British Racing School launches Kickstarter scheme

British Racing School (BRS) have launched a recruitment programme for young people for up to six months thanks to a government-funded Kickstarter scheme.

The programme is designed to help horse racing businesses and charities and boost employment within the industry. The scheme is backed by the Racing Foundation and the Resume Foundation. The BRS will offer support to employers, with Kickstart candidates given training throughout their employment to assist in their future careers in racing. Those aged 16 to 24 who claim universal credit will be eligible for the programme, with up to 25 hours of employment per week funded at National Minimum Wage, including a £1,500 initial set-up fund.

“This cross industry approach to the DWP Kickstart Scheme will support racing employers while introducing new staff to the industry, and we are excited to see what Kickstart opportunities can be generated by racing to put in front of young people.” Said Zoe Elliott BHA head of careers marketing and recruitment. 

Rob Hezel, CEO of the Racing Foundation added:  “Our aim is to support individual Kickstarters to gain work in our brilliant industry while offering employers additional resources. This comes at a time when racing, along with the rest of the country, opens up and becomes busier than ever after the uncertainty of the last 18 months. Streamlining the process to get a Kickstarter into their workforce will hopefully incentivise racing employers across the country to take advantage of this great opportunity.”

Employers will be able to registered for the scheme until October with Kickstarter candidates allowed to begin new roles within the racing industry this year.