VGCSA - JOHN DEERE NZ Scholarship

The VGCSA in partnership with John Deere Ltd (JDL) is proud to announce the inaugural VGCSA - JOHN DEERE NZ Scholarship with applications open to VGCSA members who can highly demonstrate:

• Initiative in the workplace
• ?Ongoing commitment as an employee in the golf course turf industry
• Enthusiasm to further their golf turf career through professional development

The winning candidate will have the opportunity to take part in a one-week work experience residency at Tara Iti Golf Club, New Zealand. The turf residency will also include specialised training at FMG Stadium and an educational tour of the Tieke Golf Estate?in the Waikato district. The scholarship will cover travel, accommodation and provision of stipend for related expenses.

Scholarship dates 24 – 30 April 2023

Eligibility

1.????Applications are open to the following candidates:

• Course staff who are current VGCSA members and who have been employed in the turf industry for a minimum of 12 months
• 2IC, 3IC, Turf tradesperson, apprentice under the employment of a VGCSA Superintendent

2.????It is permissible for:

a.????A VGCSA Course Superintendent to apply on behalf of one course staff employee at their Club

OR

b.????A VGCSA Course member to apply directly by addressing all criteria

Criteria

1.????Applications are to address the following attributes in 200 words or less:

• An ability to show initiative in the workplace
• Example(s) of ongoing commitment as an employee
• A keen expression of interest to further a turf career through professional development

2.????Written applications are to be accompanied by a 2-3 minute video to demonstrate the following:

• A brief overview of daily golf course work practices and responsibilities
• Turf career challenges and/or highlights thus far
• Future career aspirations and passion to work in the golf turf industry
• Any previous knowledge or experience of John Deere products (optional)
• Capacity to be a good ambassador for their employer and the VGCSA

3.????A brief written employer endorsement is also required to accompany the application.

Please note: Video submissions will be assessed on personal presentation and content only. Basic video format e.g. Iphone is acceptable.
        

Selection Process

All applications will be reviewed by a selection panel of VGCSA Committee and John Deere staff representatives. The VGCSA will administer the application and selection process with John Deere sponsorship. The successful winning candidate will be notified on 31 October.

The winner will be publicly announced in the VGCSA summer magazine issue and other *media. The winning entrant video will accompany VGCSA online announcements via the VGCSA member enews and social media.

Scholarship Terms & Conditions

• The successful applicant must be appointed as a golf course employee at the time of the 2023 residency period and hold a valid passport.
• Upon confirmation of the above conditions, the VGCSA will be responsible for arranging overseas travel and accommodation.
• The winning candidate will also receive a stipend to cover related expenses applicable to the scholarship only.

These include: Any travel costs to and from airport(s); daily commute to and from work experience activities; visit(s) to any industry tours PLUS Daily meal allowances (excludes alcohol purchases).
        

• The winner will be encouraged to send short video(s) and/or photos to the VGCSA - capturing their experiences during the residency week - with aim for material to be used for social media purposes.
• At completion of the 2023 VGCSA - JOHN DEERE NZ Scholarship, the recipient will be requested to document their work experience through the provision of photos and a short report which will be published in the VGCSA winter magazine.
• The scholarship recipient will also be required to present a talk at the VGCSA Country meeting to take place in July/August 2023.

To Apply

1. Visit the VGCSA website to access the VGCSA - JOHN DEERE NZ Scholarship application form.
2. ?Please fill in the online application form, addressing the above criteria and submit your application via the VGCSA website. ?
3. Video files must be saved under the applicant name before submitting to the VGCSA.
4. Video presentations are to be provided in video format suitable for web (MP4, MPG, MOV or WMV up to 1GB in size) as a link to your YouTube or Vimeo channel OR via Dropbox (or similar file sharing system).
5. Submit video links online or email files to [email protected].

Applications strictly close 5pm, Monday 17 October. ?Late entries will not be accepted.

Enquiries VGCSA Chief Executive Officer, Mary Napier [email protected]

*JOHN DEERE LTD Terms & Conditions apply