Stable Start Program
SA3SSART25
From Certificate III in Horse Breeding - RGR30619
Length
6 Weeks (part time)
Location
Study Mode
Online Classes & Face to face Workshops
Stable Start Program - SA3SSART25
Course Overview
The Stable Start Program is a Racing Victoria initiative and is mandatory for those wishing to gain employment in the racing industry.
The course is fully funded and a nationally recognised training qualification, specifically designed to provide participants with the skills to thrive in a stable environment.
This short course is aimed at those wanting to enter and gain employment in the racing industry, delivering practical experience to learn about working in a stable and around horses, and enable completion of training requirements to be a licensed stable employee.
Careers & study pathways
Where can this course take me?
This short course prepares participants to work as a Stable Hand who assists with grooming, feeding, and saddling horses as well as maintaining and cleaning stables.
Further study
After graduating, participants might like to undertake further study in the:
Course details
Upcoming dates and times
Choose a location below to learn more about when this course is offered and on which days you’ll need to attend.
Wangaratta - Tone Road
(1 commencing soon)
Open From: 25-Jan-2025 - Part time - Various - Online Classes & Face to face Workshops
Study units
Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.
This course requires a total of 2 units.
Core units
2 unit(s)
- BSBWHS211 Contribute to the health and safety of self and others
- RGRPSH201 Handle racehorses in stables and at trackwork
Attendance & commitment
General public blended delivery | 6 weeks course length | Part-time study load
Students are required to:
- Attend on-campus at the Wangaratta Tone Road Campus for 1 practical assessment day in either April, July, or September (7 hours/day). This is compulsory.
- Attend weekly webinars (5 webinars x 1 hour) one hour/week over 5 weeks. 80% attendance is required.
- Spend approximately 2-4 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
Before you begin
Entry requirements
GOTAFE entry requirements
Participants must:
- Be over 15 years of age at the time the course commences.
- Complete a self-assessment of their horse skills on enrolment.
- It is recommended to have a current Tetanus immunisation before commencing this course.
- All applicants must attend an induction, face-to-face, via Zoom, Teams, or phone before commencing this course.
Physical requirements
- The physical requirements for entry into this course are based on the demands placed on individuals who handle race horses and undertake stable management duties. They are designed to ensure their safety, the safety of others, and the safety of the horses in their care.
- Students must demonstrate a moderate level of physical stamina and strength sufficient to be able to perform tasks such as carrying feed/water buckets, maneuvering wheelbarrows, using brooms, rakes, shovels, and lifting gear (e.g. rugs/saddles) onto a horse.
- Students must demonstrate a moderate level of agility and coordination to move smoothly, safely, and quickly in response to horse behaviors is required.
Student resources
Students will be required to access a computer with a reliable internet connection and have intermediate digital literacy.
Enrolment
Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government-subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:
- Aspirations/career goals
- Educational attainment and capability
- Literacy and numeracy skills
- Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer
Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.
You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:
- Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.
Fees and payments
Fees and costs
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Please note all fees and charges are correct at the time of publication for 2025 and may change without notice.
Material fees cover costs associated with the following where applicable, and not limited to:
- Classroom activity consumables, handouts, and booklets
- E-learning resources and associated license access fees
- Excursions
Additionally, some courses require students to purchase or supply textbooks, kits, tools, uniforms, and personal protection equipment. Some specific materials may be purchased through the GOTAFE Bookshop. A full list with associated costs will be provided to you at your course information session or during the pre-training review Interview.
Student support
As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.
Learning support
A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.
Learn more about our learning support services
Library
Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.
Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton
Jobs and study options
Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.
Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres
Contingent Study Arrangements
Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.
Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.
Support for personal issues
We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.
Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you
Disability support
Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.
Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors
Counselling services
We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.
Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors
Koorie Unit
The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
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