The students at Gainsborough recently had the exceptional opportunity to explore the diverse career options available in the golf industry at the Thonock Park Golf Club. The event, which was broadcast live on Freeview channel 276, was co-organised by the Careers Hub at the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership. The primary objective was to connect local businesses with schools and demonstrate various career paths to year 10 and year 11 students.
The event featured prominent international organisations such as PING Ltd, DP World Tour, Navigate, and The Golf Foundation. These organisations hosted talks and interactive sessions, shedding light on the multitude of career opportunities within the world of golf. The goal was to not only raise students’ aspirations but also to provide them with a deeper understanding of potential careers in golf, especially in Gainsborough where PING is a key employer.
The students had the chance to engage with industry professionals, participate in a session on creating their own sporting event, and take part in an interactive workshop led by The Golf Foundation focusing on mental toughness. After the event, the students expressed how valuable the experience was, particularly in terms of boosting their confidence and expanding their knowledge of potential career paths through hard work and dedication.
Alison Boulton, the Assistant Head Teacher at Gainsborough Academy, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to connect with a major local employer. She highlighted the incredible support provided by PING in helping to challenge and inspire the students to reach for their career goals. Dave Fanning, European Marketing Director at PING, also shared his delight in being able to introduce the students to the wide array of roles available in the golf industry, emphasizing that one does not need to be a golfer to work within an organisation like PING.
The CEO of The Golf Foundation, Brandon Pyle, expressed optimism about the valuable insight that the students gained into the diverse careers in golf, thanks to the support from various organisations. He also hinted at the beginning of a strong local partnership between Gainsborough Academy and PING.
The partnership, though still in its early stages, holds promising prospects for potential tours of the PING facility and work experience placements for the students. This collaboration was made possible by the Careers Hub at the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, which facilitated the connection between the participating organisations.
The event at Thonock Park Golf Club provided a rare and eye-opening experience for the Gainsborough students, who were able to explore a plethora of career opportunities within the golf industry. This valuable initiative not only broadened their perspectives but also instilled the belief that with determination and perseverance, they can achieve great success in their future careers within the dynamic world of golf.