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A New Zealand Jockey Apprenticeship is 4 years long and encompasses two different licenses; One is a Class C Probationary Licence to ride at trials. The other is a Class B Apprentice Licence which allows you to ride on an official race day and gain experience to be granted a Class A Senior Jockey licence. Everyone starts with riding track work, you must hold a fast work license or its international equivalent to be eligible to apply for an apprenticeship.
There are two ways to get into the industry and gain a license. You can go through the process as an employee of a licenced Class A trainer who is an NZTR-approved apprentice employer or gain experience via pre-employment training at the New Zealand Equine Academy. Once you have sufficient experience you can then gain employment with an NZTR-approved apprentice employer.
Northern Apprentice School Athlete Development Day
Apprentice school isn't just about teaching our up-and-coming jockeys how to ride race day, it's about developing well-rounded athletes.
We joined the Northern Apprentice School at their recent athlete development day, where lab technicians from The University Of Waikato test and track their fitness levels. It isn't just about the physical side, money is a crucial part of the apprenticeship they also learn about securing their financial future.
Becoming an Apprentice Jockey
In order to gain a probationary license you must;
- Hold an NZTR Fast Work Licence for a minimum period of 3 months.
- Be 56Kgs or below
- Show a willingness to learn
- Have the physical and mental attributes to become an apprentice jockey
- Pass applicable fitness screening tests
- Attend an induction block course
- Sign into a Level 2 or 3 NZQA qualification
- Be employed full time by an approved apprentice employer or an employer who is willing to go through the approval process
In order to gain an apprentice license you must have;
- Rode in 30 satisfactory trial rides
- Be no more than 54kgs
- Have completed a level 2 or 3 NZQA course
- Have reached KPI’s that have been set out in your individual performance plan
- Be employed by an approved apprentice employer
- Sit an interview with your employer and the apprentice licensing panel.
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Once licensed as an apprentice you will;
- Earn a wage through your employment by riding horses in the mornings for exercise and to secure race day rides
- Earn an income through riding at trials and race day. 50% of this income is paid out to your employer for teaching/ supporting you and the other 50% is held in trust for you until you finish your apprenticeship.
- Work on your individual performance plans to develop your fitness, strength, communication and tactical riding skills to become a professional jockey.
- Engage with your employer and regional riding mentor.
- Attend all scheduled high-performance apprentice training courses, where you will work through your associated apprentice training program, NZQA level 4 course work and individual athlete development plans.
- Develop business acumen skills to manage yourself a senior rider.
Once you have completed your apprenticeship you may be eligible to gain a senior license if;
- You have completed all aspects of the Jockey apprenticeship
- You meet the NZTR suitability requirements for licensing
- You have demonstrated that you are capable of riding as a senior rider in NZ