WA Racing Industry Workforce Planning

Background

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.

Roles in the Project

Chandler Macleod have been engaged as a partner and advisor in the project, on the back of their experience with similar projects and expertise in commerce and industry workforce planning.

The role of Chandler Macleod will be to conduct independent research, consult with the racing industry in confidence and with RWWA at a higher level and to provide reports including recommendations and strategies for RWWA to support and the industry to pursue.

How Industry Participants are to be Involved

The industry participants and operators including the many individuals or small business people are to be given an opportunity to voice individual concerns or contribute to and engage in the research and consulting activities to help RWWA to;

• Fully develop the list of issues,
• Establish a shared understanding and knowledge base about the industry workforce and
• To outline a set of strategies and conditions that it believes will help empower them to operate successfully and sustain it in the future.

Project Launch and Timeline

In June 2008 a Pilot study into Thoroughbred track riders will commence. This will help RWWA and Chandler Macleod get a solid understanding and refine the best possible way to approach the key issues. It is intended that this will involve consulting with industry participants at a number of levels including track riders, apprentice jockeys, jockeys and associated occupations, trainers, industry associations and group leaders as well as race clubs.

Industry Help

Industry Participants will be able to provide input via:

• Face to face meetings with key industry people, employees and employers.
• Focus groups in the Metro area, at training centers and at a number of regional locations
• Online surveys and opportunities to complete paper based surveys in a targeted manner, as required.
• Written submissions

Industry employers are being encouraged to provide time and support for all employees to contribute to the project.

Detailed timing and the locations of these activities or sessions will be advised in advance of each stage and will also be posted on the RWWA website.

Workforce Planning Update - Track Work Rider Pilot Study

RWWA, with the assistance of human resources consulting firm Chandler McLeod, is currently undertaking a study into WA Racing industry workforce requirements, commencing with a pilot study in the critical area of track work riders.

Following very informative and helpful focus group sessions conducted during June and July, the survey for track workers and trainers was held open until Tuesday the 4th of August.

A separate questionnaire has also been sent to race clubs to collect their input and an up to date view of the amount of horses in work and track workers in attendance across WA.

The combination of focus groups, survey and questionnaire ensured a variety of avenues was made available for those directly involved to provide meaningful input.

Chandler Macleod are now analysing the data gathered in all responses and are developing reports and recommendations for RWWA and the industry.

This process is expected to be completed by the end of September. RWWA intends to provide feedback and consult again as it addresses the core issues in partnership with the industry.

The study into other industry occupations is scheduled to start in October, although the scope and way RWWA approaches the main phase of the project will be determined after completing the pilot study. RWWA and Chandler Macleod appreciate and acknowledge the assistance, advice , patience and time given by industry stakeholders to date.