Hi Adam, tell us, what attracted you to being an apprentice at The Grove?
Originally I considered going to full-time college to study horticulture, but after completing a week’s work experience at The Grove, I knew that I wanted to gain a qualification whilst on-the-job training. I must have made a good impression within that week as I was offered a job, but I interviewed later for the apprentice Level 2 Greenkeeper position. The Grove is renowned for being one of the top golf courses in the country, so I knew there was no place better to gain training!
What sort of support and guidance have you received at The Grove?
Throughout my three and half years here, I have had immense support and guidance from my colleagues and the senior team. They have encouraged me to strive for high standards and have offered me opportunities throughout my courses to learn new skills and knowledge, as well as training on all different types of machinery. This ultimately helped me to achieve a Distinction in my Level 2 Greenkeeping and enabled me to move onto Level 3 Advanced Greenkeeping.
As well as completing my daily role I am given allotted time each week for college work, and particularly with the Level 3 this has been crucial to maintain my progress throughout the course.
What have you learnt since being an apprentice at The Grove?
Loads! Where do I start? I am now a fully qualified greenkeeper and am skilled in my role and all that is required to work and maintain a golf course. This includes PA1, PA2 and PA6 spraying and excavator training, and I have also learnt basic mechanical skills such as mower set-up. I have picked up valuable life skills such as the importance of working as a team, resilience, confidence, time management, delegation and responsibility within the job. Within the Level 3 qualification I am now mentoring other members of the team, including a Level 2 apprentice, and passing on my skills and knowledge.
What does a typical day look like for you at work?
It’s always an early start! When we arrive, we have a team meeting where tasks are allocated. This can vary day-to-day but can include golf course set up, mowing the surface and bunker maintenance. Also, cultural practices and spraying are completed in line with our agronomy plan and maintenance schedules.
In the afternoon, there are tasks to be completed that don’t disrupt play, such as maintenance to The Grove’s football pitch and other areas of the estate. The day always ends by ensuring that all equipment is ready for the next day.
Where do you see yourself in your career in five years’ time?
On completion of my Level 3 within the next year, I would like to be a Senior Greenkeeper within the team. My aspiration within five years is to be the Head Greenkeeper.
We’re hiring a Senior Greenkeeper, click here to find out more.
