As part of his time on our Traineeship, Sam has been completing work experience with Derbyshire County Cricket Club, assisting their grounds maintenance staff in what has been a busy few weeks for the club.

Jamie Guthrie, Venue Operations Manager for Derbyshire County Cricket Club, explained:” It coincided with our annual funfair and fireworks night, the Trust getting in touch to see if we could take someone on and it was an ideal time really.

“An extra pair of hands setting that up, running it and then taking it down was really helpful. It just fell really well.”

As well as being useful for the cricket club, Sam has got a lot from his time supporting Jamie’s team and found it an enjoyable experience.

He said: “It’s good to get out the classroom and go into the real world and see what a work environment is like and get the experience as well as meeting new people who you can learn off.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here and Jamie and his team have been a great to talk to. They’ve been very good to me. They’ve welcomed me into the team, and I’m happy to be doing my work experience here. I couldn’t ask for a better place.”

Originally Sam was meant to spend seven days on his work experience, but his stay was extended by two days thanks to his hard work and enthusiasm.

Jamie said: “He’s been brilliant! We originally said we’d take him for two days in the first week and then for the full week in the second, but he still needed a few hours to complete his placement. He’s been that good and happy to help with everything we said that if you want to come and get some extra hours, we’re happy to get you in for longer.

“It's been a good experience for him. I know from chatting to him he wants to go into the grounds-keeping area and although he won’t have had too much experience of that, it’s given him an idea of what it’s like in a professional workspace.”

It was such a success for both parties that Jamie would look to take another Traineeship student in the future and encourages other businesses to get involved.

“For us we’ve been given an extra pair of hands at a busy time while it’s helped Sam with the hours he needs to complete the course. So it’s been a win-win all around.

“I’m sure more companies will look at getting involved and certainly for us we’d look at doing it again after this experience.”

Now that he’s completed his work experience, Sam is getting ready to finish his time on the Traineeship but has urged others to get involved in the programme.

“I’d say join up! It’s a great traineeship. When I first signed up, I was nervous but then through the weeks I have gotten to know people and communicate with them. I’m loving the experience I have had on the programme.”

Learn more about our traineeship below.

Traineeship