The closing date for CAO applications is fast approaching. Those who wish to apply for a third-level course should do so by 1 February, although the late application option will open until 5 March.

For those interested in pursuing a career in the equine industry there are endless third level options across the country which allow participants to get the education and training they need to kick their career within the industry. With around 42,000 people employed directly and indirectly across both the thoroughbred and sport horse industries, there is a wide range of jobs to choose from.

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) launched a new training and education brand Equuip at the end of last year. Its goal is to attract new people to work in the industry, develop and grow the skills and careers of those already in the industry, retain these skilled people and allow them to grow within the industry.

The Equuip website is well worth checking out if you are considering a career within the industry, but are unsure where to start or don’t know what courses are available.

Equuip recognises the importance of parents and teachers understanding the pathways and career options within the horse racing industry which is why they have a dedicated section for parents and teachers on their website.

If your interests lie in the sport horse industry and it’s a hands-on approach you’re after, the likes of Kildalton College, CAFRE and Grennan Equestrian Centre offer a range of courses in horsemanship, breeding and equitation with graduates of these courses in high demand across the sector.

At present, there are two level 8 equine related degrees in Ireland, these are Equine Science in University College Dublin (UCD) which you can apply via CAO code DN250 Agricultural Science for entry in 2021 and Equine Science in University of Limerick, which also has a two-year certificate option which allows students to progress into the Diploma in Equine Science and subsequently to the final year of the degree programme.