Ben Dennehy, 22, has completed his Golf Greenkeeping Level 2 apprenticeship at Reddish Vale Golf Club. After achieving a Distinction grade, he’s setting his sights on an international career…
Ben was put forward for the apprenticeship by his employer, but was motivated to get started himself after having already worked at Reddish Vale full-time for 18 months.
“It made sense to gain an official qualification to prove my competence in the skills I’d learned at work,” Ben says. “Plus, I’ve always had ambitions to travel and work, so I wanted to complete the apprenticeship to help further my career.”
Technical skills
“I’ve learned and developed a whole range of maintenance skills – including drainage of greens, aeration tasks and scarification,” Ben says.
Some of the skills Ben has learned are particularly sought-after in the industry. “Irrigation is an area I’m interested in, and it’s very in-demand – especially in the summer months where greens need extra attention!
“I’ve also gained PA1, PA2 and PA6 certification, meaning I am now licensed to work with fungicide, pesticide and herbicide sprays.”
Volunteering opportunities
Over the past two years Ben has made the most of opportunities to gain practical work experience. He’s volunteered at the Senior Amateur Championship at Ganton Golf Club in North Yorkshire, and the Amateur Championship at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club in Lancashire.
“I’m so grateful to have had these opportunities, as they’ve solidified my desire to keep learning and expand my knowledge as much as I can.
“I’ve learned so much from the greenkeepers I’ve met along the way – everyone is always willing to give advice and share their expertise.”
International travel
Now that Ben has finished his studies, he’s taking his career across the globe – by heading out to New Zealand to work as a seasonal greenkeeper at Cape Kidnappers Golf Club.
“I can’t wait to bring all the new ideas and experiences I gain back to Reddish Vale when I return to my position there next year,” he says.
Supportive mentors
“Everyone at the club has really helped me over the past 4 years – but especially Aaron Watkinson, who has been a fantastic mentor.
“Phil [Lomas, Tutor Assessor for Greenkeeping at Oldham College] was also very supportive from the start. He quickly recognised my strengths and weaknesses and identified areas we could work on for me to improve.”
Aaron says: “Ben has been an inspiration to the club and future employees of Reddish Vale.
“He has passed all my expectations, both how he has grown as a Greenkeeper and as a person. Ben’s confidence to volunteer for tournament support, and now for a placement in New Zealand, has stemmed from pushing himself both at work and at College to become the best he can be.
“I have no doubt Ben will carry on in this way, and he’ll have an excellent career as a Greenkeeper.”
Could one of your existing employees become a success story like Ben?
No matter what industry you work in, get in touch today for a no-strings conversation about how an apprenticeship could help them to thrive.
Phone 0161 785 4330 // Email appprenticeships@oldham.ac.uk
