WA Racing Industry Workforce Planning

In Mid 2007 a number of industry participants indicated to the Minister and RWWA that there were issues relating to attracting and retaining industry workers, for example, it has been difficult for trainers to engage qualified and experienced thoroughbred track work riders. In September 2007 the RWWA Board requested that the issue of racing industry workforce planning be addressed including a skills audit to identify any shortfalls in sustaining the industry in the future.

The Board agreed:

• To clearly identify the issues of concern
• To establish terms of reference for workforce planning research and strategy development for the racing industry as a whole i.e. in key occupations across all three racing codes
• Racing industry participants should be engaged in the development of strategies to attract and retain people
• RWWA needs to lead this process

Project Objectives and Formation

After conducting preliminary research RWWA recognised that there are a broader set of challenges faced by many industries in WA due to the economic conditions and the demand for skilled and semi skilled labour. This scan also highlighted a set of issues relevant to the WA Racing industry and RWWA decided that to fully understand the extent of the problem and set about achieving long lasting solutions, significant research and effort would be required.

RWWA has then sought suitably qualified consultants to assist in delivering the objectives below;

• To provide a workforce planning model and develop a responsive set of strategies that create attractive settings and conditions for people to join and stay in the WA Racing industry.
• To make recommendations on how best to create and sustain a culture and environment that maintains and develops Racing industry people with the skills and knowledge required for the future survival and growth of the industry.