Landscape & Amenity
March 2020 The big trends for 2020
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Greenkeepers Training Committee receive Government approval for Level 3 Apprenticeship The Golf Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group has announced the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) has approved the ADVANCED GOLF GREENKEEPER Apprenticeship Standard (Level 3) for delivery. Following the launch and success of the Level 2 Golf Greenkeeper Apprenticeship in England, the Golf Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group has been working tirelessly to develop a suitable programme of education, training and assessment to meet the new Standards for Level 3.
Managers, this Apprenticeship will provide the greenkeeper with the skills and knowledge to operate at an advanced level where supervisory or specialist technical skills are required.
Fertilisers The latest product news
As with the Level 2, there is a series of graded, independent assessments at the end of a programme of education and these will ensure all future qualified Greenkeepers will have the skills, knowledge and behaviours as determined in the new Standard.
Having the full support of England Golf and the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association and working closely with employers and Training Providers, this means there is now a structured pathway of education from Golf Greenkeeper to Advanced Golf Greenkeeper.
David Croxton, GTC Trailblazer Chairman says: “It is great news to hear the Government have approved the Level 3. Having worked with employers and Training Providers in our sector, we believe we have now developed two new Apprenticeships that meet the employer’s requirements – to develop a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce.”
Designed for Senior Greenkeepers/ First Assistants/Deputy Head Greenkeepers/Deputy Course
Richard Flint, England Golf’s Participation & Club Support Director says: “England Golf are
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delighted that the Government has approved the Assessment Plan for the Advanced Golf Greenkeeper. This now shows the levels of progression for a greenkeeper and how their knowledge, skills and behaviours will continue to develop stronger golf clubs.”
Jim Croxton, CEO BIGGA added: “Reaching this point is an exciting time in greenkeeper education. Having a complement of apprenticeships will not only strengthen the professionalism of our industry, but also provides a structured programme of education for anyone looking
at greenkeeping as a career.” Work is continuing with the Golf Course Manger Apprenticeship (Level 5), which we hope will be approved later this year. Greenkeepers Training Committee
BIGGA support team chosen for the 149th Open Championship SALTEX proves good for business
The Open 2019 is heading to Sandwich in Kent this July and the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association has revealed which members have been selected to join the volunteer support team that will help maintain playing standards throughout the event. Each year The R&A requests BIGGA’s assistance with the championship and this will be the fourth time a volunteer team of BIGGA members has attended an Open at Royal St George’s, having also helped out in 1993, 2003 and 2011.
Findings from the SALTEX 2019 post-show exhibitor survey have confirmed that the 2019 event was extremely valuable for a high percentage of groundscare exhibitors.
BIGGA Chief Executive Officer Jim Croxton said: “Royal St George’s is a special venue and I’m thrilled that once again members of BIGGA have
the chance to play a small part in presenting it for the world’s best players.” BIGGA
In fact it was deemed so successful that more than half of exhibitors reserved their space for the 2020 event before the end of the 2019 show and organisers have since reported a record number of repeat business, stand upgrades and an influx of debut exhibitors – with more than
Functionality at the push of a button.
Grass Seeds & Wildflowers How technology is making the sector blossom
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200 companies committing to SALTEX 2020. The survey findings confirm that 96 per cent of survey respondents generated new sales leads and 82 per cent have already taken orders as a direct result of exhibiting at the show. The record-breaking 9,104 attendance was rated as excellent by 85 per cent of exhibitors and, crucially, the quality of visitors scored 91 per cent. SALTEX 2020
Ride-on Mowers Jane Carley looks at the latest innovations
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