Fulford Heath Golf Club

As a small business operating in a specialised field, the company believes that taking on apprentices is vital for the future, not just of the business, but of the industry as a whole.

Golf Course Manager, Kim Blake said: “It is part of our company policy to train people up for jobs whenever there is the opportunity to do so. Apprenticeships are a cost effective way of taking on staff – the salary costs are lower and they learn on the job to do all the tasks essential to the role. Having apprentices in the company helps to keep other staff motivated when they see an apprentice learning and doing well.

“We get a lot of help and support from Warwickshire College who provide good feedback about how the apprentice is progressing. The college also offer the opportunity for apprentices to undertake additional training and certificates specific to our business.

“We take on apprentices studying a Level 2 Turf Diploma initially. Those who are suitable will continue to be trained to level 3. Most of our former apprentices still work in the industry, one still works with us as an Assistant Greenkeeper.

“Apprenticeships produce well-trained employees with a good general workplace abilities as well as the specific skills and qualifications needed to do the job. It is very satisfying to train someone up and then see them succeed in their career.”

At the end of 2010 Karl Williams, who completed Level 2 and 3, took on the role of Head Greenkeeper at another local club. Karl also was presented with the Dereck Sharman award at Morton Morrell for the best student on the greenkeeping course.

Rebecca Blake currently works at Fulford Heath Golf Club as an Apprentice Greenkeeper. She said: “I was working in a pub when I heard about the apprenticeship at the golf course. I took the opportunity as I wanted to develop a skilled trade. Once I started the apprenticeship, I liked it a lot. I have completed my level 2 qualification and am now completing my level 3.

“In order to progress in your career, you need qualifications and experience – apprenticeships give you the opportunity to get both. You need to be qualified but you need the practical skills to do the job as well. I think my job prospects are good – I want to go on and get more qualifications and to one day to progress to head greenkeeper.

“I never wanted to work in an office all day – this job is really varied and I get to work outside. I would recommend the apprenticeship route to others as you get paid to learn.”