Educational Establishments
Are your views sought when it comes to problem solving, work rotas, staffing etc? We all have a say in any problem solving, sharing the work etc. At the start of every day, we sit down and discuss what work needs to be done and who is doing what. I definitely have an input in this, as do others.
Are the mess facilities suitable or do you have to share with your colleagues - is this a problem?
We all share the main mess facilities and have our set chairs for tea breaks, which works out great. With regards to changing facilities, I am lucky enough to be able to have a separate room which is also the drying room, so occasionally can get a bit whiffy if the weather has been poor and, from time to time, I have to remind the guys to put their clothing away when it is dry, but I think they get used to it. I have the means of locking the door too if I am changing after work, just in case someone forgets to knock.
Is there banter directed at you or do you give as good as you get?
There is an ongoing joke since I started that any derogatory comment towards me go in a book I keep. If I actually did this, I would have a whole series of books by now! There is banter within the team daily, which occasionally is directed at me, but I am very good at giving it back, trust me. I think you definitely need to have a thick skin in this job and definitely should not take things to heart as we all love a good wind up. But, remember, a woman never forgets!
Are there any tasks that you might not be offered ‘because you are a woman’? I don’t feel, as a woman, that jobs are not offered to me. I do, however, know my limits as does everyone.
Being of slight build and 5ft (at a push) when I first started at Charterhouse, the guys always insisted on helping me with everything which, for me, was quite frustrating.
Being an independent woman, I wanted to be able to do things without asking for too much help. Obviously, I know I’m not as strong as the guys, and never will be, but I knew I had to do something.
‘Big Ground’ - Jo will often have a say in mowing patterns “ 68
I PC APRIL/MAY 2014 A woman’s work - John Deere 3100 ...
It might be a bit cold in the winter, but you just put more layers on and there is always something to do to keep you warm
I took myself off to the gym, at the sports centre on site, and got myself a personal trainer and, a couple of months later, I could do more for myself and the guys now know that if I need help I will ask for it. I just like the chance to try for myself first.
Would you recommend your job to other women looking for a career?
I would most definitely recommend my job to other women. I think it’s a great job, and you get to work at a great school with wonderful surroundings.
You get to work outside, which is a plus. It might be a bit cold in the winter, but you just put more layers on and there is always something to do to keep you warm. The variety of jobs that you get to do means you never get bored too.
Are there any changes that you think could be made that might improve the appeal of the industry to women?
This question had me a bit stumped because, as I am in the industry and love what I do, the appeal for me is already there. So ... I decided to open this question to the rest of the team.
After the jokey comments of ‘pink machines’ and ‘Boots vouchers’ (wouldn’t mind Boots vouchers!), we finally came up with a couple of possibilities. The guys asked me what I say when people ask what my job is. I always reply “I’m part of the grounds team at Charterhouse School” whereas they would probably just say ‘a groundsman’. Perhaps the term ‘groundsman’ could potentially put females off or make them think it’s just a job for men?
It’s sometimes offputting when a rep
... and Toro triple mower
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