Andrea’s Story – National Careers Week
This National Careers Week, which runs from 3rd – 8thMarch to promote and celebrate careers guidance across the UK, Racing Welfare is taking the opportunity to raise awareness of the careers support and guidance they provide to the workforce of British horseracing.
Racing Welfare is the only charity that supports all of racing’s people – including stud, stable and racecourse staff, alongside those working in associated professions. Racing Welfare’s mission is to enhance and support the wellbeing of racing’s people, and careers advice and guidance is a key part of this.
Andrea Kelly, 49, from South Wales, has worked at Tim Vaughan Racing at Pant Wilkin Stables in Cowbridge, for the past 20 years, most recently in the role of Travelling Head Lass. Describing her racing career as “All I’ve ever known”, Andrea turned to Racing Welfare for help to pursue her dream job while remaining working in an industry she knows and loves.
“Racing is all I’ve ever known, but I just knew I couldn’t do the long days and nights travelling up and down the country anymore. I still wanted to continue using my skills and knowledge of the industry, so I turned to Racing Welfare for guidance. I was offered help with my CV as well as being given the contacts I needed to gain work experience with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) as an Equine Welfare and Integrity Officer (EWIO)” Andrea said.
“Through shadowing and learning the role of an EWIO, which includes checking and recording the accreditation of all horses and accompanying staff at racecourses, as well as ensuring equine welfare standards, I now work as an EWIO on a sessional work contract of 50 days per year, while still working part time for Tim Vaughan as a horsebox driver. Tim has been absolutely amazing to me in supporting my career change – I simply couldn’t wish for a better boss.
“The joy of my new role is that I have a better work-life balance and have time to see my family and friends while still working in an industry I love. I hope as time goes on that I can gain more hours working as an EWIO and would like to thank Racing Welfare for all of their invaluable help.”
We support racing’s people, including stud, stable and racecourse staff, alongside those working in associated professions. If you work in these industries, and would like careers advice and guidance, then please call Racing’s Support Line on 0800 6300 443 to find out more.