Mold greenkeeper wins horticulture student award

By Alistair August 30, 2020 07:14 Updated

Mold Golf Club’s greenkeeper, Jake Edwards, 18, has been named ‘Horticulture Learner of the Year 2020’ by Coleg Cambria.

Jake started out as an apprentice at Mold Golf Club in August 2018 and has developed his skills under the watchful eye of his dad, Colin Jones, who has been head greenkeeper at the club since 1998.

Learning while he worked and spending a good deal of time studying at home, Jake has completed his ‘Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship’ in work based horticulture, specialising in sports turf greenkeeping.

Coleg Cambria’s horticulture assessor Maria Thwaite said: “Jake has proved himself to be an excellent greenkeeper. He always works safely and completes all the work that is requested of him in a timely manner. His knowledge of machinery is exemplary and he is always keen to complete work on the golf course to a high standard.”

Mold Golf Club manager Debbie Barton said: “We are all very proud of Jake. He has worked so hard and is a great asset to our greenkeeping team. His dad Colin has a fantastic reputation as a brilliant greenkeeper and is a great teacher and mentor. Jake is already following in his footsteps and we wish him every success in his career. We have a wonderful course to be proud of which is thanks to Colin’s vision and the skill and dedication of our terrific greenkeepers.”

This year, winning students were unable to gather together for the college’s usual annual glitzy awards ceremony, however Jake, along with all the other winners across different subject areas, received a certificate and a £50 voucher, as well as the good wishes of Coleg Cambria principal Sue Price, who said: “We received truly amazing nominations this year across all sections of the college and our winners were chosen by a panel of judges for their hard work, commitment and achievements. I would like to personally congratulate our award winners. Our learners have met the challenges of adapting to the current situation and we are extremely proud of them. We wish them the very best for the future.”