The Asbri Golf Cornish Festival

On the 17 – 19 April, Scott Drummond, Skills Group Ambassador, along with 3 of our employers, attended The Asbri Golf Cornish Festival. This prestigious Pro-Am event was the follow up prize from last years Skills Group Golf Competition. The attendees included Sam Murphy and James Harvey from Sement Bricklaying and Mark Wood from Lang & Potter.

Day 1 took place at Carlyon Bay, the weather was forecast to be rough with 40mph winds and light rain but everyone was in good spirits and excited to play in this prestigious Pro-Am courtesy of Skills Group. They battled hard in what turned out to be heavy rain and gales on the first 9 holes, scoring was high as Carlyon Bay is very exposed on the cliff tops. At the end of day one they scored 70 points (+2) which put the team in the top half of the leaderboard.

Day 2 was St Enodoc and although the sun was shining they again had winds of up to 35mph making this very difficult golf course even more challenging. Spectacular views from the course were the highlight of the day and they managed 68 points (+4) but unfortunately slipped down the leaderboard.

Day 3 at Trevose and conditions were very good for scoring and getting the team back up the leaderboard. Reflecting on the challenge of the first two days, they were all confident of finishing on a high and set off on their favourite of the three courses. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen and although they had a great day, their 71 points (+1) meant they didn’t manage to improve their position in the leaderboard.

Sometimes the rotation of the draw has an effect on scoring and unfortunately for the team, they definitely had the toughest challenge.

Sam, James and Mark all had a fantastic time and all expressed what a great opportunity it was to win such a fabulous prize.

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to Vanessa, my trainer. You have made my journey so much easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been amazing and helped me to achieve my qualification. You’ve guided me through every step of the way, I really appreciate it, Vanessa, you have been my rock.

Katie Shorland, Level 2 Hairdressing

I always struggled in school as I wasn’t very academic, so knew learning on the job would be a better option for me. I would find it difficult to get up for 9am but now I wake up and look forward to my day. I wanted to try a hair apprenticeship as I’ve always been interested in hairdressing, and by the end of the first week, I already loved it!

Jaimee Benson, Level 2 Hairdressing

I have developed a range of new skills through work including the technical, industry skills required for the job, to personal development such as ensuring I am always on time. The biggest change since leaving school is adjusting to the independence you gain from earning a salary. My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be find what you like doing, and go for it!

Will Birch, Level 2 Bricklaying

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become far more confident. In a classroom, you only interact with your classmates, but through working you develop your people skills as you interact with customers on a daily basis. At school, you are closely monitored and parented, however I am now more independent and feel grown up

Sam Collard, Level 2 Light Vehicle and Maintenance Repair

The most important thing I’ve learnt since leaving school is that there are other routes to success than just academia. I failed my GCSEs, as I never suited the school environment. Now though, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as I’ve discovered I learn more through hands-on practice.

Ben Freeman, Level 2 Carpentry

I would just like to thank you and your team for all the amazing work they do, you have provided me with the most invaluable experience which has helped to pave the way of my future. The work you do for young people is incredible!

Luke Kowalski, Teaching Assistant and former apprentice at Sir Robert Gefferys School