Comment
Grow lights at the St Mary’s stadium
Has education advanced with the technology?
“Most certainly,” continues Paul. “Education is there for anyone who wishes to look for and engage in it, regardless of age, creed or sex. In fact, there is no excuse for not being fully trained in this modern day.”
James concurs: “There’s been a steady increase in training courses to complement most of what is required to be successful in our industry, from online through to college and day release.”
“Formal education is becoming ever more desirable for those wanting a top job,” says Andy Mackay. “Quite rightly too in my opinion. There are some excellent courses on offer and, since Myerscough started offering their online courses, a top level education has become even more accessible. What we need to do, as an industry, is to be able to drive the content of these courses, which are still obviously golf-orientated. There are some excellent individuals teaching/lecturing, but the colleges will only respond to the market and what we ask for.”
Adam is not so sure. “Yes, and no. I think all the machinery manufacturers do a good job of keeping us educated but, as far as plant and soil science go, I still think we are some way behind our American cousins; but we are learning more than ever.”
But does a college education provide you with the skill sets you require in your staff or do you prefer ‘hands-on’ training?
“I’m a believer in learning in and on the job,” states Andy Gray. “If you have someone to learn from, then great. But, if not, sometimes it is just as good to teach yourself and learn from your own mistakes as you go. I don’t believe you can be taught in a classroom what you can learn out on the field. Especially when each and every pitch is different from one to the next.”
“I believe the hands on approach is far superior. I understand that college and courses are still vitally important for a
16 I PC OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016 “
Koro Field Topmaker at work on the Sussex CCC outfield
Whatever we have as an acceptable standard of education must not replace or stifle the sort of talent that we have in
individuals who may not be particularly academic or who have simply come into the industry through other routes ANDY MACKAY
qualification for your CV. A prospective employer has to start somewhere when recruiting, and this usually starts with a CV and qualifications.”
Adam shares this view. “A big part of the college issue now is that, with all the online training courses, students no longer have time to share their issues at college, thereby missing out on interaction with others so, although the technical work is good, there are important things missing. This makes the workplace much more important, not only hands on work but learning from experienced colleagues.”
Paul’s opinion differs. “College education has improved tremendously in recent years. Underpinning knowledge is made available whilst new practical skills are taught and existing skills verified. Anyone completing the Level 2 Diploma in Greenkeeping can regard him or herself as a fully competent greenkeeper. This is of huge importance to the employer as well as to the employee, in
terms of safety, effficiency and value. Further to this, many of these skills and competencies copy over into allied or other industries. This is of national importance in ensuring a competent labour-force.”
James believes there should be a mix of hands-on and college, and Andy Mackay agrees. “Whatever we have as an acceptable standard of education must not replace or stifle the sort of talent that we have in individuals who may not be particularly academic or who have simply come into the industry through other routes. The best example of this in my particular sector would be someone like Mick Hunt at Lord’s. Does he have a formal education? No. Is he qualified? I can’t think of anyone more qualified!”
“Whatever level of formal qualification someone has, or wherever they might have worked previously, you will always want them doing things your way, but hopefully they will bring something of their own to the table. The most useful member of staff to me is the person who can confidently question and challenge what I am doing/suggesting, have his/her own suggestions, can have a healthy debate ... then buttons their lip and do it my way! But the debate has been had and, one day, they will have their own ground and will do it their way. I’ve never wanted to turn out groundsmen who just do things the way I do them, what would be the point of that?”
Is the apprenticeship scheme one you have embraced and how is it working for you?
“Yes, we do have an apprentice on our books,” confirms Paul. “The Diploma qualification is paid for by Government funding and we are able to claim other expenses. We would also be able to claim a level of wages if we were to prove that, without a wage-subsidy, the position would not be affordable for us.”
“Absolutely!” states Andy Mackay. “We started taking apprenticeships in 2009 and it
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