Writtle University College (WUC) is delighted to announce a new scholarship opportunity.
Over the next three years, The Racing Foundation will fund the full £9,250 fees for five WUC students on the new, one-year Certificate of Higher Education in Thoroughbred Stud Operations course.
This is an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in increasing their knowledge and understanding of the thoroughbred breeding sector, whether they’re already working within the industry or are planning to take their first steps.
Racing is worth £1.1bn to the UK economy, with the stud sector accounting for £189m. Despite the obvious career opportunities, many of the large and well-known studs are in need of appropriately qualified and highly skilled staff.
WUC’s one-year course aims to create work-ready graduates. Students will develop transferable skills and learn to apply theoretical and scientific knowledge in a hands-on setting.
Interested applicants are urged to apply without delay. Funding will be made available for two candidates to start the course in September 2019. A further two applications will be sought for September 2020 entry and one more 2021.
The scholarships are evidence of The Racing Foundation long-running support for the horseracing and thoroughbred breeding industry. The organisation, which was founded in 2012, offers grants to appropriate educational institutions and charities.
Tansy Challis, Grants Manager at The Racing Foundation, said: “The comprehensive, bespoke course has been designed in partnership with a number of well-known studs and will provide an excellent opportunity for students to undertake theoretical and practical training to fully equip them with the skills they need.
“The Racing Foundation is pleased to be offering two scholarships for the inaugural cohort, which will sit alongside scholarships being offered by Shadwell Stud. We very much look forward to following the progress of students during their studies, their work placements and their future careers.”
Caroline Flanagan, WUC’s Head of School for Equine and Veterinary Physiotherapy, said: “Writtle University College is thrilled that The Racing Foundation will be supporting keen entrants to the stud industry over the next three years.
“The recipients of these awards will be receiving an amazing opportunity. We very much look forward to working with the scholars and The Racing Foundation.”