If you’re a greenkeeper in the UK and are keen to expand your career beyond British shores, the proposed youth mobility scheme could be exactly what you need to access jobs across Europe.
If it’s approved, this scheme will allow Brits aged 18 to 30 to live and work in EU countries for up to three years, mirroring agreements the UK already has with Australia and several other nations.
After years of post-Brexit restrictions limiting access to European work opportunities, this could change the game when it comes to traveling and working in Europe within the greenkeeping and grounds management industry.
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How Brexit Affected Work Opportunities in Europe
Before Brexit, it was fairly easy to find work in Europe as a British citizen. With the UK’s EU membership, we were free to move between the UK and the continent and could accept jobs in Spain, Portugal, France, or Germany without complicated visa requirements.
But since leaving the EU, the door has largely been shut. While it’s still possible to get a job in Europe, these offers now often come with red tape and expensive visa applications, as well as employer sponsorship requirements that are off-putting for job applicants and clubs and venues overseas.
The Positive Impact of the Proposed Youth Mobility Scheme
This proposed scheme could break down the barriers that groundscare professionals are currently up against when looking for jobs overseas. If the scheme is introduced, it’ll allow young British workers to take up positions at golf courses, sports stadiums, and resorts across the EU without the current bureaucratic hurdles.
Given the growing demand for skilled greenkeepers in European countries with strong golf and sports industries, this could be an ideal time for professionals in the UK to explore new opportunities overseas and gain international experience.
Taking your knowledge and skills from the UK to European destinations has multiple benefits. Overseas courses often have different turf types and climates, requiring their own maintenance techniques, so you’ll be able to expand your skill sets and become more well-rounded in your role.
Working in warmer climates like Spain or Portugal, for example, will require you to take a different approach to irrigation and pest management than in the UK. Exposure to these variations could help you grow in your career and set you apart in a competitive job market. Plus, anyone working outdoors in the UK will tell you that it’s tough going, so weather is a big attraction for Brits considering a job particularly in Southern Europe.
Employers in Europe could also benefit from being able to hire UK greenkeepers without having to jump through dozens of hoops or make a big upfront investment in their new staff. Many European golf clubs and sports venues already struggle to find experienced professionals, so this proposed youth mobility agreement could fill those gaps.
If you’re a Brit working in a turf management role and you’re currently feeling stuck due to limited job options at home, this scheme (if it goes ahead) could be exactly the news you were hoping to hear. Not only would it open doors to a wider range of roles, but it could also give you a fresh perspective on your career development.
Once you’ve gained experience abroad, you’ll open yourself up to better job prospects back in the UK, whether because you’re standing out in future applications or you’ve built valuable international connections.
Things We Still Don’t Know About the Scheme
We still have questions that are yet to be answered about how the scheme would be structured. There’s a good chance that the EU will push for healthcare provisions or caps on the number of participants, and the UK government will have to weigh the political pressures against economic benefits.
With all that said, what is clear is the potential for UK greenkeepers to gain back some of the European access they lost post-Brexit.
Taking Advantage of the Youth Mobility Scheme
If you’re considering a move from the UK to another country in Europe if the scheme is approved, it’s never too early to start researching your options.
The proposal for the scheme is set to be presented at a summit in London on May 19, which means those eligible may be able to work abroad as early as this year, depending on how quickly the scheme is implemented (assuming it’s approved).
If you’re keen to work in the EU, keep an eye on our Facebook, Linkedin, and website, as we’ll keep our members updated with news about the scheme. In the meantime, it’s worth researching potential destinations and connecting with European employers, so you’re well-prepared for a potential move later in the year. If the agreement goes ahead, the best opportunities will probably be snapped up quickly.
The introduction of a youth mobility scheme could be a rare piece of good news in the post-Brexit era for UK workers looking for international experience. For anyone working in greenkeeping and grounds management, this scheme could mean a chance to build a career without borders, developing expertise in some of Europe’s most prestigious venues. It’s well worth taking advantage of this opportunity if and when it becomes available.