Following the success of last year’s inaugural internship programme, third-level students will again have the opportunity to compete for five internships with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) for the summer of 2015. Placements will be made in each of the four HRI racecourses: Fairyhouse, Navan, Leopardstown and Tipperary, as well as HRI headquarters in Newbridge, Co Kildare.

The internships will begin at the end of May and will run for 10-12 weeks with each intern asked to keep a log and write a short blog on their experience. Applications will be accepted from students with an interest in horse racing and the promotion of racing, although the programme is open to students in any year of any course.

Commenting on the initiative, HRI’s Carol Nolan said: “Last year’s inaugural internship programme was a great success for the interns and Horse Racing Ireland. The approach of the programme is to bring blended learning to life using practical experience gained at our racecourses. Combined with bespoke marketing projects, this is an excellent introduction to the world of work. I look forward to introducing the interns to our fantastic teams and our unique businesses at this time of great change and development in the racing industry.”

Students at the four HRI tracks will be required to assist in many areas of racecourse operations such as marketing, ticket sales, social media, website maintenance and race day operations. The head office-based intern will be placed in the marketing department and will assist with media monitoring, racecourse events, social media and website maintenance.

The application process aims to give students experience in the job-seeking process by sending an application along with a CV and cover letter to Horse Racing Ireland by 9 March 2015, following which suitable candidates will be called for interview. Successful students will receive a weekly payment.

Applications should be sent to Kate O’Sullivan, Marketing Department, Horse Racing Ireland, Ballymany, The Curragh, Co Kildare, by Monday 9 March.