Danielle Smith was kind enough to answer some questions about her role at Racing Victoria. Danielle is a Workforce Educator & Apprentice Jockey Mentor.
How much of your day/week is related to horses?
All day, every day!
What is it exactly that you do?
I am the Workforce Educator and Apprentice Jockey Mentor at Racing Victoria. I travel around Victoria teaching the education programs related to the racing industry. These are programs for Stablehands, Trackwork Riders, Jockeys and stable staff. Our programs focus on educating people to work with and care for horses.
I also work in the Apprentice Jockey team as a mentor to the apprentice jockeys to support their health and wellbeing.
Profile on: Danielle Smith, Workforce Educator Racing Victoria
In this field of work, is it possible to be a full-time professional and earn a liveable income?
Yes, it is. The hours are flexible and every day is different which enables me to have time to still ride my own horse as well.
What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
I have a Bachelor in Education and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment which allows me to be involved in the education and delivery of the courses. I also have significant experience in the racing industry which has provided me with the relevant experience for this role.
Favourite horse memory?
Training my first winner as a horse trainer at my home track, Mornington. Her name was Somethinfornothin, we only paid $750 for her!
Future goals?
To keep learning myself and providing the industry with as much support as I can to upskill the workforce.
Best thing about your sport/profession?
That I get to talk about horses all day every day! I also love that I get to meet so many different people from many different backgrounds.