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Route
to Job: Jackie
had some idea of the job ahead when she joined the grounds
staff at Wellington College, a public school founded in 1859.
She was 16 and her father, Bryan Evans, was head groundsman
for the schools' 80 pitches.
But having a father as your boss is no soft option. Jackie,
in common with six other grounds staff, has had to balance
a hefty workload on 14 cricket squares, 17 rugby pitches and
12 tennis courts, with vocational training.
She has a National Vocational Qualification level two in greenkeeping
and sports-turf upkeep, and has added know-how from a course
on care of cricket pitches.
Despite occasional ribbings by work mates and the pupils,
Jackie feels accepted. "They have learned I'm sticking
around, " she said.
Typical
day:
"School starts for me at around 8am when I'm out on the
cricket squares drag-brushing and preparing the surfaces for
when the boys come out at 2.30pm. Pitch upkeep goes on all
morning and in the afternoon I'm maintaining mowers, tractors
and rollers.
"We all do our fair share of graft to ensure quality
for the 800 pupils. Sometimes you will see us picking up litter
or making sure the marking-out lines are perfect. Later on
today I will check the school's one artificial surface. This
is a sand-based carpet and has to be brushed and kept level.
"Our job is most hectic during the summer, but slows
in the rugby season. That said, every day is a busy day and
fortunately our duties are confirned to the sports areas.
Gardeners look after other open areas like borders.
"Variety goes with the job. Sometimes I wonder what it
would be like to work on a famous sports pitch, like Manchester
United's. Unfortunately, I think I would become bored quickly."
Best
aspect of the job:"Spiking
and top soiling cricket squares into excellent condition -
a great summertime job."
Worst
aspect:
"Winter, when it's cold and muddy."
Ambition:
"To work up the ladder and become a manager."
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