Hi all,
Firstly I would just like to say being new to this field, what a goldmine of information this site and forum has. I have been working as a Grounds Maintenance assistant in Leeds for the past 6 months and love the work! I've been predominantly working on Junior and High Schools, doing anything from cutting grass to pitch marking. Sadly the season is just finishing and so to is my job, having just been given my weeks notice. Gutted.
I made a move into this field after years as a designer and bloody love it. I am now trying to work out how to find a new job out of season.
So to you guys, can you give me any advice as to what to look for or if in fact if you may know of any work? Long shot I know, but probably more of a chance here than down the UB40 office! On another point, there are a million and one courses out there for this sector so I would love any input as to what you think may be the most beneficial, not only for my knowledge but also to improve my chances of employment. I don't want to waste time and money on some mickey mouse course.
I really feel that this is where I want to be career-wise but am worried weather I am being realistic or not. I dont have the time or money to go off and do a two year course so want to progress within a firm or with someone if possible. I can graft all day long, am considered and intelligent but trying to get that across to people by email is difficult. I know that if I could just work for someone, they would quickly see how dedicated I am.
I have even thought about setting up on my own doing basic garden services, grass cutting etc but do I really have enough experience to do this yet? I am someone who prides myself on my integrity, and never want to feel like a cowboy. I want to do things right.
Anyway, sorry for the long rant, but some of you may find it of interest reading about new entrants to this field and the problems they face. Maybe you can help.
Thanks guys,
Neil.
Views: 81
Replies
Neil it's worth sending an email to local companies, but being honest this time of year will be hard as most businesses have only a couple of months before winding down a little for the cooler months.
I would try doing a few jobs of your own here and there - maybe find someone with a large garden looking for hedges to be reduced and trimmed, leaves to clear up, borders to mulch etc. Get your foot in, get a couple of clients that are happy with the work and would recommend you, and come the spring you'll find a good stream of jobs, or a decent local company willing to hire you thanks to your experience and drive.
Best of luck with it.
Neil Im based In leeds, If you want to chat I can offer plenty of advice, and know a few people round North Leeds. Unfortunatly this is a bad time to look for employment as everythings slowing down (My part-timers hours are coming down sadly at the min). If your looking to go it alone look through the site, Theres plenty of stuff on here about starting up and plenty of detail on all the pitfalls you can avoid and which ones you have to wade through anyway!
I'd be happy to keep your details to hand if I need any ad-hoc or one off help, not sure how useful that is to you, and cant promise anything.
Hi Dan
Thanks for your reply. I will be of course be email firms shortly, just drafting a letter and compiling a database. I know it's going to be a miracle to find a firm hiring now, but will perservere.
Wil regards to doing my own jobs, I am looking into it. I'll have to look at the best kit to get. Would be leaning towards good secondhand rather than low quality new. But thats probably a whole other thread "what kit should i get" etc. And then there's the eternal question of pricing... I'll have to look at how quickly I could recoup my equipment outlay but it is appealing. 'Spose i should draw up winter lit list for the jobs you mentioned.
Regards
Neil.
Dan Frazer Gardening said:
Hi David
Thanks for your reply.
I know I'm not expecting much luck finding anything so may have to get other work over the winter. This is my first season in this type of work so it may be a bit early to go it alone, and if I'm honest, I don't have much free cash to go out and get equipment but it will give me time to find out everything I need to plan and organise should I wish to make the jump (which does appeal).
With regards possible work, I really appreciate what you have offered. I would be more than happy for you to keep my details. Even if I'm working somewhere else, if I'm free, I'll work. It's all good experience (But don't worry I fully understand you may not have anything at all). I can provided a reference if needed too.
What type of work do you do, David? D'you have a website? Sorry if thats a bit nosey!
Thanks again, David.
Regards
Neil.
David Cox said:
Best of Luck Neil, I hope you find something. If you could do as Dan suggests by getting a couple of clients and keeping them happy with your services you will be shocked on how quickly word of mouth gets you more work.
Yasmin
Hi Neil
This is a difficult time of the year for employing and an even worse one in the economic cycle. That said what you have to demonstrate to employers is that this career choice is not a whim and that you will be a valuable asset to them. Make yourself attractive to an employer by gaining any related experience. Consider taking a part time course, evening class. Amongst others take a look at what Shipley college and Askham Bryan College has to offer. In terms of employers have you sent your details to Garce landscapes at Mirfield? They are a large company with a good record for training. You will have to be persistent though. Try again just after Christmas, as this is when the construction work kicks in.
Good luck
Clive
www.thehandmadegarden.com
Hi Neil, I was like you and had hands on experience in a seasonal job. I bit the bullet and decided I could do it as a business. I used the long dark winter months to work in a pretty boring but flexable job which gave me time off to study horticulture one day a week in my local collage and I also enroled on the RHS level 2 distance learning (I've taken the summer off that to work and will have my head back in the books in November when things quieten down). Before I undertook the courses I thought I knew enough to get me by. Boy was I wrong!! The courses have given me loads of info and confidence in what I do, and you'd be supprised at how much work I've had because I have studied the subject. And of course this forum is amazing for advice!! Good luck with everything - if you go for it you wont regret it!!
Yep certainly seems the wrong time to be investing in machinery right now. Will probably just take whatever comes along over winter but use the time to study the field and start doing reasearch.
Thanks Paul.
Paul @ PPCH Services said:
Hi Clive
Thanks for the suggestion of Grace Landscapes, will be contacting them shortly. Currently also writing to volunteer at a couple of places which will keep me away from Jeremy Kyle and give me more experience until a paid job pops up.
I am also looking at courses, Askham Bryan is where I got my Mower Cert so know it.
If anyone can recommend any other firms that have a good reputation, that would be really useful too - if not now, at least when the season starts up again.
Neil.
Clive Dearden said:
Hi Gaynor
Have you got a link to the free book online? Have googled it but I'm just getting the amazon link etc.
Thats a great job list to refer to. I've cut and pasted it into my notes so I'll always have it.
Thanks for taking the time to write back.
Neil
Gaynor Witchard said:
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