Year 12 Nambucca Heads High School student Simon Ella is currently in his second year of a school-based traineeship in Horticulture at the Nambucca Heads Bowling Club.
This has been made possible via a partnership between Nambucca Heads High School, the Nambucca Heads Bowling Club and the North Coast Institute of TAFE, Coffs Harbour Education Campus’ (CHEC) working together.
Simon attends TAFE each Monday at CHEC to cover the Certificate II course components including; follow environmental workplace practices, follow instructions to apply chemicals and biological agents, prepare to treat weeds and maintenance of equipment.
These are just some of the areas covered which assist trainees gain a range of skills and knowledge which can be practised on the job.
Tuesday and Wednesday are Simon’s work days at the Club. You can often see Simon using the air blower on the greens early in the morning or removing fallen leaves and debris to ensure bowlers have a smooth green to play on.
Simon’s supervisor on the greens is David Davies, a former student from Nambucca Heads High School.
David left school in 2005 and also enjoys his work as a greenkeeper at the Bowling Club. Simon is enjoying his traineeship and also tests his skills with bowls from time to time, but says he will leave serious matches to the regular members.
The traineeship will be completed at the end of Simon’s HSC year and we wish him well with his studies.
For further information about the school’s School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship Program, please contact Mr Humphries or Mrs Mower during school hours on 6568 6777.