STIHL celebrates more than 20 years of supporting the next generation

STIHL celebrates more than 20 years of supporting the next generation

/in , /by

STIHL celebrates more than 20 years of supporting the next generation

STIHL is celebrating more than two decades of supporting colleges, training providers and students across Great Britain, helping to develop the next generation of skilled professionals in arboriculture, forestry, horticulture and groundcare.

STIHL celebrates more than 20 years of supporting the next generation

STIHL celebrates more than 20 years of supporting the next generation

For over 20 years, STIHL has worked closely with educational institutions through its College Partnership Scheme, providing professional equipment, practical training opportunities and industry expertise to help prepare students for careers in the land-based sector. By working alongside tutors and lecturers, the company has helped students gain hands-on experience with the equipment, technologies and safe working practices they will encounter when they enter the workplace.

A key part of this support is delivered through STIHL Experience Days. Hosted by the company’s Learning & Development team, these practical events give students the opportunity to work with professional-grade equipment while learning directly from STIHL product specialists.

Over the past year alone, more than 170 arboriculture and horticulture students from colleges across Great Britain have attended STIHL Experience Days. Designed to complement classroom learning, the sessions help bridge the gap between theory and real-world application, covering equipment operation, maintenance and product selection, while also providing valuable insight into careers within the industry.

Alongside these events, STIHL continues to support colleges through equipment loans, machine donations and educational resources, helping training providers deliver high-quality practical learning using industry-recognised equipment. The company also works with colleges and educational events throughout the year, including recently supporting Sparsholt College’s STEM Day, where representatives engaged with more than 1,000 young people considering their future education and career opportunities.

Ben Beaumont, Training Manager at STIHL GB, said: “The students we’re supporting today are the arborists, foresters and horticultural professionals of tomorrow. That’s why, for more than 20 years, we’ve worked alongside colleges and training providers to help give students access to the skills, knowledge and professional equipment they’ll use throughout their careers.

“Through our College Partnership Scheme, STIHL Experience Days and our ongoing support for education providers, we’re proud to play a role in helping develop the next generation of industry professionals. A strong partnership between STIHL and colleges will help to ensure our industries continue to attract and develop the skilled people they need for the future.”

As demand for skilled professionals across the land-based industries continues to grow, STIHL remains committed to supporting colleges, tutors and students through practical learning opportunities and long-term partnerships, helping ensure the industry is equipped with the talent and expertise it needs for years to come.

For more information visit www.stihl.co.uk.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

BIGGA calls on greenkeepers to help shape the association's future

BIGGA calls on greenkeepers to help shape the association’s future

/in , /by

BIGGA calls on greenkeepers to help shape the association’s future

The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) is urging greenkeepers to take part in a major survey that will help shape its future activities and support for the profession.

BIGGA calls on greenkeepers to help shape the association's future

BIGGA calls on greenkeepers to help shape the association’s future

Open to all greenkeepers, whether BIGGA members or not, the survey will inform plans to develop the association’s activities and structure, ensuring the profession’s needs remain at the heart of its work.

Feedback from the previous survey in 2024 helped shape initiatives including a healthcare offering and Team Membership. BIGGA is seeking fresh views on what it does well and where it can improve, building on the changes introduced following that response.

As both the association and the greenkeeping industry continue to evolve, the findings will help BIGGA understand how it can best support greenkeepers and prepare for the challenges of future years.

BIGGA Membership Director Scott Reeves said: “In 2024 we had a phenomenal response to our BIGGA Membership Survey and the results have fundamentally influenced our work. I think the results speak for themselves, increased membership numbers, increased member engagement with opportunities, and a Membership department in tune with the needs of greenkeepers around the country.

“The pressures facing golf’s biggest workforce have never been greater and we need to keep listening and evolving to help them meet those pressures. The more information we get from this latest BIGGA Membership Survey the better we can support, engage, and represent our members.”

The invitation extends beyond BIGGA’s existing membership, giving greenkeepers who are not members an opportunity to contribute to discussions about the association’s future. Hearing from across the profession will help BIGGA build a fuller picture of what greenkeepers need from their association.

BIGGA Chairperson Steve Lloyd said: “As greenkeepers, we all have a stake in the future of our association and the profession we are proud to be part of. This survey is an important opportunity to share your views, tell us what matters to you, and help shape how BIGGA supports greenkeepers in the years ahead.

“I would strongly encourage every greenkeeper, whether a BIGGA member or not, to take 10 minutes to complete the survey. The more voices we hear, the better informed we can be as we plan for the future of the association and the wider industry.”

BIGGA is encouraging greenkeepers to draw on their own experiences when responding, helping the association understand what is working and what could be improved. The survey provides an opportunity to identify priorities for the years ahead and influence how those priorities are reflected in BIGGA’s work.

With the previous survey already informing new membership initiatives, the association is emphasising the value of participation. Every response will contribute to the information available as BIGGA considers its next steps and how to meet the changing needs of the profession.

To complete the BIGGA Membership Survey and help shape the association’s future, click here.

The survey takes around 10 minutes to complete, and one respondent will win a £250 Amazon voucher.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters