Andrew Smith has always loved sport. A cricket player in Canberra for 10-years and a passion for all sports, he always wanted to work in the sport and recreation space, and loves being outdoors.
When he saw a recent advertisement for apprentice curators at Cricket ACT, he was presented with a real opportunity to make that want a reality.
Having previously worked in hospitality for five years he was burnt out and wanting a fresh start, so applying to work as a curator, being in and around cricket, and working outdoors was the perfect solution.
And his application was successful. A month into the job Andrew knows it was the right move.
“I absolutely love it and I’m working around a good bunch of blokes,” he said.
Andrew’s also excited about the opportunities his position as a curator brings—from grade cricket through to bigger matches like the W/BBL at Manuka.
“I’m excited about looking after the wickets and also working on some decent wickets for some of the big teams.
“I want to be a part of providing good fields for upcoming cricketers and help out with games wherever possible.”
Andrew’s enthusiasm for his new job is something Head Curator Tom Fahey is enjoying.
“I’ve had the pleasure of watching our team grow in recent years and seeing teammates finish their apprenticeships to become full-time staff is so rewarding and enjoyable.
“It brings a smile to my face when I have a new starter who’s as passionate about the job as I am.
“Not everyone gets to see their handiwork broadcast across television screens; there’s a real buzz and sense of pride that comes with that.”
We look forward to watching Andrew grow in his new role as we get ready for our 2023/24 summer of cricket.
If you’re interested in a career as a turf curator, feel free to get in touch with us for a chat.