Charlie likes being grounded

Growing up on a farm just a stone’s throw away from his current place of employment has come in handy for Charlie Agius (above).

GROWING up on a farm just a stone’s throw away from his current place of employment certainly has come in handy for Charlie Agius.

The St Andrew’s Catholic College grounds and maintenance manager uses many of the skills he learned driving and fixing tractors, gardening and helping with other duties around the farm in his current role.

Groundskeepers are tasked with general maintenance projects around a facility. It includes such tasks as rubbish and waste removal, fittings, repairs, general building works, landscaping and cleaning.

But for 30 years prior the 62-year-old was a taxi driver.

“I started this job in 2011 because my daughter suggested I needed a change of work,” Mr Agius said.

“She was a teacher here at the time, so it all fell into place.

“When I started Yasi had just hit so I had a huge clean up to start on.”

Mr Agius manages two more part-time staff who help out throughout the week.

He said the role of groundskeeper was far more satisfying than being a taxi driver.

“Being a groundsman is a bit like owning a fish and chip shop. You have to really look after the fish and chip shop,” he said.

“But driving a taxi, well, the taxi can get written off tomorrow. You’re just the driver and no one would miss you.

“Here, you get the chance to help people and they really appreciate it.”

In fact, Mr Agius has overheard some conversations between students comparing the importance of his job to the principal’s.

“They said Mr Agius is way more important than Mr McMaster because he fixes everything,” he said.

While any outdoor worker battles the heat, Mr Agius said that was “just life”.