Kibble and St Mirren introduced a Groundskeeper Traineeship for young people to learn practical skills and gain a recognised iHasco qualification.
Our partnership with St Mirren exists to strengthen youth employment for young people who may have faced adverse life experiences. The Groundskeeper Traineeship is an example of how together, we are motivating young people think about their future and be ambitious in creating a positive livelihood for themselves.
Young learners who attended The Skills Academy, Kibble’s education and training centre, were eligible to apply and interview for the role of Groundskeeper Trainee. The application process required preparation and was set-up to give young people first-hand experience of what it would be like to look for jobs or apply to college or university. The role involved commitment therefore applicants had to remain calm and overcome any nerves while demonstrating their commitment and willingness to consistently arrive on time, concentrate and listen to instructions.
St Mirren General Manager, Lynsey explained young people would receive training from the club’s skilled grounds expert and be mentored in how to become a Groundskeeper themselves: “Through the Groundskeeper Traineeship, a young person works at St Mirren’s training complex at Ralston. They learn how to maintain the grass pitch and Astro Turf pitch as well as how to safely operate machinery, while meeting new people and being part of a friendly and hard-working team.”
The Head of The Skills Academy, Lisa described the benefits of partnering with St Mirren: “Young people gain hands-on, real-life experiences and see what an actual job is like”
Kibble Principal Teacher, Tracey with St Mirren General Manager, Lynsey and Head of The Skills Academy, Lisa.
The first successful Groundskeeper Trainee was an outgoing young person who enjoyed spending time outdoors and enthusiastically took on their allocated key responsibilities. They thrived within the fast-paced routine of a Scottish premiership and became a valuable asset to the team.
Kibble Chief Executive, Jim confirmed the partnership between one of the largest children’s charities and a Scottish premiership football team is making a difference to the lives of young people: “The Groundskeeper Traineeship demonstrates true value in Kibble and St Mirren joining forces to boost youth employment. Young people gain entrepreneurial, practical and academic qualifications that can enhance their CV and increase job opportunities while also teaching transferable life skills.”
“The experience of being amongst a real-life business motivates them to consider, sometimes for the first time ever, higher education or a rewarding job role.”
“We have put the support in place for young learners to get outside the classroom and realise they can succeed in building a positive life for themselves.”
Kibble and St Mirren development projects have included renovating St Mirren’s SMISA Stadium Hospitality Entrance, painting and decorating at the stadium too and refurbishing the training complex changing room plus more.
The Groundskeeper Traineeship is now preparing for the next new recruit to begin.
