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AoC national recognition for Myerscough sportsturf learner

Published
Monday 18 Sep 2017

A Myerscough College sportsturf apprentice has been recognised in the Association of Colleges Student of the Year awards.

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The AoC’s Student of the Year awards highlight exceptional students from across the country, with Myerscough learner Tara Massey Highly Commended in the Apprentice of the Year category for the quality of her work during her Intermediate Apprenticeship in Horticulture - Sportsturf – Groundsmanship.

Tara has spent her apprenticeship as part of the grounds team at Manchester City Football Club, as one of only two female apprentices of their kind amongst Premier League football clubs, the other also being a Myerscough learner.

A spokesperson for the AoC said: ‘’In total, we received 115 nominations across the three categories, each of which highlighted the exceptional work of students.  The judging panel were overwhelmed by the variety of applications and the extent of the success of the students, whether in college work or extra-curricular activities.

‘’We are pleased that Tara has been selected as one of the highly commended students. The judges were impressed with her achievements and felt this needed to be recognised.’’

Tara will receive a certificate of recognition from the AoC and also be invited to a parliamentary reception in the House of Commons later in the year.

Chosen from hundreds of applicants, following a rigorous recruitment process, Tara’s role involves maintaining the playing surfaces at the City Football Academy complex in East Manchester under the direction of Head Groundsman, Lee Metcalfe.

Tara said: “I had been in education at sixth form before I applied for the apprenticeship. I had lost interest and knew deep down that I wanted to be outdoors and to work in practical setting. I don’t like being stuck indoors and being behind a desk was definitely not for me.”

“I would say to other young women interested in the industry to not be scared, do not be put off and to just go for it. It’s a great job where no two days are the same, you have to solve lots of problems but you can often quickly see the rewards for you efforts.”

 “In the future I would like to progress both in my role and in my education and take things as far as I can.”

by Dave Salmon

DSalmon@myerscough.ac.uk