RGR30419 - Certificate III in Racing Services (Cadet Steward)

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

This Certificate III in Racing Services (Cadet Steward) reflects the broad work responsibilities undertaken within regulatory and integrity services operations within the thoroughbred, harness and greyhound 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.

Why study a Certificate III in Racing Services (Cadet Steward)

• Enter the heart of racing operations - Gain foundational skills for roles in stewarding
  across thoroughbred, greyhound and harness codes.
• 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.
• Nationally recognised qualification - Accredited across Australia, ensuring your skills meet industry and regulatory standards.

Key responsibilities

• 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.

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.

Program requirements

The following requirements apply to all students undertaking this program. They cover workplace and placement arrangements, equipment and technology needs, and the language, literacy and numeracy skills involved in training and working in a racing integrity role.

• Be currently working in a racing integrity role or be willing to complete a vocational placement within a racing integrity environment. Vocational placements are subject to availability and the requirements of a placement agreement.
• Have access to a computer, laptop, or tablet with reliable internet, along with basic computer skills, to engage with online learning materials.
• Attend and actively participate in scheduled training and assessment, both on and off the job.
• Complete workplace tasks in accordance with employer expectations.
• Be able to work within racing industry environments, including on race days and at track facilities.
• Possess adequate language, literacy, numeracy and digital (LLND) skills to understand learning materials and carry out routine work tasks within their role.

Please note: as part of the enrolment process, the RTO will assess each individual's language, literacy, numeracy and digital (LLND) skills. Learners needing basic assistance can access additional learning support directly through the RTO. Where more extensive support is required, we can refer learners to specialist LLN providers to help build their skills and ensure they're ready to begin the course.

Industry Connection Tip: Applicants who are not currently employed or engaged within a Principal Racing Authority Integrity and Licensing environment will require access to an appropriate workplace or practical training environment to enable completion of the practical training and assessment requirements of the qualification. Workplace arrangements will be discussed as part of the enrolment process to ensure students have access to the resources and opportunities required to successfully complete the course. 

Course duration and delivery mode

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

Course packaging

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.

Fees

Course fees are determined based on the student's enrolment pathway, funding eligibility (where applicable) and the qualification being undertaken. 
 
 Where government-funded training is available, student contributions and any applicable concession arrangements will be applied in accordance with the relevant funding program requirements.
 
 Students who are not eligible for government funding will be enrolled under a fee-for-service arrangement.
 
Information regarding applicable fees and charges will be provided to students prior to enrolment, ensuring they have the opportunity to make an informed decision before commencing training. For further information regarding current fees and charges, please refer to the Fees Schedule.

How to apply

Ready to get started?

Select your state below and complete the relevant expression of interest form:

• Queensland expression of interest form
• Tasmania expression of interest form
• South Australia expression of interest form

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

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 07 3869 9781