Showcasing grounds management to the next generation
Reesink is delighted to be working with Grounds Management Association’s NextGen to showcase grounds management as a viable career pathway for young people in education. This year they have hosted the second Schools into Stadia event which had a big impact on those attending.
The Schools into Stadia programme is designed to provide the opportunity to gain valuable experience and provide a deeper understanding of the duties a groundsperson undertakes in their role.
The young people even had a go at line-marking the pitch as they deepened their knowledge of various day-to-day tasks of a groundsperson.
A group of students were invited along to Ashton Gate Stadium, the home of Bristol City FC and Bristol Bears to take part in theoretical and practical learning. Half were guided through an interactive theory session which touched on the various forms of grass seed, how it grows, and how to keep it healthy.
This has been helpful in terms of teaching learners about new careers that they hadn’t considered before. A few students told me they are now interested in this as a career path. This is down to your well planned and interactive session, which provided learners an opportunity to realise they have what it takes.
The other group were taken onto the pitch and given the opportunity to interact with the various pieces of kit, including the Toro ProCore 648 aerator, even having a go at line-marking the pitch and deepening their knowledge of various day-to-day tasks of a groundsperson.
Reesink’s David Timms explains how the Toro ProCore 648 aerator, a vital bit of kit for groundsperson, works.
Reesink is passionate about supporting the progression, development, and future of the grounds industry. To have this kind of access to the next generation helps us engage young people in the possibilities the sector offers and to hear from Ben that the event helped some of the learners realise their potential is what it’s all about.
Machinery is a vital part of a groundsperson’s role and understanding a bit of what that entails was a key part of the day.
Following another successful School into Stadia event, the GMA NextGen with support from sponsor Reesink Turfcare will continue to raise the profile of the industry and work to inspire young people by hosting more events and activations across the country.