New data collection project to help equine industry’s workforce

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – A Thoroughbred industry workforce data collection project for the Commonwealth has been launched by the Equine Workforce Development Intiative to help identify employer needs and fill staff shortages.

The Equine Workforce Development Initiative was created by the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) and the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Foundation Workforce Center to address the shortage of skilled equine workers statewide. The initiative hopes to understand the needs of employers and take that information to better inform educational and community partners who can help with filling gaps in the equine industry’s workforce.

The work and results of the initiative come from discussions regarding the most important issues in the equine industry. A 2019 study done by the Thoroughbred Farm collaborative projected that for ten farms, there was a need for 255 new and replacement grooms prior to 2021. Kentucky has around 500 Thoroughbred farms, meaning there is a wide gap in what is available and what is needed.

“Like many states and industries around the country, the equine industry in Kentucky is struggling to find qualified workers to fill its ranks,” stated Laurie Mays, Equine Talent Pipeline Project Manager with KEEP and the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. “However, the lack of concrete data needed to substantiate the current workforce crisis has hindered progress in equine workforce development. The creation of the Thoroughbred Data Collection Project survey will allow the industry to obtain the vital information needed to advance crucial conversations with organizations and individuals who support workforce growth in our unique industry.”

The Thoroughbred Data Collection Project seeks to gather solid evidence of the equine workforce’s current state. There is currently limited industry-specific data that illustrates the workforce needs. Without statistical evidence of staffing challenges, the industry’s mission for community engagement, initial job training, upskilling and financial assistance is difficult.

In partnership with the University of Louisville Equine Industry Program, the data collection process will go through a brief online survey. The anonymous survey will identify the size of farms and demand projections for particular positions, analyze trends in recruitment and hiring as well as understand staff retention and reasons for turnover. Once analyzed, the information provided will form an industry baseline to enhance existing projects and assist in identifying new programs and initiatives that need to be implemented.

For more information about the Thoroughbred Data Collection Project or to participate in the survey, contact Laurie Mays at lmays@kychamber.com.