As we go into National Apprenticeship Week, we speak to Will Crees on life as an apprentice Grounds Person at Sussex Cricket in a Q+A type blog.
- Can you tells us a little about yourself?
Hi, I’m Will Crees. I’m an apprentice grounds person with Sussex County Cricket Club. I started my role at the end of June at the County Ground in Hove and since January I’ve been working at the Academy ground Blackstone in Henfield.
- Describe yourself in Three words
Dependable, Enthusiastic, Perfectionist.
- Best and worst things of being a grounds person
One of the best things for me about being an Apprentice grounds person would be working outdoors in the nice weather of mid-summer. One of the worst would be strong winds when pulling sheets. Also, my nemesis “The Fox” at Hove who ate my gloves.
- Is the job as a grounds person all that you thought it would be before taking the role?
Before I started the role, I undertook a lot of research into what the job included. The frequent response that the job is a lifestyle rather than an occupation. This way of life has definitely resonated with me. I’ve recently experienced how varied the job can be coming out of the summer into the winter and I have enjoyed the variable tasks involved.
- What qualification are you looking to do as part of your apprenticeship?
I’m currently doing a Level 2 Online sports turf course (https://keits.co.uk/sports-turf-operative). Having just come out of doing A levels at college to study something that is directly applicable to my everyday job is a refreshing change and something I’ve enjoyed.
- What are the most important things you have learnt in your new career to date?
For me the most important things are the very basics such as how to cut and roll pitches or how to use the rotary to stripe the rough areas etc. The longer I work in the industry, listening to experienced professionals and learning through my work, the more I can build onto these basic skills.
So, can gradually improve the seen results of my work, which I have a real drive to do being a slight perfectionist. I also think one of the other most important things I’ve learnt is communication skills with fellow ground staff, umpires, coaches and players.
- What are your future ambitions career wise?
I’m not looking too far ahead especially during these uncertain times however I’d love to potentially work abroad in the industry for a period of time having only been abroad once. It would be an exciting adventure and a chance to further my knowledge.
Will Crees
If you want to know more about how apprenticeships work take a look at this from our friends at Myerscough College –
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