OEEEP Provides Manpower for the Equine Sector

The Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program aims to equip students for careers in the horse industry while also urging businesses to participate by offering wage incentives.

The OEEEP provides a mutually beneficial program where prospective workers receive free training while employers are incentivised with wage bonuses.

A solution to constant problems 

Finding suitable employees in the horse industry, such as horse farm owners, breeders, show barns, and racing businesses, is a challenging and time-consuming task that often leads to frustration. However, the Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program (OEEEP) offers a promising solution. This program aims to provide job seekers with a solid understanding of equine knowledge while granting employers the opportunity to receive a 50% refund on their employees' wages for a period of up to 18 weeks or $5,000 as they settle into their new roles.

Launched in 2022 through a collaboration between the Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA), the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, and with support from Equine Guelph, this program stands out as a one-of-a-kind initiative. Participants can enroll in the program free of charge and engage in a six-week interactive training course instructed by industry experts who specialise in areas such as horse health, grooming, management, and welfare. At the conclusion of the course, assistance is provided to help participants find suitable job opportunities in the field.

Recruitment instances

The utilisation of OEEEP graduates by various industry businesses is increasing, leading to growing confidence in the program. John Charalambous, a racehorse trainer with over 40 years of experience at Woodbine Racetrack in Etobicoke, had been aware of the OEEEP since its establishment in 2022. This year, he was in need of a full-time hotwalker urgently but was unable to find a suitable candidate. Despite his difficulties, fate intervened when he unexpectedly encountered Brian Tropea from the OHHA, who was overseeing a couple of program graduates. Following this encounter, John reached out to Brian via email a week later to initiate the hiring process.

Charalambous ultimately hired Abenezer Yemane, a young individual from Ethiopia, based on the recommendation of Brian. The hiring process went smoothly, with minimal paperwork involved. Charalambous contacted Yemane first, who then visited the racetrack for a tour. Yemane quickly adapted to the fast-paced environment and established good relationships with the staff and others in the barn. Charalambous expresses his satisfaction with Yemane's performance, describing him as a pleasure to work with. He also acknowledges the wage subsidy provided by the program, which greatly benefits trainers like himself.

Similarly, Katerina Vassilieva, another racehorse trainer at Woodbine, recently hired Kseniia Hunchenko, a young woman from Ukraine, through the program. Vassilieva's experience with Hunchenko has generally been positive. Hunchenko possessed some pre-existing horse-related skills and quickly acquired new ones. She displayed a positive attitude, worked well in a team, and proved to be an asset to Vassilieva's stable.

Suzanne Latchford-Kulker, the owner of Heal With Horses, a therapeutic center focused on mental health and wellness in Hillier, Ontario, expresses her positive views on the OEEEP and her employee, Beth Lafay. Latchford-Kulker finds the OEEEP program to be excellent, highlighting Beth's enthusiasm and willingness to learn. While Beth already possessed some horse-related skills, she has now developed the ability to handle horses proficiently, tack them up, and has gained knowledge in groundwork. Latchford-Kulker's experience with the program and Beth has been highly satisfactory, leading her to recommend the OEEEP to other horse-related businesses seeking employees. She also acknowledges the benefit of receiving a portion of the wages back, which serves as an incentive for employers to hire OEEEP students.

Suzanne further underlines the positive impact of the wage subsidy provided by the OEEEP. She mentions that they have fully used the subsidy and highlights its ideal duration, which spans four months. This extended period of support has allowed Beth to have sustained employment at Heal With Horses even after the program concludes. Suzanne enthusiastically expresses her endorsement of the OEEEP program to other equine facilities, pointing out the program's significant benefits and the overall positive experience they have had with it.

On the flip side, OEEEP alumni are equally enthusiastic about the course and the opportunities it provides. Colleen Clarke, a graduate of the program, currently works at Spring Farm, a thoroughbred breeding facility in Granton, ON. She was impressed with the program and thoroughly enjoyed her new job. She mentioned, “A year ago, I had zero horse or farm experience! The program provides a great ratio of detailed information about all aspects of the horse from anatomy, diet, and care to safety and environments. I felt confident to be able to apply hands-on what I learned online.”

Her daily responsibilities cover a wide range of tasks. “My duties are broad and include everything necessary (and fun!) on a horse breeding farm. For example, I assist with horse breeding, foal care and rearing, basic first aid for minor injuries, training yearlings and presenting them at the Premium Yearling Sale held each year at Woodbine Racetrack – plus baling hay and property maintenance.”

Colleen expresses her overall satisfaction, stating,“The entire OEEEP process has been completely positive for me. My lifelong dream of working with horses has come true because of this program. I continually spread the word about OEEEP and recommend it to anyone who, like me, doesn’t have experience but does have a passion to work in the horse industry. You won’t regret it!”

Students who are eager to try themselves in a thrilling new career pathway with the horse community can sign up for a class here.