
14 August 2009

Updated
9 December 2022

Qualifications

RGR20221 Certificate II in Racing Industry (Track Maintenance)
RGR30419 Certificate III in Racing Services (Track Maintenance)

Terms of traineeships

Full time:

RGR20221 Certificate II in Racing Industry (Track Maintenance)

• 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved

RGR30419 Certificate III in Racing Services (Track Maintenance)

• 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
• 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds RGR20221 Certificate II in Racing Industry

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

School based

RGR20221 Certificate II in Racing Industry (Track Maintenance)
The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.

Probationary periods

Where the nominal term is:

• up to and including 24 months - 2 months

Certificate IV apprentices will learn to operate as a jockey and compete in industry-related events in the thoroughbred racing code.

Jockeys are independent professional athletes who ride racehorses at race meetings, barrier trials and trackwork. Most are independent contractors offering their riding services to compete in racing industry regulated industry race meetings with some retained by racing stables. A jockey possesses the highest level of race riding skills, requiring a high degree of decision-making skill and reaction time during races, and the ability to exercise judgement when choosing mounts and assessing horse form.

This qualification reflects the requirement for jockeys to identify and advice on factors that affect racehorse performance; give advice on horse ability, fitness and progress; observe rules of racing and industry policies and guidelines; communicate with racing industry officials and media and take instruction and advice from trainers and owners. It covers the knowledge required to perform on a daily basis at a specific bodyweight and peak fitness and business skills required for self-employment to enable jockeys to market their services, and manage personal finances and business operations.

Certificate III trainees will learn the skills and knowledge required to work as a fast work rider in the thoroughbred racing code. Thoroughbred Fast Work Riders exercise horses in preparation for races. They work horses hard and at speed.

Thoroughbred Fast Work Rider will require high level riding skills to exercise racehorses at various paces and skills to monitor horse health. They must be able to interpret and implement trainer's instructions and communicate information about racehorse fitness and performance accurately to the trainer. Thoroughbred Fast Work Riders work independently with limited supervision in a defined range of varied contexts that may be complex or non-routine.

People undertaking this traineeship MUST undertake the elective RGRPSH404 Ride horses at trackwork.

Certificate II trainees will learn to undertake a broad range of tasks related to the care and welfare of greyhounds. They will learn to care for the animals, including feeding, grooming, exercising and transporting them. They will also learn to keep the environment safe, clean and hygienic. Racing greyhounds can easily injure themselves or their handlers. Trainees learn to exercise a duty of care to the animal, handlers and general public.

They work under direct supervision on most occasions but are also able to act autonomously in certain situations that require solutions to a limited range of problems as part of a team.

Certificate IV trainees will learn to operate a business that trains greyhounds under racing industry regulated licensing criteria for the purpose of competing in industry-related events in the greyhound racing code.

This qualification covers the care, maintenance and performance of greyhounds and the tasks and duties associated with running a racing establishment, including managing staff, finances and equipment. Trainers are responsible for planning and organising their own work, leading others and carrying out often complex and non-routine tasks.

Jobs at Certificate III in Horse Breeding level focus on horse breeding competencies including oestrus detection, mare mating and horse artificial insemination, caring for pregnant females and foaling down mares. Job roles include horse breeding and stud farm operation. Trainees will learn to:

• work and safely handle horses in relevant industries
• provide basic care of horses such as feeding and transporting
• apply knowledge of horse behaviour
• perform daily tasks in the horse industry including stud operational procedures
• maintain and monitor horse health, including injury and disease
• carry out mating procedures and artificial insemination including collection and storage
• working with a range of horses and accessing their suitability for specific uses
• knowledge and demonstration of riding techniques for avoiding falls and reducing and minimising the impact of falls
• the process of maintaining horse hooves in premium condition using farriery tools

Certificate IV trainees will learn to operate a business that trains horses under racing industry regulated licensing criteria for the purpose of competing in industry-regulated events in the harness or thoroughbred racing codes.

This qualification covers the care, maintenance and performance of racehorses and the tasks and duties associated with running a racing establishment, including managing staff, finances and equipment. Trainers are responsible for planning and organising their own work, leading others and carrying out often complex and non-routine tasks.

Competencies attained in the units packaged for this qualification will apply to harness and thoroughbred codes of the industry. Consequently, when performance criteria are applied they will related to the harness or thoroughbred code.

Certificate II trainees will be provided with an introduction to the racing industry and allows for specialisation in sectors or roles including stablehand (harness or thoroughbred). Trainees will learn to handle racehorses in stables and at trackwork, assist with transportation of horses, attend horses at race meetings and trails and perform racing stable duties.

Competencies attained in the units packaged for this qualification will apply to harness and thoroughbred codes of the industry. Consequently, when performance criteria are applied they will related to the harness or thoroughbred code.

Certificate III trainees will learn to work as a stablehand in charge of daily operations in a harness or thoroughbred racing stable where they will care for racehorses. The stablehand works to the delegated instructions of a trainer who has overall responsibility for operations. They work in a stable environment directing and coordinating one or more stablehands or managing operations independently, depending on the size of the stable, and are permitted under the rules of racing to act for the trainer. They are required to work autonomously, use judgement, interpret information, apply solutions to various problems and take responsibility for operations and outputs.

Competencies attained in the units packaged for this qualification will apply to harness and thoroughbred codes of the industry. Consequently, when performance criteria are applied they will related to the harness or thoroughbred code.

Certificate III trainees will learn to work as trackwork riders to exercise thoroughbred horses on the instruction of a trainer in the racing industry.

Trackwork riders require high level riding skills to exercise racehorses at various paces. They must be able to interpret and implement trainer's instructions and communicate information about racehorse fitness and performance accurately to the trainer. Trackwork riders work independently with limited supervision in a defined range of varied contexts that may be complex or non-routine.

Certificate II trainees will be provided with an introduction to the racing industry and allows specialisation in sectors or roles including racing administration. Trainees will learn to deliver a service to customers, process and maintain workplace information, use business technology and write simple documents.

Competencies attained in the units packaged for this qualification will apply to harness and thoroughbred codes of the industry. Consequently, when performance criteria are applied they will related to the harness or greyhound or thoroughbred code.

Certificate III trainees will learn a broad range work responsibilities within regulatory and integrity services operations within the greyhound, harness or thoroughbred racing codes. The Racing Administration specialisation covers general office administration conducted under racing-specific protocols and procedures.

Within this qualification trainees are responsible for organising their own work within known routines, often requiring well-developed decision making and problem-solving skills and a high degree of confidentiality and discretion in their job functions. Knowledge of the rules of racing, racing protocols, animal welfare and duty of care requirements is considered essential.

Competencies attained in the units packaged for this qualification will apply to greyhound, harness and thoroughbred codes of the industry. Consequently, when performance criteria are applied they will related to the greyhound or harness or thoroughbred code.

Certificate IV trainees will learn to work in compliance and integrity service operations in the greyhound, harness or thoroughbred racing codes. Specialist roles of integrity officials with responsibilities for investigations, compliance and intelligence who require an extensive knowledge of the rules of racing, administrative law, racing protocols, animal welfare, safety and duty of care requirements.

Learners need strong organisational skills and the ability to analyse and evaluate information and apply the rules of racing and administrative law to resolve routine, non-routine and at time complex situations.

Competencies attained in the units packaged for this qualification will apply to greyhound, harness and thoroughbred codes of the industry. Consequently, when performance criteria are applied they will related to the harness or greyhound or thoroughbred code.

Diploma trainees will learn to work in regulatory and integrity service operations in the greyhound, harness and thoroughbred racing codes. Specialist roles of integrity officials with responsibilities for investigations, compliance and intelligence who require an extensive knowledge of the rules of racing, administrative law, racing protocols, animal welfare, safety and duty of care requirements.

Learners need strong organisational skills and the ability to analyse and evaluate information and apply the rules of racing and administrative law to resolve routine, non-routine and at time complex situations.

Competencies attained in the units packaged for this qualification will apply to harness, greyhound and thoroughbred codes of the industry. Consequently, when performance criteria are applied they will related to the harness or greyhound or thoroughbred code.

Certificate III trainees will learn a broad range work responsibilities within regulatory and integrity services operations within the greyhound, harness or thoroughbred racing codes. The Cadet Steward specialisation covers duties required to assist stewards in race and non-race day activities.

Within this qualification trainees are responsible for organising their own work within known routines, often requiring well-developed decision making and problem-solving skills and a high degree of confidentiality and discretion in their job functions. Knowledge of the rules of racing, racing protocols, animal welfare and duty of care requirements is considered essential.

Competencies attained in the units packaged for this qualification will apply to greyhound, harness and thoroughbred codes of the industry. Consequently, when performance criteria are applied they will related to the greyhound, harness or thoroughbred code.

Certificate II trainees will be provided with an introduction to the racing industry and allows for specialisation in sectors or roles including track maintenance (harness or thoroughbred). Trainees will learn to apply chemicals under supervision, maintain properties and structures, operate vehicles and operate machinery and equipment.

Certificate III trainees will specialise in sectors or roles including track maintenance (harness or thoroughbred). Trainees will learn to apply chemicals under supervision, maintain properties and structures, operate vehicles and operate machinery and equipment

Competencies attained in the units packaged for this qualification will apply to harness and thoroughbred codes of the industry. Consequently, when performance criteria are applied they will related to the harness or thoroughbred code.

RGRr4.1 Racing and Breeding Training Package includes the following qualifications that support apprenticeship and traineeship pathways:

Apprenticeship

• RGR40221 Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey)*

Traineeships

• RGR20117 Certificate II in Racing (Greyhound)
• RGR20221 Certificate II in Racing Industry 
• RGR30218 Certificate III in Racing (Stablehand)
• RGR30419 Certificate III in Racing Services
• RGR30518 Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider)
• RGR30619 Certificate III in Horse Breeding
• RGR40118 Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer)*
• RGR40419 Certificate IV in Greyhound Racing Industry
• RGR40518 Certificate IV in Racing Integrity
• RGR50218 Diploma of Racing Integrity Management

Entry requirements

* Pre-requisite qualifications:

• RGR40221 Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey) - The NSW racing industry requires apprentices to be qualified to ride thoroughbred horses, under the instruction of a trainer. To commence this qualification an individual must:
  • have completed RGR30518 Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider)
    
    or
     
  • demonstrated skills and experience in riding and handling thoroughbred horses commensurate with the RGR30518 Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider)
• RGR40118 Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer) - To undertake this qualification the individual must have:
  • a racing industry Certificate III qualification demonstrating industry-relevant experience in the care, welfare and management of horses such as RGR30518 Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider) or RGR 30221 Certificate II in Racing Industry (Stablehand) or RGR 30318 Certificate III in Racing (Driving Stablehand)
    
    or 
     
  • demonstrated equivalent skills and knowledge in the care, welfare and management of horses commensurate with the above qualifications.

On successful completion of the relevant qualification

• parties may apply to the Commissioner for Vocational Training for completion of the apprenticeship or traineeship prior to the nominal completion date of the training contract or;
• Training Services may issue letters from the Commissioner to both parties inviting them to consider competency based completion if it has received advice from the training organisation that the apprentice or trainee is eligible to receive their qualification.

Download a Request for Competency Based Completion form.

Applications under the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001 to establish an apprenticeship or traineeship, whether full-time, part-time or school based will not be approved unless the Commissioner for Vocational Training is satisfied that appropriate industrial arrangements are in place.

Apprentices and trainees may be employed under the following awards:

• Horse and Greyhound Training Award 2020
• Racing Clubs Events Award 2020
• Racing Industry Ground Maintenance Award 2020

All private sector employers and employees in New South Wales are covered by the national industrial relations system administered by the Fair Work Commission (the Commission). The industrial instrument that applies is a national (modern) award or a current enterprise agreement registered with the Commission. Further information is available from the Fair Work Ombudsman by telephoning 13 13 94 or via their website.

The following qualifications are suitable for delivery in schools:

• RGR20221 Certificate II Racing Industry
• RGR20117 Certificate II in Racing (Greyhound)

For all school based part-time traineeships currently being delivered in New South Wales, refer to School Based Traineeships.

For further information on the delivery of training for school based traineeships, refer to Training Arrangements.

Participation in certain occupations in the thoroughbred horse racing, harness racing and greyhound racing industries is regulated by an independent licensing system. Further information is available from these contacts:

• Racing NSW - thoroughbred racing
• Harness Racing NSW - harness racing
• Greyhound Racing NSW - greyhound racing.

In thoroughbred racing there may be separate license requirements for exercise riders (which may be completed through RGR30518 Certificate III in Racing), fast trackwork riders (which may be completed through RGR30518 Certificate III in Racing which includes RGRPSH404 Ride horses at trackwork), jump out riders and jockeys (RGR40221 Certificate IV in Racing).

For registered training providers which can deliver the apprenticeship and traineeship qualifications go to training.gov.au.

A list of training organisations which are in contract with the NSW Department of Education to be paid for the delivery of the training is here.

When developing training plans, registered training organisations should ensure that the training program satisfies the qualification packaging requirements and, at the same time, reflects the nature of the business. Training plans should be customised so that the workplace activities support and align with the qualification units of competency.

From 1 January 2015 the NSW Government introduced new fee arrangements for government subsidised vocational education and training (VET). Under Smart and Skilled, all apprenticeship and most traineeship qualifications are subsidised. For a full list of all the qualifications refer to the current NSW Skills List. Information on the types and levels of subsidies can be found in the Smart and Skilled Fee Administration Policy. Training for existing-worker trainees is not subsidised.

Under Training Services transition arrangements, a superseded qualification can be specified on apprenticeship and traineeship applications for up to six months after new or updated Vocational Training Orders come into effect.

Registered training organisations (RTOs) may commence training in either the new or superseded qualification but must meet the requirements of the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to update the enrolment of their students to the current qualification before the qualification expiry date, generally 12 months after the current qualification has been added to the national register. For more information refer to the revised Standards for RTOs 2015 as specified by ASQA.

A copy of each Vocational Training order is available for inspection on this internet site below or at any Training Services centre of the NSW Department of Education.