Stable Start Program

Overview

Introduction

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

Students might like to undertake further study in:

• RGR30619 Certificate III in Horse Breeding
• 22513VIC Certificate III Equine Studies

Course details

Upcoming dates and times

Attendance & commitment

General public blended delivery | 5 days course length | Part-time study load

Students are required to:

• Attend the Tone Road Wangaratta Campus for 1 practical training and assessment day (7 hours). The one-day will be timetabled in April, July, and September. Students are only required to attend one of the practical training and assessment days.
• Attend scheduled webinars (5 x 1 hour).
• Spend approximately 2-4 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.

Study units

Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.

Before you begin

Entry requirements

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 and 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.

Technology requirements

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.

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

Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.

Further information is provided at course induction.