Industry support needed to develop apprenticeship

Industry support needed to develop apprenticeship: The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) has given the green light for the Sports Turf Trailblazer group to develop a new Level 5 Sports Turf Apprenticeship.

Whilst in the formative stages of development this is an exciting opportunity to build on the work already done by the group in revision of the Level 2 and development of the new Level 3 apprenticeships. Creation of a Level 5 apprenticeship will provide a recognised educational pathway from entry to degree level whilst benefitting from government funded fee support for employers of 95%-100%. Making education more accessible will help with recruitment, retention and the ongoing professionalisation of the sports turf industry.

Industry support needed to develop apprenticeship

Industry support needed to develop apprenticeship

As part of the Level 5 apprenticeship development process the trailblazer wishes to engage with the wider industry. It is important that the apprenticeship that is developed reflects the needs of the industry. There may be an opportunity to integrate the well-established Foundation Degree into the apprenticeship (benefitting from 95%-100% fee support) but this can only be achieved with industry support. The Trailblazer group will be circulating communications in the coming months and arranging various forums to discuss what is proposed. We would encourage sports turf professionals and their employers to engage with these events. Additionally, we would welcome new applications to be involved with the Trailblazer group from individuals who wish to be engaged more directly in the Level 5 apprenticeship development process.

Please contact Chairperson of the Sports Turf Trailblazer Daniel Ratling for more information d.ratling@whitgift.co.uk

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SISIS innovation to be showcased at BTME

SISIS innovation to be showcased at BTME: At BTME 2024 SISIS will be presenting a selected range of products designed for fine turf surfaces and sports pitches.

With a rich legacy in the industry, SISIS is renowned for its commitment to simplicity and efficiency, and these attributes can be seen in the range of products on display at their new location on Stand 216 in Hall 2.

SISIS innovation to be showcased at BTME

SISIS innovation to be showcased at BTME

The 1.2m Multitiner, a drum-type tractor-mounted aerator, stands out for its uncomplicated design and low maintenance requirements. Ideal for fine turf and sports fields, this aerator offers versatility in various aeration methods, including solid, chisel, and hollow tining, with a maximum depth of 100mm and minimal surface disturbance. Fast and effective, this aerator will leave minimal surface disturbance.

The TM1000, a tractor-mounted scarifier and linear aerator, takes centre stage with its unrivalled ability to remove and control thatch, helping to reduce standing water by improving water infiltration. Equipped with a collector box, floating unit, and contra-rotating reel for a clean, consistent groove, the TM1000 features interchangeable blades and a tool-free depth setting, ensuring an excellent finish.

Ideal for renovation and repair work, SISIS also presents the Variseeder, a versatile tractor-mounted seeder with a variable seeding rate, perfect for golf course maintenance, lawns, and amenity areas. This low-maintenance seeder boasts a fast work rate and enables overseeding without taking ground out of play.

The SISIS Flexibrush, a tractor-mounted brush with a 5.35-meter working width, emerges as an ideal solution for both synthetic and natural turf surfaces. Floating brush sections follow ground contours efficiently, making it effective for controlling worm casts, dispersing top dressings, and standing grass up before cutting, ultimately enhancing the cut and presentation.

Throughout the event, knowledgeable SISIS staff will be on hand at Stand 216 to offer valuable insights and advice on the showcased machinery.

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.sisis.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow SISIS on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn @SISISMachinery and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery. You can also view the latest SISIS videos by visiting www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery

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Mansfield Sand’s Turf Solutions at BTME

Mansfield Sand’s Turf Solutions at BTME: From January 23 to 25, 2024, Mansfield Sand invites you to explore Stand 242, where a comprehensive array of innovative products for sports, landscaping, and equestrian applications will take centre stage.

A Legacy of Innovation

With a rich history spanning over 170 years, Mansfield Sand has consistently pioneered the development and production of premium silica sand-based products. As the market leader, the company has supplied its high-quality solutions to some of the most prestigious sporting venues across the UK and Europe.

Mansfield Sand’s Turf Solutions at BTME

Mansfield Sand’s Turf Solutions at BTME

The Mansil Silica Sand Sports Range

Step into the world of Mansil Silica Sand Sports Range, sourced from the Two Oaks Quarry in Mansfield. These silica sands play a pivotal role in constructing and maintaining various sports surfaces, including winter sports pitches, golf courses, bowling greens, and amenity turf areas.

Tailored Solutions for Fine Turf

Mansfield Sand’s Soil Top Dressing, crafted for the fine turf market, is a homogenous product made from premium silica sands and top-quality soils. Sterilised and screened to a 3mm size, this dressing is easy to spread, stone-free, and pebble-free. Mansfield Sand also offers bespoke dressing blends and the flexibility to incorporate soil amendments into any product.

Precision in Rootzone Blends

Understanding the demands of turf managers, Mansfield Sand’s rootzones are crafted with only the highest-quality materials. Whether for renovation or construction, the Mansil 40 Silica Sand, blended with quality screened topsoil, ensures the perfect start for a flawless surface.

Sand Compost Rootzones for Sustainability

Mansfield Sand boasts a range of premium sand-organic material blends, ideal for creating rootzones requiring organic-rich profiles. These blends aid in nutrient retention and enhance drought resistance, contributing to sustainable turf management practices.

Reinforced Rootzone Technology

To meet the rigorous standards of the sports turf industry, Mansfield Sand offers a range of reinforced rootzones. Featuring technologies like polypropylene fibres and flexible elastane fibres, these solutions provide stability and durability, ensuring consistent drainage and performance.

Visit Mansfield Sand at BTME 2024

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Mansfield Sand’s solutions at BTME 2024. Head to Stand 242, where the experienced team will guide you through how these innovative products can significantly enhance your turf.

For more information visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk

You can also follow the company on Twitter – @MansfieldSand and Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldSandSportSurfaces/

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Avant 755i Loader: A Transformative Tool

Avant 755i Loader: A Transformative Tool: Richard Overton, the steward of a family business established in the 1900s, has praised the transformative power of the Avant 755i Loader in improving their operations.

With a deep-rooted history in agriculture, the Overton family has witnessed the evolution of their business from its humble beginnings, where Richard’s grandfather toiled to expand their landholding, to the present day, marked by a diverse portfolio of activities ranging from potato cultivation to cold storage, a livery yard, landscaping, and more.

Avant 755i Loader: A Transformative Tool

Avant 755i Loader: A Transformative Tool

The turning point in their operations came with the decision to diversify, a strategic move that required a versatile and reliable piece of equipment. Richard, having previously relied on two 3.5-tonne machines, sought something more adaptable to the dynamic needs of the business.

“I always had an eye on the Avant. We tried one out, we liked it, and so we bought one. We required one we could put on a trailer and tow because we needed it at both of our sites, so we went for the 755i model because I believe it’s the biggest you can legally tow. It fits great on our trailer,” shares Richard. The decision to invest in the Avant 755i Loader, part of the 700 series, proved to be a game-changer for the Overton family.

Unleashing the Potential of the Avant 755i Loader: A Year-Round Workhorse

The Avant 755i Loader, renowned for its high lift capacity and drive speed, belongs to the 700 series designed for multi-use tasks across various industries. Richard highlights the machine’s ability to seamlessly transition between cleaning, property maintenance, farm operations and landscaping. Its compact design, coupled with high-flow auxiliary hydraulics, ensures unmatched versatility in handling diverse attachments.

The decision to opt for a cab-equipped model reflects the Overton family’s commitment to year-round productivity. “Because we are going to be busy in the summer and the winter, we thought we needed a cab – so we could be warm in the winter but have air conditioning in the summer. We ended up buying the best machine we could get,” affirms Richard. He opted for the GT cab which comes with heating, sound-absorbing interior, windscreen washer and wiper, cab air filter and front and rear mudguards as standard.

Attachments Galore: The Swiss Army Knife of Machinery

What sets the Avant 755i Loader apart is its compatibility with over 200 attachments, turning it into a true Swiss Army Knife of agricultural and landscaping equipment. Richard proudly details the array of attachments they employ, including the brush, the leveller, the lawn mower, the 4 in 1 bucket, and the root grapple. Each attachment serves a distinct purpose, showcasing the machine’s adaptability.

“The root grapple isn’t just for roots; it is also used for picking up round bales of straw and logs. It has a great feature where the top grapple closes in two bits so if you have an uneven piece of wood, it doesn’t just grab one side of it; it works independently, which is really clever,” notes Richard.

“Just the other day we were able to deliver and unload 16 tonnes worth of slabs round the back of a private property in no time at all. Previously this would have taken 2 or 3 days of hard graft with a wheelbarrow; so, the time saving is incredible. I think the Avant Loader really is a Swiss Army Knife.”

The Avant Advantage: Cost-Effective, Economical, and Reliable

Richard emphasises the cost-effectiveness of the Avant 755i Loader, asserting, “Every machine has its limitations, but I think the Avant Loader does every job more than adequately. It has saved us money because we don’t need 5 or 6 machines – the Avant can do them all.” The manoeuvrability, diesel efficiency, and ability to navigate tight spaces make it an indispensable asset for the Overton family business.

In praising the local Avant dealer, Ben Burgess, Richard underlines the importance of reliable support. “Back-up is crucial when purchasing a new machine, and I get a great service from Ben Burgess.”

A Testament to Innovation and Tradition

The Avant 755i Loader stands as a testament to the innovative approach of a family business that has spanned generations. In choosing the Avant Loader, the Overton family has not only embraced a versatile and efficient tool but has also set the stage for sustained success in the years to come.

For more information, please visit www.avant.co.uk 

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AriensCo – Change at the top

AriensCo – Change at the top: Nicholas Ariens has been appointed President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Ariens Company with effect from 2 October 2023. He will take over from Larry Weyers, who will remain with the company as a consultant until the end of the financial year and will take his well-deserved retirement at the beginning of July 2024.

“Larry has succeeded in driving forward three extremely important aspects of our company. With a strong customer-centric focus, the opinions and needs of our dealers and end customers have become even more important. He also attaches great importance to strategically well thought-out planning and has thus made AriensCo even more disciplined. He has also succeeded in further improving the quality of our products thanks to state-of-the-art manufacturing processes,” emphasises Dan Ariens, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

AriensCo - Change at the top

AriensCo – Change at the top

Nicholas Ariens, the eldest son of owner Dan Ariens, has now taken over the position of President and COO. “I am proud that all five of my children, and therefore the fifth generation, are now involved in key positions in our family business. I wish Nicholas every success in his new role.”

Nicholas Ariens has previously held various management positions in the company. Most recently, he was Executive Vice President for the North and South America region.

Jochen Schneider, Executive Vice President EMEAA and therefore also responsible for the European locations of the Ariens Company, will report directly to Nicholas Ariens in future.

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