Lynx, the old golf brand with a bright new future, has pledged a commitment to the development of young talent alongside its continued corporate growth by hiring three under-25s at its UK headquarters.
While the family-owned brand, based in Brooklands, Weybridge, Surrey, surges ahead with a rapidly increasing number of accounts and market share, it also wants to develop a wealth of talent among young people exiting from higher education and university.
Lynx has employed one ex-graduate, Alex Hill, in its new Creative Design Department; another, Tom Gudgeon, in its Sales Support and Administrative Office; and is also supporting a LoughboroughUniversity 3rd Year student, Chris Somerton, in a Placement Year position.
Lynx Managing Partner Stephanie Zinser insists that developing talent in today’s youth is not just an admirable or ethical thing to do. “Rather, it’s a vital thing to do,” she stresses.
“Unless companies like ours give young people a chance to develop, learn and grow, there will simply not be a large or capable enough pool of talent available to take on the challenges of 21st century life that today’s culture and political climate is necessitating.”
Zinser, who with partner Steve Elford, have seven children between them, knows well the challenges that face young people trying to enter the workplace.
She adds: “Too often, people leaving university cannot get a job until they have work experience, but they can’t get experience because nobody is prepared to take them on.
“It’s a Catch 22, and not fair. Today’s youth often gets a bad press, but in our experience there are a lot of super-talented, hard-working, imaginative and motivated people out there desperate to earn a living and develop their skills.
“The boys are great fun, hard-working, full of ideas and having them around is fantastic for our company. They breathe life and fun into everything they do – and if everyone was prepared to take on more young people they would soon realise that it is not a burden, but in fact a benefit.”
An aspiring golf club designer, Chris is currently studying for a BSc in Sports Technology and was drawn to Lynx because of its “willingness to innovate.” Tom joined Lynx “because of the opportunity to work within the sports industry in a role that suited my skill set”, while most recent recruit Alex cites the company’s “sense of creativity and desire to stand out from the crowd,” as his reason for joining.
In 2013 there were 12 million graduates in the UK1. Of those who went on to gain jobs, a staggering 47% is said to be working in jobs that do not require a higher educational background.
Additionally, More than 40% of graduates worked in the public administration, education and health industries – sectors currently in the process of major downsizing. Just 7% were recruited by the manufacturing sector..
Added Zinser: “As employers, especially in manufacturing and engineering, Lynx is determined to back investment in skills by providing chances for young graduates.”
Further information on LoughboroughUniversity student placement opportunities can be obtained from the university’s Careers and Employability Centre. Click here for details.
Lynx Golf continues to establish itself as the most forward-thinking and exciting equipment brand in Europe and is dedicated to supporting ‘green grass’ Pro shop business, with more than 400 accounts in the UK.
Lynx Golf www.lynxgolf.co.uk