As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, Hadlow College students and alumni have praised the opportunities the qualification has provided them with.
National Apprenticeship Week runs from 10 February to 16 February and brings together everyone passionate about apprenticeships to celebrate the value, benefit, and opportunity that they bring.
Apprenticeships are a big part of the curriculum at Hadlow College, as the College is part of North Kent College, one of the country’s leading apprenticeships providers, and there are plenty of success stories to be told!
Bruno Myszka-Reder (above), who took a Level 2 Sports Turf apprenticeship and got the opportunity to work at the London Stadium (Home of West Ham United), says: “Working at the stadium was a dream come true. I gained the practical skills on the job and the College helped me learn the importance of why we do the job.”
Harry Miller, who studied Level 2 and 3 Golf Greenkeeping at the College whilst working at St George’s Golf Club, adds: “My golf club was really supportive and gave me the chance to go to Hadlow College. The staff there were so helpful and gave me excellent career advice”.
Daniel Martin (above) walked away with a National Honour during his time at the College, winning the Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year award in 2023. Daniel, who studied for a Level 3 Golf Greenkeeping Apprenticeship, recognised the contribution of the College, saying: “I can’t thank the College enough for recommending me for the Toro Student of the Year competition. It has already pushed my career to new heights”.
National Apprenticeship Week also celebrates the fact that apprenticeships are for everyone, anyone over the age of 16 is eligible to start an apprenticeship and there is no upper age limit.
This was something Paul Selbie fully embraced when he took his Level 5 Golf Course Manager apprenticeship at the College. Paul says: “You are never too old to continue to learn and through Hadlow College I did just that, whilst being the first Level 5 student to achieve the apprenticeship in the UK”.
For former student Vincent DeMarzo, his Level 3 Golf Greenkeeping has led to something of a globetrotting start to his career, as he explains: “Achieving the qualification has opened my horizons. I’ve been able to travel the world and work at prestigious golf clubs in Italy, Czech Republic, Australia and the USA.”
In similar vein Daisy Starling, who has just completed a Level 2 Golf Greenkeeping apprenticeship, is about to start the next chapter of her career working in America on the Ohio State Program at the National Liberty course in New Jersey. Along the way she also picked up an award, winning The Rising Star category of the Women in Golf awards in 2023.
Daisy praised a ‘career changing course’, saying: “It has given me so much more confidence, and this has led to amazing opportunities which I could never have achieved without the confidence the course, and the tutors gave me.”
“To say the staff at Hadlow are helpful is a huge understatement. I have never had anyone believe in my ability as much as my tutor and my confidence flourished”.
North Kent College offers a number of apprenticeships at its campuses in Dartford, Gravesend, Tonbridge and Hadlow and they provide several benefits. Notably you earn while you learn, get paid holidays, cut back on student debt and gain a qualification all whilst getting significant on the job experience.
Not only that, but according to the latest stats from the Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills, 90% of apprentices are offered permanent employment either during their apprenticeship or upon graduation.
Hope West, Head of Apprenticeships at Hadlow College, says: "Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for employers to meet the broader aims of their businesses and to grow their own talent through apprenticeship programmes, which is helping them to build and support skills gaps within their sectors. Apprenticeships open doors to people of all ages, and helps support pathways for individuals wanting to build rewarding careers."
To find out more about the apprenticeships on offer, visit the apprenticeships section of either the Hadlow College website or the North Kent College website.
To find out more about National Apprenticeship Week, visit the National Apprenticeship Week website.