Message Board - Education & Training: Not long left now, please see if you can help...

30 May 2011 by Drew Duffy

Hi all, really struggling now, leave school end of next month and need a placement in the north-west. I have voluntary been working at Rochdale Football Club since November 2009. unfortunately Rochdale Football Club are not in the position to take another groundsman on. So I got on to pitch care and was the first person to appear on “find me a Job” campaign, but at the moment nothing has come of it.

I work along side Phil Collinson the head grounds man, at Rochdale Football Club and in that time I have gained Experience in various aspects of groundsmanship,
Such as: Divoting, Cutting of the pitch, Brushing of the pitch, Marking out, assist verti-draining and putting the practice nets & post in and out .
I also assist at Norden cricket club and im able to , Cut a wicket , mark out a wicket Cut the square , Roll the wicket , brush the wicket and I am currently learning to cut the out field and different types of Fertilizers.
I have gained the trust of Phil who allows me to use most of the machinery at Rochdale FC. Please find attached reference from Phil Collinson.

I have applied for level 2 intermediate BTEC first diploma in sports turf at Myerscough College Preston, and have been accepted provided I can find employment, the placement with an employee works in the same way as an apprenticeship with the minimum weekly payment of £95.00.

so if any body noes any one in the groundsman industry who is looking for an apprentice in the north west please can you email me at drew.duffy@hotmail.co.uk or ring me on 07827494279.

please read the reference from Phil Collinson (Rochdale FC Head Groundsman)
Rochdale AFC
Spotland Stadium
Sandy Lane
Spotland
Rochdale AFC
OL12 5DR

1st Feb 2011

Drew has been working voluntarily with us for over a year in which time he has demonstrated many skills in which would make him a great acquisition for any company. His work ethic is second to none and not once has he ever let us down or turned up late.
He quickly integrated with the groundstaff team and has become a very popular member within the football club. His polite and friendly demeanour has ensured he has made many friends here.
Technically, Drew is very capable. When he first started with us, he had very little understanding of machinery, however, he quickly grasped the skills required and is now very competent on a wide range of machinery.
What is rare with Drew is his thirst for knowledge on all things sports turf related. He will ask questions when unsure and listen and learn when answered. In the time with us he has shown great interest and dedication to the job and has always worked with a smile on his face. I can not recommend him highly enough to a future employer. Drew doesn’t disappoint those who put faith in him.

My phone number is 07927399022 and my email is eng51@aol.com so please don’t hesitate in contacting me if any further information is needed.

Phil Collinson

Head Groundsman
Rochdale AFC.

30 May 2011 by barry glynn

Come on guys , someone must be able to help here or know someone who could help?
Drew, would a job at a golf club be ok for you to go to college?
If so, maybe that would widen your chances?

What do I do? I just cut the grass.

30 May 2011 by Drew Duffy

Orite Barry,
i have all ready spoken to my local golf clubs, but there just not taking on, just hope something will come off some were..

30 May 2011 by barry glynn

Ok Drew
Good luck

What do I do? I just cut the grass.

31 May 2011 by Steve63 Last edited 31 May 2011

Sorry, not sure if my post breached forum rules, I have pm drew with a company suggestion.

ste

Don't talk to me about Contractors Wonka, I am one myself......

1 Jun 2011 by barry glynn

Hope it helps Drew

What do I do? I just cut the grass.

1 Jun 2011 by wicketdevil

Maybe worth contacting your local private schools may not be your ideal but it is a posibility. Ian

Can you just is the longest sentence in the world !!!!!!!

1 Jun 2011 by Drew Duffy

cheers for all your help and support, will keep you all posted!

2 Jun 2011 by Aladdin

Just a thought, and maybe not what you really want, but have you considered applying to a sports turf contractor?

There are those on here who will advise in that direction.

From the posh end of the room!!

3 Jun 2011 by Drew Duffy

Hi Aladdin, cheers for the suggestion will look further into this, just hoping i can find a placement some where in grreater manchester.

3 Jun 2011 by sipho