Around 200 apprentice golfers from across the country recently gathered at Solihull College to learn about the different career paths available to them after completing the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE).

The AASE is a two-year elite athlete development programme designed to support young, talented, male and female golfers in achieving their maximum potential within the sport.  The specialist course is available to young people who demonstrate they have the necessary talent, commitment and skill to make a career from playing golf.

Organised by Andrew Schneider, AASE Academy Manager at Solihull College, and Richard Macro, Regional Performance Development Officer for the English Golf Union, the Progression Fair was designed to help golfing apprentices learn about employment and education opportunities in the golf industry after they complete the AASE.

These include: gaining scholarships in the USA, studying for a Foundation Degree in Professional Golf Studies or Tournament Golf, or a BA Honours Degree in Applied Golf Management Studies.  The apprentices were also given an insight into careers in Greenkeeping, Golf Course Management and Golf Equipment Manufacture, by guest speakers from the Greenkeepers’ Training Committee and Golfsmith.

Andrew Schneider comments: “This is the first time we’ve run this type of event and it seems to have been a great success.  It is really important for the apprentices to realise the various progression routes available to them after completing the AASE, so it was ideal to bring the different organisations together under one roof and allow the apprentices to explore their options.”

The apprentices, including those from Brockenhurst College in Hampshire and Myerscough College in Preston, were also treated to a presentation by Ladies’ European Tour Golfer and former Solihull College student, Rachel Jennings, who explained her journey to becoming a touring professional.

For more information about the AASE at Solihull College visit www.solihull.ac.uk or call 0121 678 7000.

Photo caption: Dave Robinson, Training Manager for the Professional Golfers’ Association and Andrew Schneider, AASE Academy Manager at Solihull College.