Comment
The Old Course at Minchinhampton
Radley College’s extensive cricket facilities
has been a breath of fresh air. Not only has it effectively allowed us to increase our numbers due to the low costs, but it has given me confidence in succession planning, saves on recruitment costs and limits recruitment failures. It has proved to be refreshing and helps us keep a sense of vitality about our operations.”
“To date, we have had twelve groundsmen graduate from this process and move on to full time, permanent jobs, with three more currently in the pipeline. In this time, we have had very smooth transitions when natural staff losses have occurred - even mid- season - and some of our original apprentices are now senior groundsmen within our ranks and are in charge of their own ground.”
“Others have left for different sports - deputy head groundsman at a football training ground, championship golf course, the Ageas Bowl, the Oval and Brighton College. No matter where they end up, it is great to know that we are helping to create a pool of talent for the future on which we can call should we need to in the future. So long as we are creating meaningful apprenticeships, then it’s a win-win.”
Over the last four years, Andy Gray has taken on five apprentices. “We have had a mixed success rate with them, I must say. Overall though, I like the idea and process which is why we continue to do it. It was how I started and I feel it is important to give the opportunity I had to other young people today.”
Adam says that Radley College has embraced the system and took on two apprentices, both of whom, he is pleased to say, are now part of the team.
Meanwhile, James says that he uses college day release to complement his permanent staff. “As we move forward, we will have to look at other schemes and apprenticeships may well be the way we will go to assist in staff levels.”
We have had a mixed success rate with them, I must say. Overall though, I like the idea and process which is why we continue to do it. It was how I started and I feel it is important to give the opportunity I had to other young people today
” ANDY GRAY
Do you find it difficult to recruit and retain staff?
Andy Mackay again: “Not at all. Apprenticeships have made sure of this because there is always someone waiting for a job. I work hard to make sure that my team feel valued and enjoy their work and this hopefully means that people work here because they want to.”
“Recruitment is becoming easier as there are many more multi-skilled people around in the amenity and landscaping industries,” reckons Paul. “Retention, in my area certainly, is not a major issue as there are limited rival opportunities, and we try to look after our staff, seeing them as a critical investment in the future of the company.”
Andy Gray says that the bigger his team has grown over the last three years, the harder it has become to recruit. “To find the right people who want to learn, progress and
work hard for their future is becoming more and more difficult, I have found. Where we have a bigger team now, higher turnover in staff will naturally happen. We have lost a few people over the past year, but all for different reasons.”
James has the reverse situation. “We have had the same staff for over ten years. Creating a solid work base, full of creativity and enthusiasm, helps keep all the staff invigorated.”
“Retaining staff at Radley has not been a problem,” says Adam, “but recruiting when needed is getting more difficult due to the low pay scales within our industry, especially around big cities where there are plenty of jobs paying more.”
How would you encourage young people to consider a career in turfcare?
Our man from Sussex is first up. “As a body of people, we should start to be more proactive with this. I have been ruminating on this for some time and think that perhaps school visits during careers fairs might be a positive move, perhaps in conjunction with the local agricultural college.”
“I have been particularly impressed with the impact that some individuals are having on the public’s perception of our industry. In particular, John Ledwidge at Leicester City, who has probably done more to capture young people’s imagination in one season than the IOG has managed in ten years. This is not meant as a pop at the IOG by the way but, wow, you rock John!”
“Real Madrid’s Paul Burgess is also doing a great job in bridging the gap between us and the public/media, as are some of the other guys. My own sport hasn’t managed it in quite the same way yet, but perhaps cricket will never be that sexy.”
“I’d encourage youngsters to talk to people from within the profession who can demonstrate, through their own experiences, what good prospects the sector
PC OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016 I 17
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