Industry News
Nationally Recognized Apprenticeships for Horse Industry Ready to Run
LEXINGTON, KY. (Wednesday, July 15, 2020) – Through collaboration with employers and educational entities, a new horse care apprenticeship program has recently been recognized by the Kentucky and United States Departments of Labor. This opportunity, aimed at providing “earn and learn” training in horsemanship, is an Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Program for individuals interested in working in the horse industry. Given the recent suspension of H-2B visas in the United States, an avenue which has historically been critical to the U.S. equine industry workforce, the creation of this apprenticeship program cannot come at a more opportune time to continue to train a domestic workforce.
The Horse Trainer (Horseman) Apprenticeship (O*Net-Soc Code: 39-2011.00 Rapids Code: 1001) encompasses 2,000 hours of carefully employer structured competencies during which an apprentice can attain industry-recognized skills needed to successfully begin or continue a career in any horse related industry sub-sector, such as: racing, breeding, showing, and other similar disciplines.
While on the job, apprentices will learn or improve their skills in areas such as: horse handling, feeding and nutrition, proper grooming and exercise, identification of disease or illness, basic health care and medical treatments and facility care and maintenance. This program was created to produce a well-rounded, competent horseman capable of excelling in any facet of the equine industry.
Advantages for apprentices include:
- Earn while you learn at your own pace
- Learn the skills horse industry employers have shown they are seeking
- Advancement within the industry promoting an increased future earning potential
- Faster access to state mandated occupational licensing
Advantages for employers include:
- Customized training
- A skilled workforce educated by industry experts
- Improved productivity and lower turnover
This new apprenticeship is the result of collaboration between the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Workforce Center/Kentucky Equine Education Project’s Equine Talent Pipeline Workforce Initiative, the Bluegrass Community and Technical College Workforce Solutions / North American Racing Academy and equine employers across the industry.
For employers or potential apprentices seeking more information, please contact either Laurie Mays (lmays@kychamber.com) or Gary Robinson (gary.robinson@kctcs.edu ).
The AHC promotes and protects all horse breeds, disciplines and interests by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry itself every day.