Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), through its Careers and Racing Education (CARE) department has established an education and training grant programme which will be available to stud and stable employees working in Ireland.
The grant programme will make a contribution towards the cost of any course or training programme that is accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) or an equivalent organisation. The programme is part of CARE’s commitment to providing access to education and training opportunities for employees in the racing and breeding industry.
The grant programme will operate on a reimbursement basis. Applicants to the grant programme will be required to apply, enrol, and pay any fees due for their selected course themselves. CARE will then reimburse part of this fee upon submission of the completed application form, up to a maximum of €1,000. The grant will be paid in two instalments: 50% at the commencement of the course and 50% upon successful completion of the course, obtaining a pass grade or higher. Applicants must be working in the racing industry for at least two years, and must be working 30+ hours per week to qualify.
Patrick Ryan of CARE, said: “I hope the grant programme will act as an incentive for stud and stable staff to consider returning to education in order to increase their skills and knowledge for their current role, or to help them progress to a new role. We are very willing to offer expertise and experience from within HRI for anyone who would like assistance with their application, or indeed advice with an assignment, study plan, or project.”
Bernard Caldwell of the Irish Stablestaff Association (ISSA), said: “The CARE grant programme is a very welcome initiative, stable staff and stud staff are the backbone of the industry and we will be encouraging our members to use the programme to increase their skills and knowledge.”
Further information can be found at www.workinracing.ie. For a full and comprehensive list of QQI accredited courses check out www.qqi.ie
