The Grass is Greener for Jake Lloyd – Who through Kickstart, joined the Ground Staff at Walsall

For most young individuals, securing employment within the workplace can be an unnerving process, and can provide difficulties when confidence levels are low. For Jake Lloyd, this was no exception, however after gaining a work placement at Walsall FC through Kickstart within the club ground staff, Jake’s confidence levels and expertise have since been elevated.

After being out of work, Jake jumped up on the chance of a placement opportunity as he discovered a role, which involved working within the grounds team at Walsall through Kickstart.

Jake’s goes into further detail about his role:

“I saw the role at Walsall FC and saw it as an ideal opportunity to gain experience at a Professional Football Club.”

“The summer was spent preparing the training ground and stadium pitch for the start of the new season. I am now in a position where I have a full-time role and can be working on jobs independently from basic repairs, through to cutting and marking the stadium pitch for a match day.”

The Ground Staff placement undertaken by Jake was split between the training ground and the stadium, involving key tasks on pitch care management. Jake played a vital role in bringing up the Walsall home pitch and training ground to match-day standards, in which was vital in preparation for the new League Two season, and with the long-awaited return of supporters within the ground.

“I have been involved in re-growing the stadium pitch, cutting the grass, working on the drainage and aeration systems, and general repair jobs around the sites. I particularly like the lead up to match day and the preparation that is involved. The other skills I have learnt are transferable skills such as teamwork, communication and life-based skills.”

Jake reflected upon his decision to join Walsall through the Kickstart programme:

“Kickstart has been really good for me.  I have learnt lots of new skills and gained experience whilst earning a wage. Ultimately it has led to a full-time job for me. My experience has been really positive, and I would recommend that other people consider taking on a Kickstart placement”

Jake is joined by a long list of successful fellow Walsall kickstarter’s. More news surrounding this will be released shortly on the EFL Trust website and keep an eye on our social media @EFLTrust.

For more information on the Kickstart programme, please click here