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Mandatory Training

Friday 05.08.2011
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYERS & INDUSTRY PARTICIPANTS

Industry Mandatory Training

This should be read in conjunction with the Trainer Licensing Policy and Stable Employee Policy 1 August 2009

What is mandatory training?

From 1 August 2011, following amendments to the Rules of Racing, mandatory training will be effective for the following

Licensed and registered categories:

Licensed: Registered:
Picnic Jockey Trainers Assistant - formally Foreperson / Assistant Trainer
Riders Agent Stablehand
Racing Manager
Float Driver – for employees of commercial float companies only

From 1 August 2009, following amendments to the Rules of Racing, mandatory training will be effective for the following categories:

General A Trainer (for new trainers only)

General Trainer (for new trainers only)

Restricted Trainer (for new trainers only)

Pre-Trainer

Jumps Trainer

Jumps Jockey
 

Why is mandatory training being introduced?

Completion of the skill-set is designed to give you the relevant skills and knowledge required to work in the industry.

Through mandatory training you can have greater confidence that you and others have the appropriate skills and

knowledge to enhance the safety, welfare and reputation of the industry.
 

What if I already have the skills and experience?

You will still be required to undertake this process. The process allows a fast track option, called Recognition of Prior

Learning (RPL). RPL will be available for all existing participants, requiring you to demonstrate your skills and knowledge

through an evidence based process conducted by the training provider.

If you are not able to meet the evidence criteria or skills gaps are identified, the training provider will invite you to

participate in a workshop or arrange a site visit to conduct the training at a mutually suitable location and time.
 

How will the mandatory training benefit me?

Your skills will be formally recognised as the training units are nationally accredited. This will enable you to provide formal

evidence of your skills to employers throughout Australia and demonstrate your competence internationally. Further, it will

give you the confidence that other employees have a greater awareness and skill to increase the safety and welfare for all

involved.

For existing participants with limited experience, completing the skill-set will enable you to gain the necessary skills and

confidence to work in racing. As the skill-set consists of nationally accredited units, you will receive direct credits towards

other higher level racing qualifications if you choose to further your career in racing.
 

What are the time and cost commitments?

Time commitments will vary per individual and the applicable skill-set; this process may take a half day to three weeks

depending on your current level of skill, experience and commitment to the process.

All participants will be required to cover the cost of the training, with exception of existing registered Stablehands who are

funded by RVL.

Mandatory training costs are a one-off fee and are in addition to the annual Licence or registration fee payable to RVL. See

costs section for more information.
 

What if I have not completed the training by 1 August 2011?

Subject to the Rules of Racing, from 1 August 2011 participants who have not completed the training will not be Licensed or

registered.

RVL Stewards will increase its monitoring presence to oversee registration compliance.
 

Do I need to go through this process every year?

No. Once you have completed this process there is no requirement for you to undertake this again in the immediate future.

All new participants entering the industry will be required to go through this process prior to being Licensed or registered.
 

Is this going to be difficult for me?

The training provider will support you in this process. The preferred training providers have been selected based upon their

skills and knowledge in racing and their ability to support industry participants who may face learning difficulties.

You are encouraged to speak openly to preferred providers about your individual needs.
 

What if I already have done training – will I get credit?

If you have already completed related training discuss this with the training provider. The training provider will explain

whether the past training is applicable. Credit will be given for relevant past training which can be supported by evidence.
 

What if I hold a Licence and/or registration with another Principal Racing Authority and visit Victoria?

If you are a trainer and hold a Licence/ registration with an interstate or overseas Principal Racing Authority you will need to

hold a visiting trainer's Licence which can be granted for a maximum of one month.

In this circumstance you will not be required to complete the mandatory training. In this situation stable employees holding

a visitor's registration will not need to undertake the mandatory training.

However, should the trainer and/or employee wish to relocate to Victoria on a permanent basis, undertaking the relevant

mandatory training applies prior to the granting of a Licence or registration.
 

How do I access the training?

You will need to organise this yourself - as from 1 August 2009. The skill-set will be delivered by RVL Preferred Providers and

other registered training organisations.
 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STABLEHANDS AND EMPLOYERS

Industry Mandatory Training: Stablehands

This should be read in conjunction with the Stable Employee Policy 1 August 2009

What is mandatory training?

From 1 August 2011, following amendments to the Rules of Racing, ALL registered stablehands must have completed the

mandatory stablehand skill-set. The skill-set consists of two nationally accredited training units from the Racing Industry

Training Package:

1. Handle Horses; and

2. Follow OHS Procedures & Observe Environmental Work Practices

Completion of this skill-set will be a pre-requisite for employment and registration as a stablehand from 1 August 2011.
 

Why is mandatory training being introduced?

Completion of the skill-set is designed to give you the knowledge and skills required to work in the industry. Through

mandatory training you can have greater confidence that you and your colleagues have the appropriate skills and

knowledge to enhance the safety, welfare and reputation of the industry.
 

What if I already have the skills and experience?

You will still be required to undertake this process. The process allows a fast track option, called Recognition of Prior

Learning (RPL). RPL will be available for all existing stablehands, requiring you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills

through an evidence based process conducted by the training provider.

If you are not able to meet the evidence criteria or skills gaps are identified, the training provider will invite you to

participate in a workshop or arrange a site visit to conduct the training at a mutually suitable location and time.
 

How will the mandatory training benefit me?

Your skills will be formally recognised as the training units are nationally accredited. This will enable you to provide formal

evidence of your skills to employers throughout Australia and demonstrate your competence internationally. Further, it will

give you the confidence that other stablehands have greater awareness and skill to improve the safety and welfare for all

involved.

For existing stablehands with limited experience, completing the skill-set will enable you to gain the necessary skills and

confidence to work in racing. As the skill-set consists of nationally accredited units, you will receive direct credits towards

other higher level racing qualifications if you choose to further your career in racing.
 

What is the cost and time commitment?

For existing registered stablehands (from 1 August 2009 to 31 July 2011) RVL will meet the full cost to do the training. Time

commitments will vary per individual. The process may take a half day to three weeks depending on your level of skills,

experience and commitment to the process.
 

When do I need to complete the training?

Existing stablehands will have until the 31 July 2011 to complete the required training.
 

Do I need to go through this process every year?

No. Once you have completed this process there is no requirement for you to undertake this again in the immediate future.

All new participants entering the industry will be required to go through this process prior to registration.
 

Is this going to be difficult for me?

The training provider will support you in this process. The preferred training providers have been selected based upon their

skills and knowledge in racing and their ability to support industry participants who may face learning difficulties. You are

encouraged to speak openly to preferred providers about your individual needs.
 

What if I already have done training – will I get credit?

If you have already completed related training discuss this with the training provider. The training provider will explain

whether the past training is applicable. Credit will be given for relevant past training, as determined by the provider, which

can be supported by evidence.
 

What if I ride Trackwork?

All registered stablehands, therefore including those who ride trackwork will be required to complete the stablehand skillset.

In time, RVL may introduce further training requirements specifically for trackwork riders.
 

What if I hold a registration with another Principal Racing Authority and visit Victoria?

If you are a stablehand registered with an interstate or overseas Principal Racing Authority you will need to hold a visitors

registration which can be granted for a maximum of one month.

In this circumstance you will not be required to complete the mandatory training. Should you wish to relocate to Victoria

on a permanent basis, undertaking the relevant mandatory training applies prior to the granting of a Licence or registration.
 

What if I am not a registered stablehand, but want to register as one?

All stablehands must be annually registered with Racing Victoria Limited, which can occur throughout the racing season.

From 1 August 2011, you will need to have completed the training as a requirement for industry registration.
 

What happens if I don't get trained in the time period?

Subject to the Rules of Racing from 1 August 2011, stablehands who have not completed the training will not be registered.

RVL Stewards will increase its monitoring presence to oversee registration compliance.
 

Why have these two units been selected?

The two units have been selected as they provide stablehands with the fundamental knowledge to work effectively in the

industry:

Handle Horses unit provides base level skills and knowledge in applying safe handling and work practices when dealing with

unit provides base level skills and knowledge in applying safe handling and work practices when dealing with

horses. This incorporates catching, leading and handling a range of horses in a variety of environments, evaluating

associated risks and the importance of sound communication with others. Further this unit identifies the correct use of

different handling gear, horse behavior and traits, horse identification and leading and handling horses in enclosed

spaces.

Follow OHS procedures & observe environmental work practices unit provides base level skills and knowledge of

unit provides base level skills and knowledge of

occupational safety in a racing environment. This incorporates understanding the role of employer and employee in OHS,

identifying and reporting workplace hazards, understanding workplace procedures for dealing with accidents, fires and

emergencies and contributing to risk control measures.
 

Are there other industry roles where mandatory training will be introduced?

Yes, mandatory training will be introduced for the following roles: Racing Manager, Trainers Assistant (formally known as

Foreperson & Assistant Trainer), Picnic Jockey, Rider Agent and Float Driver.

Further information is available on the RVL website www.racingvictoria.net.au (see: Industry – Education & Training).
 

How do I access the training?

You will need to organize this yourself with training available from 1 August 2009. The skill-set will be delivered by RVL

Preferred Providers and other registered training organizations.
 

RVL Preferred Providers are:

East Gippsland Tafe

Mr Ron Crawford

M: 0419 118 313

E:  rcrawford@egtafe.vic.edu.au

www.egtafe.vic.edu.au

 

NCEE

Ms Rebecca Creer

P: 0424 890 839

E: rcreer@gotafe.vic.edu.au

www.ncee.edu.au

 

NMIT

Mr Phil Jones

P: 03 9269 1042

E: philj-aas@nmit.vic.edu.au

www.nmit.vic.edu.au

 

University of Ballarat

Mr David Cookson

P: 1300 859 331

E: d.cookson@ballarat.edu.au

www.ballarat.edu.au

 

South West Tafe

Mr Robert Graham

M: 03 5564 8258 

E: Robert.graham@swtafe.vic.edu.au

www.swtafe.vic.edu.au

 
 
Where should I go for further assistance?

All training enquires should be directed to the preferred TAFE providers. For licensing enquiries contact the RVL Customer

First Contact Centre on: 1300 139 401.

 

Indicative Costs of Mandatory Training

Licenced Categories

Mandatory Skill-set Required

Indicative Cost Range

Comments

2009

2010

 

General A

Diploma in Racing (Thoroughbred Trainer)

$1,500 - $3,500

$1,800 - $4,200

Mandatory training requirement for new trainers effective 1 August 2009 – indicative price is consistent with prior years

General Trainer

Diploma in Racing (Thoroughbred Trainer)

Restricted Trainer

Certificate 4 in Racing (Thoroughbred Trainer)

$1,000 - $1,460

$1,000 - $1,700

Mandatory training requirement for new trainers effective 1 August 2009 – indicative price is consistent with prior years

Pre-trainer

1. Handle Horses; and

2. Follow OHS procedures & observe environmental work practices

$150 - $260

$175 - $275

Mandatory training requirement for pre-trainers effective 1 August 2009 – pre trainers using country venues will be monitored by Stewards

Jumps Trainer

1. Certificate 4 in Racing (Thoroughbred Trainer)

2. Train horses for jumps racing

$1,500 - $3,500

$200 - $400

$1,800 - $4,200

$300 - $500

Mandatory training requirement currently in place for new trainers – indicative price is consistent with prior years

Picnic Jockey

1. Follow OHS procedures & observe environmental work practices

2. Comply with the Rules of Racing

3. Handle Horses

4. Ride Horses in Trackwork

5. Ride Horses in Jumpouts

6. Exercise Horses in Pacework

$160 - $200

$200 - $300

Training delivered by RVL

Jumps Jockey

1. Develop Riding Skills for Jumps Racing

2. Perform Trial and Race Jumping Riding Skills

3. Prepare for Race Riding

$400 - $600

$400 - $600

Rider Agent

1. Follow OHS procedures & observe environmental work practices

2. Comply with the Rules of Racing

$125 - $200

$130 - $ 210

*Cost range acts as a guide only. Fees and charges vary by training provider and individual participant circumstances (i.e. rate reductions for concession card holders, healthcare card holders). Industry participants gaining RPL recognition receive further cost savings. Industry participants are strongly encouraged to speak to training providers on fee rates and explore fee options as government funding may apply.

Registered Categories

Training Skill-Set Required

Estimated Cost Range*

Comments

2009

2010

 

Trainers Assistant

(formally foreman / Assistant trainer)

1. Manage Horse Health and Welfare

2. Determine Nutritional Requirements for Racing Horses

3. Follow OHS procedures & observe environmental work practices

4. Comply with the Rules of Racing

5. Handle Horses

$460 - $550

$550 - $600

Stablehand

(including trackriders as registered in the stablehand category)

1. Follow OHS procedures & observe environmental work practices

2. Handle Horses

$180 - $200

$190 - $220

For existing registered stablehands (from 1 August 2009 to 31 July 2011) RVL will meet the full cost of the training.

Racing Manager

1. Promote and Maintain Business Arrangements with Racehorse Owners

2. Follow OHS procedures & observe environmental work practices

3. Comply with the Rules of Racing

4. Handle Horses

$300 - $400

$350 - $450

Float Driver

1. Follow OHS procedures & observe environmental work practices

2. Handle Horses

3. Assist with Transportation of Horses

$205 - $250

$210 - $300

*Cost range acts as a guide only. Fees and charges vary by training provider and individual participant circumstances (i.e. rate reductions for concession card holders, healthcare card holders). Industry participants gaining RPL recognition receive further cost savings. Industry participants are strongly encouraged to speak to providers on fee rates and explore fee options as government funding may apply.

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