Former Royal Marine Commando takes over Helston Golf Club
A former British Army Commando, instructor of children with behavioural needs and Royal Marine cadet staff sargent instructor has taken a different turn in his career to become manager of a Cornish golf club.
Jim Spratt, who retired as a commando gunner in 2002, joined Cornwall Army Cadet Force and became the platoon commander of Helston and one of the Cornwall Army Cadet Forces Training wing Instructors.
As part of his role he taught cadets and future adult instructors until 2013 then transferred to become a staff sargent instructor with the Royal Marine Cadets.
He worked alongside Helston School until July 2013 with the Active Plus team of military veterans, and also assisted in delivering their courses for Jobcentre Plus, with investment from the District Flexible Support Fund.
Jim decided on a change of career and took over Helston Golf Club. with his brother Neil while their other brother took over the Wheal Dream restaurant next door.
Upon joining the golf club the former Royal Marine Commando felt he needed to gain a greater understanding of green keeping and technical knowledge which underpins the management of the golf club.
Jim has since been supported in his new aims by Skills Support for the Workforce. SSW is a £13 million investment offering tailored training to people in the workplace.
Through SSW he took a City and Guilds Level 2 Award in Horticulture delivered by Duchy College.