Consider the alternatives If university isn't for you, and neither are any of the popular trades, there are plenty of lesser-known options to consider. Here's just a sample. 
THE horse industry is estimated to contribute more than $6 billion to the Australian economy, encompassing breeding, equestrian sports, leisure and the lucrative field of racing.
This translates into jobs ranging from stablehand to trainer, breeder and all the white-collar roles that keep a large industry ticking.
Yet it's often only the people from equestrian backgrounds that are aware of the employment possibilities, says training manager at the Australian Racing and Equine Academy Karlie Triffett.
The Academy, based at Richmond, is the result of a partnership between Racing NSW and TAFE Western Sydney Institute.
There are currently about 400 trainees and apprentices studying at the academy, where riding horses is part of an average day on campus.
"I love that you can live in the city and still work with horses," Triffett says, adding that over 1000 horses train at Randwick, with about one staff member involved in caring for every three horses.
"There are stables in Randwick, Rosehill, Warwick Farm, Hawkesbury and other areas close to Sydney and there are horse studs across Australia with countless types of jobs."
SNAPSHOT Course: Certificate III in Racing (Advanced Stablehand, Thoroughbred) at the Australian Racing & Equine Academy at TAFE Western Sydney Institute Employment possibilities: Being a stablehand involves daily care of horses such grooming and feeding. Add further education to this experience and you could segue into racehorse training, healthcare and nutrition, horse sales, hospitality for equestrian events, or an office role in the industry. Horse racing is a global sport and could see you working in other racing hot spots like Europe, America, Dubai and Hong Kong, or at least travelling as part of the job when horses are transported to international competitions.
Requirements: A love of horses and the racing industry are the obvious pre-requisites. Working as a stablehand, be prepared for early mornings, with work at most stables starting at around 4am. You'll need to enjoy outdoor work and operating as part of a team in the close-knit horse community.
More:racingacademy.com.au