Tag Archive for: Academy

GroundsFest Academy Launches with Free Educational Day

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GroundsFest Academy Launches with Free Educational Day: The highly anticipated first GroundsFest Academy event is set to take place on May 13, 2025, marking the beginning of a new era in free, hands-on education. The first session, hosted in partnership with DLF, titled ‘Seed Science,’ will be held at DLF Seeds’ UK head office in Inkberrow, Worcestershire.

This CPD-accredited educational day is completely free to attend, thanks to GroundsFest’s commitment to reinvesting profits from the show back into the industry. The Academy aims to provide valuable training, helping attendees refine their skills, discover new techniques, and gain insights from leading experts.

GroundsFest Academy Launches with Free Educational Day

GroundsFest Academy Launches with Free Educational Day

Who Can Attend?

The GroundsFest Academy is designed for anyone working across the groundscare, landscaping, greenkeeping and sports turf sectors. Whether you’re an industry professional looking to deepen your knowledge or a newcomer keen to gain practical experience, this event offers an excellent opportunity to learn and network.

What to Expect

The Seed Science event will feature expert-led, hands-on sessions covering key aspects of seed science, including:

Grass & Seed Identification – Learn how to distinguish different grass species and seed types through practical exercises.

Germination & Pre-Germination Tests – Gain insights into how and why seeds germinate, with live demonstrations and interactive learning.

Site Tour of DLF – Discover how seed production, testing, and breeding processes work firsthand.

Sowing, Aftercare & Maintenance – Develop your understanding of best practices for sowing and maintaining grass seed.

A Unique Learning Experience

The day will be structured to encourage participation and engagement. Attendees will be split into groups and will take part in quizzes throughout the sessions. The winning group will receive a special prize, adding an element of fun to the learning experience.

Bradley Tennant who is leading the GroundsFest Academy initiative expressed his enthusiasm for the launch, stating: “We’re absolutely delighted to be launching the first-ever GroundsFest Academy. Thanks to the support of DLF, we’re able to offer such a high-quality educational event. The DLF team share our passion for knowledge and innovation.”

Matt Gresty, MM and Designer Sales and Brand Manager for DLF UK, said: “DLF are pleased to host the inaugural Groundsfest Academy Education Day on Seed Science, we look forward to providing an interesting and informative day for all attendees.”

Secure Your Spot

The GroundsFest Academy offers a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders while networking with fellow professionals. With limited spaces available, early registration is recommended to avoid disappointment.

To view the full seminar programme and to secure your place, visit the dedicated GroundsFest Academy website www.groundsfestacademy.com

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Bernhard Academy expands course offering

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Bernhard Academy expands course offering: The Bernhard Academy is expanding its Technical and Equipment Management training pathway with the introduction of two new courses, designed to enhance turf care professionals’ technical skills and equipment expertise.

The Basic Machinery Maintenance course is a one-day practical session ideal for those involved in the operation, supervision, or maintenance of turf care machinery. Attendees will develop fundamental skills in daily checks, adjustments, fault-finding, and basic repairs – ensuring optimal performance and longevity. The course will take place at the Bernhard Academy hub at Moortown Golf Club on 4 and 5 March.

Bernhard Academy expands course offering

Bernhard Academy expands course offering

For those seeking a deeper technical foundation, the Fundamentals of Turf Care Mechanics – Level 1 course six days of hands-on training. This comprehensive programme is designed for individuals looking to build or refresh their skills in essential service and fault-finding tasks. Delivered over two three-day sessions, the course runs at Moortown Golf Club from 11-13 and 18-20 March.

Both courses will be led by Barry Drennan, new Programme Leader for Technical and Equipment Management at the Bernhard Academy, alongside the expert team at Moortown Golf Club. With over 35 years of international experience in turf management, Drennan brings a wealth of knowledge, having qualified as a golf course mechanic in 1991 and worked with leading industry brands including Toro and Bernhard and Company. His career spans equipment sales, hire, training, and service, with involvement in major tournaments such as the Ryder Cup and Walker Cup.

Drennan commented: “Well-maintained machinery is the backbone of high-quality turf. These courses are designed to give turf professionals the confidence and technical skills to keep equipment performing at its best – ensuring precision, efficiency, and reliability. Whether you’re new to turf care mechanics or looking to refine your expertise, our hands-on training will provide practical knowledge that can be applied immediately in the field.”

For more information on the new technical training programmes, and all other courses available through the Bernhard Academy, visit: www.bernhardacademy.co.uk

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Introducing the GroundsFest Academy

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Introducing the GroundsFest Academy: GroundsFest is proud to announce an exciting new initiative: the GroundsFest Academy, which has been designed to provide free education for anyone working in groundscare and landscaping. By reinvesting profits from GroundsFest back into the industry, the Academy aims to boost education, nurture talent, and help bridge critical skills gaps.

A Mix of Theory and Practical Learning

The GroundsFest Academy offers a unique blend of theoretical and hands-on practical education, covering a wide range of essential topics. In its first year, the Academy will focus on key subjects such as drainage and irrigation, machinery maintenance, synthetic surfaces, line marking, and end-of-season renovations. These topics are just a taster of what the Academy has planned, with even more areas of expertise to be covered.

Introducing the GroundsFest Academy

Introducing the GroundsFest Academy

Participants will not only gain insights from some of the most knowledgeable professionals in the field but will also earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points and certification, further enhancing their credentials and career prospects.

Accessible and Inclusive Learning

The GroundsFest Academy will see free educational days taking place at various accessible locations across the UK. Whether you’re an experienced professional looking to stay ahead of the curve or a student eager to enhance your studies, the GroundsFest Academy has something for everyone.

This initiative is also valuable for organisations, companies and local authorities. By providing free, high-quality training, the Academy supports employers in developing their teams and filling critical skills gaps. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for students to gain industry-specific knowledge, helping them transition into the workforce with confidence.

Supporting the Next Generation

GroundsFest has teamed up with Sports Turf Lecturer Bradley Tennant to lead the delivery of the Academy. Bradley brings years of industry experience and a passion for education.

“Education is key to the continued success and development of our industry,” says Bradley. “The GroundsFest Academy is an incredible opportunity for anyone in the industry to gain free access to valuable training. It’s about equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive, and I’m proud to be leading this initiative.”

Bridging the Skills Gap

“In many organisations, time and resources for training can be limited,” continues Bradley. “Through no fault of their own, senior management often lack the time or capacity to provide one-on-one training in essential skills and certain topics simply aren’t covered in traditional education pathways. The GroundsFest Academy addresses this gap by offering targeted training on subjects that matter most to professionals and employers alike.

“Whether you’re looking to advance your career, improve your team’s skills, or explore new areas of expertise, the GroundsFest Academy is here to help.”

This initiative highlights GroundsFest’s commitment to giving back to the industry that supports it. By reinvesting profits into education, GroundsFest continues to make an impact that goes far beyond the event itself.

More information on the GroundsFest Academy, including session dates and locations, will be announced soon along with a dedicated education and training portal.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on X, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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Bernhard Academy appoints new programme leader

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Bernhard Academy appoints new programme leader: The Bernhard Academy, a global leader in turf care education, has announced the appointment of Barry Drennan as Programme Leader for Technical and Equipment Management workshops.

Coinciding with Drennan’s appointment, the Bernhard Academy has unveiled its new, innovative ‘Bernhard Academy Pathways’ for 2025. These structured learning tracks are designed to empower turf professionals by enhancing their skills across technical, agronomic, and managerial disciplines.

Bernhard Academy appoints new programme leader

Bernhard Academy appoints new programme leader

Barry Drennan joins the Bernhard Academy with more than 35 years of global experience in turf management, having started his career as a greenkeeper in 1987 and qualified as a golf course mechanic in 1991. He has since worked with leading brands such as Toro and Bernhard and Company, operated businesses specialising in golf equipment sales, hire, training, and service, and supported major tournaments including the Ryder Cup and Walker Cup.

Under Drennan’s leadership, the Bernhard Academy is introducing a range of new technical workshops for 2025 to form the core of its Technical and Equipment Management Pathway:

  • Basic Machinery Maintenance for Turf Professionals (NEW)
  • Fundamentals of Turfcare Mechanics Part 1 & Part 2 (NEW)
  • Grinder Refresher and Abrasive Wheels Training (NEW)
  • Cutting Unit Setup and Sharpening Techniques

The Bernhard Academy Pathways for 2025 offer comprehensive development opportunities, by combining numerous different workshops to create dedicated pathways for four different end goals:

  1. Leadership and Management Pathway
    1. Aspiring Manager
    2. Confident Manager
    3. Successful Manager Part 1 & 2
    4. Inspirational Leader
  2. Technical and Equipment Management Pathway
    1. Abrasive Wheel Safety Certificate
    2. Cutting Unit Setup and Sharpening Techniques
    3. Basic Machinery Maintenance
    4. Fundamentals of Turfcare Mechanics Level 1 & 2
  3. Agronomy Pathway
    1. Basic Agronomy
  4. Bespoke Programmes
    1. Golf Course Management for Golf Club Managers
    2. Customised training solutions tailored to client needs

Commenting on his new role, Barry Drennan said: “I’m delighted to join the Bernhard Academy at such an exciting time. I look forward to contributing my experience to provide valuable training in technical and equipment management skills to the industry.”

Sami Strutt, Education Director added: “We are delighted at the appointment of Barry Drennan. His knowledge, experience and skills have been fundamental in the development of the Technical and Equipment Management Pathway, which forms one of the three pillars of the Bernhard Academy. Barry’s enthusiasm and boundless energy will create an enjoyable and productive learning experience. The new pathways and workshops we are introducing will provide amazing opportunities for turf professionals to advance their careers and to shape the next generation of industry leaders.”

To find out more about the Bernhard Academy, visit www.bernhardacademy.co.uk, where you can view more information about workshops and educational pathways.

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Bernhard Academy to sponsor technician

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Bernhard Academy to sponsor technician: The Bernhard Academy is excited to announce its sponsorship of an equipment technician for the upcoming 125th US Open, held at the prestigious Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, USA. The Bernhard Academy is working in partnership with the Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation (T.E.T.O) to bring a new opportunity to the group. T.E.T.O has been created to improve recognition, opportunity, communication and education across our industry whilst creating valuable support networks.

The Bernhard Academy is presenting this unique opportunity, inviting experienced equipment technicians from the UK and Europe to apply for a single, coveted spot on the volunteer support team at Oakmont Country Club next June, where they will gain firsthand experience working on golf’s biggest stage at the 125th US Open.

Bernhard Academy to sponsor technician

Bernhard Academy to sponsor technician

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime for an enthusiastic equipment technician”, commented Sami Strutt, Education Director for the Bernhard Academy. “To prepare the golf course that will host the game’s best players provides an excellent chance to apply their technical skills, as well as getting a front-row seat to the US Open.”

The successful applicant will possess a minimum of three years’ experience as an equipment technician in a sports turf setting. Bernhard’s knowledge and excellence will be shared with the lucky volunteer, when they attend a training workshop at a Bernhard Academy venue, to ensure that they are fully prepared ahead of their trip to Oakmont. Applicants must be part of T.E.T.O to be eligible. Shortlisted candidates will be selected for online interviews, in the week commencing 9th December.

This sponsorship underscores the Bernhard Academy’s commitment to professional development and excellence in turf equipment management, offering technicians a chance to elevate their skills and gain international recognition. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications promptly to take part in this extraordinary experience at one of golf’s most celebrated venues.

For further information on how to apply, please visit https://bernhardacademy.co.uk/tournamentvolunteer

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