As skilled labor shortages continue to challenge the hospitality and specialized trades, The QHotels Collection is tackling the problem head-on by forging a unique partnership with Myerscough College, one of the UK’s leading land-based education institutions. This collaboration offers a powerful case study for HR leaders on how to build talent from the ground up and champion internal mobility.
The goal of the partnership is to create a clear, defined career pathway for aspiring greenkeepers—the skilled professionals who maintain golf courses. But its significance goes far beyond turf maintenance. It represents a strategic commitment to solving the talent pipeline challenge through investment in continuous learning.
From Entry-Level to Executive
The model is designed to support an individual throughout their entire professional lifecycle. It seamlessly integrates structured academic qualifications from Myerscough College—from apprenticeships to advanced courses—with real-world experience across the Collection’s prestigious golf resorts.
As Paul McGrail, Assistant Principal at Myerscough College, noted, the initiative provides a clear and aspirational pathway, “from apprentice to Golf Course Manager.” This approach directly addresses two critical HR goals:
- Solving Talent Scarcity: It positions the company as an employer of choice for new entrants, ensuring a reliable pipeline of skilled professionals in a niche industry.
- Reinforcing Retention: By providing a clear ladder for growth, the company reduces the incentive for talented staff to leave.
The Power of Promoting From Within
A central pillar of the partnership is a strong emphasis on internal mobility and long-term development. The QHotels Collection is using the partnership to reinforce a “promote from within” culture.
Keith Pickard, Golf, Health Club & Spa Director at The QHotels Collection, highlighted this commitment: “It’s not just about recruitment, it’s about nurturing talent from the very beginning and supporting individuals throughout their entire career journey.”
The company already has clear examples of success. The recent promotion of Ross Brannan to Director of Golf, after starting as Head of Greenkeeping at one of the resorts, demonstrates how combining structured external education with internal progression opportunities can quickly move talent into leadership roles.
For HR leaders in any sector facing a talent crunch, this model provides a blueprint: strategic partnerships with educational bodies, combined with a committed internal culture of lifelong learning, can be the key to ensuring a sustainable, skilled, and highly motivated workforce for the future.