Hundreds of Victorians with a passion for horses will have the opportunity to start a career in racing thanks to a program placing disadvantaged jobseekers into work with some of the state’s best stables.

Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines today visited the Ballarat Turf Club to announce a $3.1 million investment from the Andrews Labor Government to deliver 200 jobs in the racing sector through Jobs Victoria.

The jobs include roles in stables and grounds and facilities management and a pathway to getting the accreditations needed to become a track rider. Interested jobseekers don’t require any experience as all new recruits will receive paid training including participating in Racing Victoria’s Stable Start Program.

Jobs Victoria is partnering with the Ballarat Turf Club to deliver 100 roles at Ballarat-based stables, and with Skillinvest to deliver a further 100 roles across regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne.

Nyandeng Sallivanmusyoka completed her initial training with Racing Victoria and is now working as a stablehand at Ballarat’s Cumani Racing.

The mother of four arrived in Australia from Ethiopia in 2006 and had been struggling to find a job after being out of the workforce raising her children and is now loving her new role.

Roles are open to people who face barriers to employment such as people with disability, young people under 25 and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The ‘earn and learn’ jobs will provide participants with 12 months’ employment and access to additional support to set them up for long-term careers in an exciting industry. Additional training options include a certificate-level qualification in Racing (Stablehand) or Racing (Trackwork Rider).

The racing industry is a major economic driver for Victoria, contributing $4.7 billion annually to the state’s economy and supporting more than 34,000 jobs, including over 700 full-time jobs in Ballarat.

For information or to apply, visit jobs.vic.gov.au or call the Jobs Victoria hotline on 1300 208 575.

Quote attributable to Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines

“We’re backing a strong racing industry and this program is a fantastic boost, investing in local jobs to ensure the industry can continue to thrive.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Employment Ben Carroll

“Jobs Victoria plays a critical role in helping jobseekers get back into work by pairing them with employers and supporting them throughout the program to get the most out of their new career.

Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“This initiative will deliver 100 jobs in the racing industry right here in Ballarat – showcasing the opportunities there are for locals to get started in a new career in racing.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“This is an important program for Ballarat jobseekers looking to get into the industry and gain experience.”