Applications for next round, run in conjunction with TAFE NSW, close Sunday.

Following the success of the inaugural program, applications for the next round of the Silverdale Farm Internship Program, run in conjunction with TAFE NSW, close on Sunday. 

Silverdale Farm Principal Steve Grant has championed industry education for a long time, and in 2021 he partnered with TAFE NSW to create a unique, on-farm internship for school leavers with an interest in horse-related careers.

The first of its kind in the Southern Highlands region, the six-week Internship offers school leavers (15 years and older) a fully subsidised experience. Five weeks of learning is delivered online, followed by a one week working experience on-site at Silverdale Farm, where each participant will sample all aspects of the breeding business, from agistment and spelling to yearling preparation, foaling and horse health and behaviour.

Linda Molloy is one of TAFE NSW's equine teachers and, alongside Steve Grant, she has been instrumental in the execution of the new program.

"From a TAFE perspective, we're all about skills and skills training," said Molloy.

"We want to always ensure that what we're providing in training will lead into employment, which in turn leads into careers. In that respect, this program is a great partnership with Silverdale Farm, and it's a great opportunity for school leavers."

Targeting school leavers aged 15 years or older, an impressive number of applications were received for the first program held in December last year. They came from a wide spread of young people over the age of 15, some equestrians, others pony clubbers and a number with family interests in horse racing.

The Program falls into the catchment of the TAFE NSW Moss Vale campus, and it's under the Agribusiness umbrella that covers animal care, equine, horticulture and land conservation. It's regionally specific, but applications are accepted from outside the catchment.

"I haven't seen a lot of people starting at the grassroots, at the schools, educating the school leavers on what's out there in racing and breeding," said Grant.

"I wouldn't have got a start as a young bloke without TAFE NSW and this program is all helping kids take the next step in a rewarding and exciting industry."