60 Seconds with Bethany Gibbs

The GMA’s Young Groundsperson of the Year, Bethany Gibbs, talks about job satisfaction, great teamwork and how she hopes to promote the industry

BY KAREN MAXWELL

This award recognises outstanding young groundspeople in the early stages of their careers – why did you join the sector and what part of your role motivates you?

I joined the industry by accident really. I didn’t enjoy school, so I was working at McDonald’s and looking for apprenticeship opportunities when I found an advert for an apprentice groundsperson at Wellington School in Somerset. I applied for the role, I got the job and over the past three years I’ve never looked back. I love being outdoors, so feel extremely lucky to have found a vocation that allows me to work outside. 

For me, the apprenticeship learning route has been a really good way of gaining practical experience while learning the theory on why and when to do key tasks to improve the surface. It’s a great way of learning for people who don’t want to sit at a desk all day. I enjoy all aspects of my job and what motivates me the most is watching the schoolchildren enjoy playing sport on the surfaces I’ve helped to maintain.

What sportsturf surfaces do you work on? 

The school has four cricket squares in the summer term, and five rugby pitches and two full-sized football pitches in the winter term. We also maintain a synthetic hockey surface and tennis surface, as well as a tarmac tennis court. 

I basically do any task that’s needed. For example, in the winter I help cut the rugby pitches, mark them out and harrow them as needed. In the summer I mow and roll the cricket wickets and cut the outfield. 

How has working within a team given you more confidence in your role? 

The school’s grounds team consists of two gardeners and three groundspeople – and I’m the only woman. We all work really well together. My teammates are very supportive. More importantly, we also have great banter, so I can honestly say that I love going to work!

Simon Cook, my boss, gave me plenty of advice while I was studying for my Level 2 Grounds Turf Operative. I passed with merit and was one of the first students at Bridgwater and Taunton College to gain a distinction in the identification of weeds, grass, diseases and disorders module. Maybe that’s why he nominated me for the GMA award!

How could this award help you progress your career and encourage more young people to join the sector?

Both winning this award and my team’s ongoing support have given me the confidence to continue to learn. I’m looking to start my Level 3 qualifications, and want to do spraying and chainsaw courses in the near future. 

I hope to stay in touch with other women in the industry and to promote my working day on social media to raise awareness of the sector and the benefits of being a part of it. I’ve also joined the GMA’s Young Board of Directors and will be helping with its Schools into Stadia as well as its Women in Turf initiatives.