'Why I love being a greenkeeper'
I started my greenkeeping career back in 2018.
Prior to going on the government website to do an apprenticeship search, if you had asked me what I wanted to do for a job, the reply would probably have been one of these three: firefighter, police officer or teacher. Now, I know what you’re thinking, they are far from the job description of a greenkeeper. However, as someone who has always enjoyed the outside from being a young boy, the opportunity to work outside in all weather conditions was too good to miss. I know, I’m bonkers right?
Anyway, enough about me, let us get into the nitty gritty. When I first went to BTME the first thing I thought was that I must have been the youngest person there. I was partially right as, like many trades, there aren’t many willing people wanting to go out in the rain. That got me thinking, do people actually know about the sports turf industry and how great it is?
Most people would have seen the groundsman in between halves at a rugby or football match, walking around the pitch and putting divots back in, taking the ProCore out to punch some holes or even groundsman running out onto the pitch to put the covers on.
Then there’s us, the greenkeepers. People who watch tournament golf will notice how immaculate the course is, however the men and women who prepare the course are long gone before the first tee shot is struck.
So why don’t young people want to be involved?
Is it because of the early mornings? Is it because of the weather? Or is it even because of the money side of it? It’s probably all three and maybe more. However, if you can get past those elements, in my opinion there is no better job. Yes, in winter it’s wet and cold but that’s part of any outdoor job. Personally, for me, it is the best job in the world.
Every day is a school day and you never stop learning, which for me as a young person is crucial. There are courses you can go on to improve yourself and your career prospects. There are also other things, such as BTME and SALTEX, which are both amazing exhibitions and getting better every year.
Then there are the opportunities to go abroad to work as a seasonal or on a scholarship, I mean, come on, what other industry gives you the opportunity to go to America to study?!
I am a big believer in education and if you want something, nobody is going to hand it to you. We are all responsible for our own careers and what we do with them. The best thing I have found since I have started in the industry has been the internet and Twitter. There are so many fantastic people on there that you can learn from. A big part of career progression is taking your own initiative and doing things for yourself, researching what is out there and coming up with a plan.
I’ve done an HNC in public services and not even that could prepare me for greenkeeping. There is so much to know and remember and it is way more than cutting grass. But with the right help, willpower and determination, it has already been an amazing journey.
Looking around me, as a young person who is still relatively new within the industry, I have found that some people have lost the love and passion that I have for greenkeeping, but most people can justify their reasons for it. Sometimes, with a bit of an uplift from a younger member of staff such as myself, this has cheered people up, but unfortunately this isn’t always the case. I have always been very ambitious about what I wanted from my career and that refers to whatever I was going to do, whether it be greenkeeping or police or fire service. It has always come natural to me to go searching for more knowledge, especially with more specialised subjects such as irrigation, spraying or construction work.
During my short career I’ve built friendships with people who three or four years ago I had never even met. Everyone I have met in the industry has been very accommodating and willing to answer any questions. There are opportunities out there for people, it is just about putting the effort in and making the most of your time in the industry.
To summarise, I don’t think you’ll find an industry where there are so many nice people and we all look out for each other, which outside the services (police, fire service etc) you’d struggle to find.
Thank you everyone, the journey is still going strong.
Continue the conversation: Joe Shires is on Twitter at @JoeShires4
Joe was writing for Greenkeeper International and has won himself a £100 Continue to Learn voucher. He will also be entered into a draw to win £750 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Florida, when restrictions allow. If you'd like to get involved, email GI editor Karl Hansell on [email protected]
Author
Joe was writing for Greenkeeper International and has won himself a £100 Continue to Learn voucher. He will also be entered into a draw to win £750 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Florida, when restrictions allow. If you'd like to get involved, email GI editor Karl Hansell on [email protected]