WELCOME TO pitchcare
TM
Reasons to be cheerful - part two
A FEW months ago I wrote, with some optimism, about ‘the green shoots of recovery’ and, whilst our economy remains in the balance, there do seem to be some reasons to be cheerful.
Despite the rather late start, a very busy spring is now over and I’m pleased to say that business has been very much on the increase; in fact we’ve enjoyed a record two months (April and May) of sales.
With growth at hand, so comes recruitment, and I’m proud to report that, at Pitchcare, we have employed six more staff inside the last couple of months - three in full time capacities and three new apprentices. I doubt this will be our final intake figure for the year either.
I know, talking to others in the industry, that we are not alone, so if companies are now starting to recruit again then there must be confidence in the market upturn.
From our point of view, we have enjoyed an employment policy that includes taking on a mix of skilled technical staff and young apprentices.
Regarding the apprentices, for over three years we have worked closely with a local Government supported employment organisation (Matrix) to bring in keen local talent.
The latest three brings our total to six youngsters, who have been paid to learn and improve their skill base whilst undertaking NVQ education alongside their practical work based training.
Three have already progressed to full
time employment with us, each now enjoying the opportunities of furthering their careers and earning an appropriate salary.
The injection of young blood, with their enthusiasm, ideas and outlook, is exactly what our industry needs to move forward.
I’ve read the various discussions that crop up from time to time on the message boards about apprenticeships but, from these real life experiences, they provide a very useful step into gainful employment. I don’t think you’d hear a bad word said about them from the guys and girls that we’ve brought through the system.
Since I mentioned the message board, there’s another reason to be cheerful as we have enjoyed a record number of new posters and messages in March, April and May.
I met a groundsman the other day who said that he’d been a keen follower of the message boards for many years and then waxed lyrical to his workmates about getting on and learning more about the trade. As he said, “it’s free guys!”
So, I’m equally positive and optimistic about the future. Our August/September issue of the magazine will be the 50th edition and I will be announcing some more good news then.
In the meantime, let the sun shine every day, and the rain come down ... but only at night.
Cheers Dave Saltman
Say that again!
“I don't have a particular wish list. However, if I could have anything, I would have a little more sunshine and a little less rain”
Jim Brown, The Carrick at Loch Lomond
“To assume what worked historically at one venue may be as effective at another, may be to assume incorrectly”
Charles Henderson, SAS
“Professionals who say that they don’t have the time to carry out environmental work on their site need to have a look at themselves and their time management”
Dan McGrath, North Foreland GC
“We are working with half the budget but have double the acreage to maintain”
James Cowie, Lancing College
“I hear a lot about rest and recuperation for the players, but the same is true for the grass and I make this point often to the players and coaches”
Simon Lee, Somerset CCC
“I take the training very seriously and like to be thorough, which is why Sussex CCC like sending apprentices to me. I put them through their paces” Brian Fandalls, Preston Nomads CC
“The graduates have proved, time and time again, that they are the innovators and industry leaders of the future”
Dr Andy Owen, Myerscough College
“There’s real pressure on us to deliver. If Real Madrid are impressed, it will be a real feather in our cap”
Matt Blunden, Ardingly College
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148