A group of students have already been offered jobs in the thoroughbred industry through a unique school internship program.
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Twelve Year 9 and 10 students in the Highlands recently took part in a week-long program with TAFE NSW, where they toured elite thoroughbred facilities in the region and met industry figures, such as Gai Waterhouse and trainer Ciaron Maher.
The week-long course aims to show students the pathways for young people in the industry, and is held in conjunction with Regional Industry Education Partnerships and the Silverdale Academy.
Three of the 12 participants were offered jobs during the course.
"The industry is really crying out for workers and this was a truly priceless experience for these students," Moss Vale TAFE equine teacher Linda Molloy said, and expected more students to receive offers in the coming weeks.
"The stakeholders are all really keen to be involved in programs like this because they can see benefits for the future of their industry."
According to AgriFutures Australia, the thoroughbred breeding industry generates more than $1.16 billion in value-added impacts to Australia's annual economy, with 65 per cent of that in NSW.
"I've been around horses my whole life but to see this side of the industry was really interesting," Moss Vale High school student Nick Barton said.
"To hear the career journeys of everyone and learn about the many job avenues in the industry was great and it's really made me want a career in thoroughbreds even more."
Students undertook activities and tours at Silverdale Farm, and also visited the pre-training facility Thenford Farm, Milburn Creek Stud, Ciaron Maher Racing Stables at Bong Bong and a specialist vet clinic in Randwick.
There were guest speakers from bloodstock agents, journalists, farriers, breeders, pre-trainers, Gai Waterhouse and Ciaron Maher.
