Doncaster Racecourse Hilton team building day

One of my great passions is helping people to progress upwards through the business. I am very lucky that in my position I am able to ensure this happens. The Board invest a significant sum into staff training and there are a number of ways that we achieve our aims beyond achieving basic and health and safety compliance for our employees and customers.
Firstly, we are an apprenticeship levy paying employer which means we put a lot of focus on using these funds throughout all the areas of our business; we have a number of apprentices now working in our grounds and estates teams, finance teams, as well as customer facing roles.
Secondly, we support staff with relevant qualifications through part-funding, full-funding and paid time off to study and take exams. This is particularly relevant to employees working on their accounting or HR qualifications as well as our Clerks of the Course. In the last 3 years I am delighted to say that we have fully funded the training and accreditation for six new Clerks who are working around the business.
Thirdly, we offer any member of staff the opportunity for a personal development programme. This could involve basic skills training on things like excel or word, personal coaching sessions, or access to funding for external courses or qualifications.
Something I am extremely proud of is that we also run two internal development programmes for our ‘Rising Stars’. ‘Under Starters Orders’ is aimed at colleagues who are looking to take on their first Line Management position within the next 12-24 months. ‘The Final Furlong’ is for existing Line Managers who are seeking a Department Head, Executive or Senior Management Team position. We are inundated with applications each year and people who have completed these programmes come out with enhanced knowledge of the business, the industry and themselves. Whilst not everyone who secures a place is looking for promotion, it is recognised that over a third of those who complete the course have gone on to be promoted.
I am so delighted to be a part of seeing people develop through their employment with us; long may it continue!
Arena Racing Company is a lively, fun, yet professional place to work. A range of activities is organised throughout the year, giving staff an opportunity to mix in a relaxed environment.
Jayne & Jo
Jayne & Katie