1) What is "Gateway"? 

Gateway guides senior students at secondary school who are interested in studying something that isn't offered directly at school, allowing them to participate in structured workplace learning environments. Allowing them to learn and gain experience about industries and careers which cannot be offered in school itself. For myself, I studied "Equine" through gateway at secondary school. 

2) What course did you do and how did you get into it?

During secondary school I started the Level 3 Breeding Course, which I achieved through gateway by completing achievement standard assessments, these also gained me credits toward my Level 3 certificate at school. The course gave me insight into the industry and helped me to be sure that it is the career I'd like to further study and progress in. 

3) Did studying drive further desire to work in the industry?

Yes absolutely, It gave me insight into the career option I had chosen. It allowed me to have confidence in myself, by being able to achieve a qualification which I could work toward and use to show I am capable, and that I have experience. Studying was a big part of what pushed me to work in the industry after school, as my course is a workplace-based learning allowing you to study and work at the same time.

4) What did you enjoy about Gateway?

I really enjoyed my experience in gateway. It allowed me to further explore my career options by giving me experience in the workplace environment, and to study about the horse industry before actually leaving school

5) How did you get a role with Brighthill Farm?

Straight out of school I was eager to start working with horses, I had a brief yearling prep, and then racing stable experience at other places. Although my passion layed with working at a breeding farm, my goal was to secure a permanent position somewhere. Being 18 years old with limited experience working at a stud made it challenging to find a farm which would take me on. I reached out to Brighthill farm, they took a chance on me and I was lucky enough to have landed in the perfect place. I have been given so many opportunities at Brighthill, which have led me to learn so much, and progress further in this industry.

6) Do you think your early education helped with securing a role?

I believe that the breeding course looks good as a part of your early education, it shows that one is interested in furthering their knowledge in the industry, not just through practical experience but through studying and achieving a qualification. Although I don't think that it was a big part of securing my role at the time, my experience and interest in the industry would have been a good indicator as to if I fit the role of a stud groom/stable hand. It would have definitely been beneficial, and shown that I was looking to develop a career in the thoroughbred industry. 

7) Since beginning at Brighthill Farm, what further education have you done or are doing?

Straight off the bat I was back into studying, I finished the Level 3 Breeding Course which I had been doing through gateway at school. I am now doing the Level 4 Breeding apprenticeship. 

8) How do you manage studying and working full-time?

It's easier to stay on top of study when you dedicate an amount of time most nights to do some study. I find this method helps me to stay motivated, as it keeps me closer to achieving my goals by completing assessments in a timely manner, without the pressure of having to rush at the last minute to get things finished, or feeling like you are falling behind.

9) What do you enjoy about earning while you learn?

I enjoy that my job just isn't about making money, it's about learning and progressing in the career that I have chosen to pursue. That aspect makes everyday more enjoyable, because you feel like you are progressing toward achieving your goals and furthering your ability and experience at the same time.

10) What do you think are the benefits of working and completing study at the same time?

A benefit of working while studying is feeling more secure with a stable financial income. Another one would be learning on the job, how often would a university student learn something at a job they work for that is just to support them to live etc. You can at times feel under pressure, but with the right motivation and dedication working and completing study is great, and certainly works well for me. 

11) What do you enjoy most about the course?

I enjoy that you have the ability to use a variety of sources in order to complete the assessments, such as your own experiences, other people's advice, the internet, books etc. Before you study you don't realise how much you don't know, I enjoy how the course covers a variety of topics within the thoroughbred industry, this has helped me to learn so much and further add to my knowledge. 

12) Has working and studying taught you anything about yourself?

Working while studying helps me to reflect on much I do learn while working, It is great because I combine both factors together all the time. Many questions in my course assessments relate to experiences and things I've learned from work. This has been super beneficial and taken a lot of pressure off studying, as it feels more laid back.

13) Would you recommend the breeding courses? If so, why? If not, why not?

I would absolutely recommend the breeding courses to anyone who would like to further their experience or develop a career within the thoroughbred industry. It is a great stepping stone, and guide to which area of the industry you would like to enter and progress in. Anyone who completes the Level 3 or higher level breeding courses are eligible to apply for The Irish National Stud Scholarship, I think that this is a fantastic opportunity and really appealing for anyone who is thinking about signing up for the courses. This is a big motivator for myself, I would love to try applying for it after completing my Level 4 apprenticeship.