#NAW2108 - Greenkeeping apprentice Tom is Captain Fantastic at Macclesfield Golf Club

Andy Moss (Club Secretary), Tom Silcock (Apprentice) and Mark Hilaby (Head Greenkeeper) at Macclesfield Golf Club

Tom is aged just 17, and in addition to his apprenticeship role, he is also the Junior Captain at the club.

Tom went to All Hallows School and started the apprenticeship after his GCSE exams. He says: “I didn’t really want to go to college full time, and wanted a role that combined practical training with my love of golf.

‘’For me greenkeeping fits the bill perfectly. Golf is a big hobby of mine and it’s amazing to be able to contribute to the upkeep and playability of course. I am also Junior Club Captain and try and play as much as I can when I am not working. I hope I can inspire other young people to play golf and also see greenkeeping as a great career choice.“

“The big benefit of the apprenticeship for me is that I get a proper recognised qualification and earn a wage at the same time. My tutor, Max, visits me regularly in the workplace and I also have online and practical assignment work to do in between visits. I get lots of support from the team here and I am looking forward to completing my Level 2 Apprenticeship and then hopefully progressing to more advanced study.”

During the visit Tom also made a short video showing some of the skills required to be a greenkeeper.

You can view it here:

#MySkillsStory Tom Silcock – apprentice greenkeeper – Macclesfield Golf Club

Tom works under the direction of Head Greenkeeper Mark Hilaby, who also commented on the apprenticeship: “Apprenticeships give us a chance to offer a local young person a great opportunity to enter the profession and to train in all aspects of greenkeeping.

‘’Tom is an enthusiastic team member with a great passion for the sport. He is progressing well and I know he will make an excellent greenkeeper in the future. I would definitely recommend apprenticeships to other employers looking to bolster their teams, increase skills levels and also succession plan for the future.”

Employer Services Manager at Myerscough College, Lee Price, says: “We assist employers across the country to fill hundreds of apprenticeship vacancies every year.

'’If employers are unsure of the process, then they can get in touch with our expert Employer Services Team who will support them every step of the way. This service is completely free of charge to all businesses choosing Myerscough College as their apprenticeships provider.”

For more information on Apprenticeships or workbased training at Myerscough College please contact Employer Services on 01995 642255 or email employerenquiries@myerscough.ac.uk