Cover image courtesy of Clarke Bloodstock
On the back of the exciting news that the FBAA Mentorship Program is making a return for 2025, The Thoroughbred Report caught up with Federation of Bloodstock Agents Australia (FBAA) Vice-President Jim Clarke to discuss how the program was received last year and the improvements that are being implemented for 2025.
Pathways to Success: A Mentorship Initiative
The 2025 Mentorship Program focuses on education and opportunity. Clarke emphasised that the primary goal of the program is:
“Helping to educate the next generation in best practices within the industry.”
“Helping to educate the next generation in best practices within the industry.” - Jim Clarke
He further explained, “The FBAA Code of Ethics is obviously fully instrumental in this thinking. We want the successful applicants to be able to learn from people who are well-established within the industry and have experienced success.”
When asked about the specifics of what would be looked at, Clarke shared, “It will give people an insight into what's involved across the whole spectrum. The experience will provide participants with an opportunity to look behind the curtains and understand what goes on inside.”
Clarke also noted, “There can be a fairly common misconception that bloodstock agents just inspect and buy horses. Which is clearly not the case, and this program will highlight that, going far beyond expectations. It will also show that there can be clear differences in operators.”
Jim Clarke | Image courtesy of Federation of Bloodstock Agents Australia
How does the program work
The Mentorship Program is set to span six weeks, incorporating various modes of engagement. Participants will have face-to-face, online, and telephone meetings, where mentors and mentees will engage in regular discussions to exchange knowledge, guidance, and feedback.
Mentees will also have the opportunity to shadow FBAA agents at sales events, observing and assisting in different aspects of the selection, buying, and selling process. Additionally, mentees will be required to submit a theoretical assignment to the FBAA Board to demonstrate their learning throughout the program.
Clarke explained, “Last year was the first year we held the program, and it proved to be very worthwhile, with everyone getting a lot out of it. This year, we’ve made some adjustments. It's now a bit more condensed, which makes it less demanding on time for both mentors and mentees. It's probably shifted back towards a more traditional mentorship format rather than a work placement.”
What are the expected and desired outcomes
The program wants to create a deep level of understanding within the industry. The aim is to foster the development of skilled professionals in the bloodstock industry by attracting new talent and nurturing their growth.
The promotion of integrity across the industry is paramount: Participants will uphold ethical standards and best practices, positively impacting the reputation of the profession and the industry.
Assistance with career progression for aspiring bloodstock agents. The mentorship program provides a platform for FBAA members to give something back to the industry and the profession.
Clarke went on to comment “There will be a balanced combination of shadowing, complemented by face-to-face meetings. We want this to be a big step in terms of career progression and development.”
“There will be a balanced combination of shadowing, complemented by face-to-face meetings. We want this to be a big step in terms of career progression and development.” - Jim Clarke
Reflecting on last year's mentorship interest
When asked to reflect on how the process went last year, Clarke shared, “We had a lot of interest last year, with about 40 people applying for just three positions. This year, we've condensed it down to two available positions.”
He continued, “We received very strong applications from individuals with excellent credentials. The process will be rigorous again, and myself and Craig Rounsefell will sit down to interview the candidates.
It’s an exciting opportunity, and people should take a good look and apply. We think it's a great opportunity, and we're really looking forward to the process.”
“It’s an exciting opportunity, and people should take a good look and apply. We think it's a great opportunity, and we're really looking forward to the process.” - Jim Clarke
With a refined and focused structure, the 2025 FBAA Mentorship Program presents an exceptional opportunity for those looking to learn from leading industry professionals and take their first steps toward a successful career. For those aspiring to work in the industry, this is an opportunity that should not be missed.
