RGR30419 - Certificate III in Racing Services (Cadet Steward)

Course Overview

This Certificate III reflects the broad work responsibilities undertaken within regulatory and integrity services operations within the thoroughbred racing codes. The general qualification covers skills required for a range of racing services and operations.

The Cadet Steward specialisation covers duties required to assist stewards in race and non-race day activities. There are responsible to keep sport fair, safe, and full of integrity making sure the rules are followed, and animal welfare comes first.

This nationally recognised course gives you the skills and knowledge to be part of the action.

Don’t just watch the races - be part of what makes them happen!

• Why Study This Course
• Entry Requirements
• Duration
• Delivery Mode
• Course Details & Units
• Career Pathways and Outcomes
• Fees
• How To Apply?

Why Study a Certificate III in Racing Services?

• Enter the heart of racing operations - Gain foundational skills for roles in racing administration or stewarding
  across thoroughbred, greyhound and harness codes.
• Choose your specialisation - Tailor your learning to suit your interests—whether it’s racing administration or cadet steward duties.
• Build regulatory and integrity expertise - Learn to uphold racing rules, ethics, and protocols—essential for stewarding and compliance roles.
• Develop workplace-ready skills - Training includes communication, safety, confidentiality, and problem-solving skills valued across the racing industry.
• Support animal welfare and duty of care - Understand the responsibilities involved in caring for racing animals and maintaining ethical standards.
• Advance your career in racing services - Prepare for roles such as racing administrator, cadet steward, race starter, and handicapper.
• Nationally recognised qualification - Accredited across Australia, ensuring your skills meet industry and regulatory standards.

Entry Requirements

• Greyhound, harness and thoroughbred racing codes are strictly regulated throughout Australia. Individuals electing to undertake the specialisation for Cadet Steward must meet the requirements of the relevant Controlling body or Principal Racing Authority. Users are advised to check with the relevant authority for requirements.
• Be currently working in racing integrity role or willing to complete vocational placement within a racing integrity environment.
• Must access to a computer/laptop or tablet and reliable internet to engage with online materials, along with basic computer skills.

RQ mandates that individuals undertaking this course must:

• Attend and be active in scheduled training and assessments, both on and off-the-job.
• Complete workplace tasks in accordance with employer expectations.
• Ability to operate in the racing industry environment and handle standard industry equipment.
• Possess adequate language, literacy, and numeracy skills to comprehend learning materials and carry out routine work tasks effectively within their role.

Please note: RQ will communicate with individuals who express interest in enrolling to assess their language, literacy, and numeracy skills. The RQ team is equipped to offer supplementary learning support to learners in need of basic assistance. For those requiring more extensive support, RQ can facilitate referrals to specialized language, literacy, and numeracy development providers. These providers can aid learners in enhancing their language, literacy, and numeracy skills to ensure their readiness to begin the course effectively.

Duration

• Full Time: 12 months
• Part Time: 24 months

Delivery Mode

• Blended Learning – combination of on-the-job training, face to face and e-learning

Important note:

This program provides hands-on industry experience for individuals currently engaged under the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC). Applicants not yet involved in an approved racing environment are encouraged to contact the Racing Queensland Education Department for further information.

Industry connection tip:

Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) to explore available Cadet Steward opportunities.

Course Specifics

This qualification supports individuals pursuing a career in regulatory and integrity services within the racing industry across three codes of racing.

The course includes substantial on-the-job/practical training, which is crucial for developing competent cadet stewards who can effectively contribute to maintaining the integrity of horse racing.

Details and Unit

To achieve this qualification, competency must be demonstrated in 18 units of competency: 4 core units plus 14 elective units.

4 Core + 14 Elective = 18 Total Units

Core Units (4)

An asterisk (*) next to the unit code indicates that there are prerequisite requirements which must be met when packaging the qualification.

Electives (14)

Career Pathways and Outcomes

With experience and further training, cadet stewards may advance to roles such as:

• Steward
  Oversee race meetings, enforce racing rules, conduct inquiries, and ensure fair competition.
• Senior Steward / Chief Steward
  Lead stewarding teams, manage integrity operations, and liaise with racing authorities.
• Race Day Official
  Coordinate race-day logistics, liaise with trainers and jockeys, and uphold integrity standards.
• Racing Integrity Officer
  Conduct investigations, monitor compliance, and support regulatory enforcement.

Related Career Options

• Racing Administrator - Manage race nominations, registrations, and communications.
• Race Starter - Oversee race start procedures and ensure timing and safety compliance.
• Handicapper - Allocate weights and manage handicapping systems for races.

Further Education Pathways:

Graduates may pursue:

• Certificate IV or Diploma in Racing Integrity or Racing Administration.
• Specialised training in compliance, investigations, or animal welfare.

Set to start as a cadet steward? Here’s what to expect:

• Support Race Day Operations – Be available on weekends: Assist stewards and monitor races.
• Protect Animal Welfare: Keep an eye on horse wellbeing.
• Uphold Integrity: Help enforce rules and report incidents.
• Gain Industry Experience: Work across stables, trials, and race meetings.

Fees

Traineeship Eligibility: You must already be employed to enrol as a trainee with Racing Queensland. Speak to your employer about choosing Racing Queensland as your Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO).

Cost: Eligible apprentices and trainees that meet the Queensland state funding requirements will be charged a set fee per nominal hour. These fees are calculated at a regulated rate.

Concession rates apply for students who hold a current Health Care Card or who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Non-funded trainees will be charged a fee for service cost. These will be confirmed prior to the commencement of training.

Information regarding costs will be outline on the agreed training plan which will be provided to the employer and apprentice or trainee at the time of induction. 

Fees and funding: A full fee schedule is available here.

How to Apply?

Ready to get started?

Fill out an expression of interest form here.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at:

• Email: training@racingqueensland.com.au
• Phone: 07 3869 9781