Tag Archive for: Academy

Ten GCSAA members chosen for Bernhard Academy Links to Success

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Ten GCSAA members chosen for Bernhard Academy Links to Success: Ten members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) have been selected for the Bernhard Academy Links to Success United Kingdom 2025, and they will attend the 2025 BTME conference in Harrogate, England, in January.

For more than two decades, Bernhard has selected 10 members of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) to attend the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in the U.S. to experience the show, and through this programme, North American superintendents will now have the opportunity for a similar experience in the UK.

Ten GCSAA members chosen for Bernhard Academy Links to Success

Ten GCSAA members chosen for Bernhard Academy Links to Success

“We are very proud to introduce this initiative to GCSAA members.” Sami Strutt says, “we look forward to welcoming the selected ten to the UK to visit BTME, the largest turf exhibition outside the US and to take part in the Continue to Learn education programme in Harrogate. We’re excited to get them to explore British turf practices and discover iconic golf courses.“

While in the UK, the GCSAA delegation will experience traditional Links golf courses, get an inside look of an Open Championship golf course, discover the heritage of the first Ryder Cup venue, attend the BTME annual conference, have global networking opportunities and more.

The members of the Bernhard Academy Links to Success United Kingdom 2025 class are:

  • Brent Downs, CGCS, MG, director of agronomy at Otter Creek Golf Course in Seymour, (Ind.)
  • Tyler Miget, equipment manager at Harmony Golf Club (Colo.)
  • Matt Gourlay, CGCS, MG, AGS superintendent at Hillcrest Country Club in Boise, (Idaho)
  • Cole Miedema, assistant superintendent at Overlake Golf & Country Club in Medina, (Wash.)
  • Matthew Overton, superintendent at Buffalo (Wyo.) Golf
  • Emily Casey, assistant superintendent at Seven Canyons in Flagstaff, (Ariz.)
  • Matt Earhart, superintendent at Chartwell Golf & Country Club in Severna Park, (Md.)
  • Clay Payne, superintendent at Buffalo Dunes Golf Course in Garden City, (Kan.)
  • Ryan Franklin, superintendent at Brickyard Crossing Golf Course in Indianapolis, (Ind.)
  • Carol Turner, superintendent at Bigwin Island Golf Club in Huntsville, (Ontario)

“The Links to Success programme will no doubt strengthen international relationships within the industry,” Kevin Sunderman, CGCS, GCSAA chief operating officer, said. “This opportunity will benefit not only the GCSAA members involved but will enhance the future of the game of golf.”

To learn more, visit www.gcsaa.org/foundation/education/links-to-success

To find out more about the Bernhard Academy, visit www.bernhardacademy.co.uk

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Bernhard Academy announces expansion of leadership team

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Bernhard Academy announces expansion of leadership team: The Bernhard Academy has today announced the expansion of its leadership team, with the appointment of Phil Helmn as full-time Programme Leader – Agronomy, Leadership, and Management.

Helmn’s new position will see him take control of delivery of all Bernhard Academy courses and workshops relating to Agronomy, Leadership, and Management subjects. He will work closely with the recently appointed Education Director for the Bernhard Academy, Sami Strutt, other programme leaders, and internal and external teams to ensure a coordinated and positive experience at the Bernhard Academy.

Bernhard Academy announces expansion of leadership team

Bernhard Academy announces expansion of leadership team

Helmn has more than 35 years of experience in the turf and agronomy industry, having worked for some of the biggest names in the business, managed full golf course construction projects, and also supported the Bernhard Academy previously as a speaker and workshop guest. Helmn is a GCSAA Class E – Educator member, and also a Master Greenkeeper – one of only a few worldwide – so is extremely well placed to work with Strutt to take the Bernhard Academy forward.

Speaking on his new role, Helmn said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Bernhard Academy and helping Sami to expand its operations. Since its inception, the Bernhard Academy has been making real progress and providing greenkeepers and turf professionals in the UK with superb tools to enhance their careers.

“Throughout the last year, the cutting unit setup workshops and management programmes that the Academy has delivered have been very successful. So, I’m excited to work with Sami and the wider team to continue developing and evolving the full programme of classes and workshops over the next few months.”

Strutt added: “Phil is a fantastic addition to the Bernhard Academy team. He is a Master Greenkeeper and highly regarded internationally within the turf industry, so his expertise will be a tremendous asset to the Bernhard Academy as we continue to evolve its offering.

“Since I started my role in the spring, it’s been great to see the commitment from everyone involved in the Bernhard Academy to enhance the careers of greenkeepers and sports turf professionals. We’re trying to provide something really positive for the turf industry, and Phil is sure to be a crucial part of that as we move forward.”

Strutt joined the Bernhard Academy as Education Director earlier this year having previously performed numerous roles in a 30-year tenure at BIGGA (British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association), most recently as the organisation’s chief operating officer.

During Helmn’s first few months, he will be in charge of identifying and developing a range of workshops relating to Agronomy, Leadership and Management subjects for the forthcoming Autumn/Winter season.

In addition to the appointment of Helmn, the Bernhard Academy is also recruiting for a second senior management position, as Programme Leader – Technical and Equipment Management. The successful candidate will be responsible for reviewing, adapting, and introducing programmes to deliver world-class learning and development opportunities to the industry in all subjects related to Technical training and Equipment Management.

To find out more about this additional recruitment opportunity, visit: https://bernhard.co.uk/careers/. Applications will close on June 7th, 2024.

To learn more about the Bernhard Academy and the courses, programmes, and workshops it offers across its locations at Haverhill (Suffolk), Moortown (Leeds), Norwich (Norfolk), and Gleneagles (Scotland), visit: https://bernhardacademy.co.uk/

You can also find the Bernhard Academy on Twitter at @BernhardAcademy or on Instagram at @bernhard_academy

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

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Good news for JCB academy

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Good news for JCB academy: The region’s most over-subscribed school, The JCB Academy, has achieved top-class results in its latest Ofsted report.

The Academy achieved a ‘Good’ rating from Government inspectors who visited the Rocester-based school at the end of January, citing its excellent connections with industry and the outstanding employability skills of learners.  The report maintains the JCB Academy’s unbroken record of ‘Good’ ratings from Ofsted since its first in May 2014.

Good news for JCB academy

Good news for JCB academy

The specialist engineering and business Academy, which is sponsored by digger giant JCB, was praised for its teaching in close collaboration with prestigious employer partners such as JCB, Toyota, Bosch Rexroth, Rolls-Royce, National Grid, and Harper Adams University.

Chair of Governors and JCB Group HR Director, Max Jeffery, said: “The educational experience at The JCB Academy is second to none and provides an outstanding platform for students to not only excel academically but also prepare for their future careers. This report reflects the Academy’s unwavering commitment to providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment, alongside a rigorous and ambitious curriculum tailored to meet the needs of all learners.”

The JCB Academy Principal Jim Bailey, said: “We are immensely proud of our learners, staff, and the strong support from our industry partners. This report is a testament to our collective hard work and dedication to not only meet, but exceed, the educational standards expected of us.”

Hydraulic Training Manager at Bosch Rexroth Limited, Jim Malin added: “The Ofsted rating is no surprise, and a well-deserved recognition of overall excellence. Learners’ readiness for the industry is a testament to the Academy’s high standard of teaching and the employability skills instilled in learners.

Based in a historic 18th Century former cotton mill, the Academy is a non-selective school for 13-to-18-year-olds within an 18-mile radius – with its 810 students travelling from the Staffordshire Moorlands, Burton, Derby, Ashbourne, Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and Stone.

For Years 9 and 10, 645 applicants applied for the 210 places on offer, indicating the Academy will again become the most over-subscribed educational establishment in both Staffordshire and Derbyshire.

For more information on The JCB Academy visit www.jcbacademy.com

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Royal Norwich introduces turfcare academy

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Royal Norwich introduces turfcare academy: Royal Norwich has introduced a new international sports turf qualification for students who want to specialise in golf.

The golf and country club has launched the two-year full-time programme of study which will run in conjunction with the Performance Golf Programme.

Royal Norwich introduces turfcare academy

Royal Norwich introduces turfcare academy

“We’re proud to announce the introduction of our Turfcare Academy and Business Management qualification for students looking to specialise in a golfing background,” says John Kerr, CEO of Royal Norwich.

Upon completion students will receive an internationally recognised certificate in Sports Turf from SRUC Elmwood, St Andrews, Scotland, plus an ILM Level 2 and 3 in Business Supervision and Management.

Support will be provided by industry leading partners – including machinery manufacturer John Deere – delivering extensive additional training and support for students. This will give students access to the next generation of systems, services and skills to manage the golf course of the future.

“This innovative programme combines comprehensive turf management education with specialised business skills, providing a well-rounded foundation for success in this thriving field,” Mr Kerr said.

“The Turfcare Academy and Business Qualification is designed to equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary to excel in sports turf maintenance and management.”

From maintaining lush greens to utilising leading-edge technology, students will gain a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in creating exceptional golf course conditions.

In addition to these qualifications the Royal Norwich will offer its Performance Golf Programme; an exclusive opportunity for students to further enhance their golfing skills. This programme provides a range of exceptional benefits including mid-week unlimited access to the golf course, state-of-the-art swing analysis, 3 x 60-minute coaching sessions delivered by highly skilled instructors, and much more.

Mr Kerr said: “At Royal Norwich we are committed to nurturing the next generation of golf industry professionals.”

There are two programmes, the Full Player Programme at £4,750 per annum, and the Education Only Programme at £3,950 per annum, which does not include the Performance Golf Programme.

On-site accommodation is available for students, and interested parties can contact mail@royalnorwich.co.uk to discuss the options available to support their personal career goals.

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Bookings open for Bernhard Academy programmes

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Bookings open for Bernhard Academy programmes: The Bernhard Academy, the turf industry’s foremost education provider, has unveiled its all-new programme of educational courses, that are now available for booking at its three Academy sites around the UK via the new Bernhard Academy website.

The new courses have been carefully curated over the past 12-months and are designed to help greenkeepers, turf professionals, and mechanics take their skills to the next level. The courses offer valuable opportunities for attendees to take away real-world skills and solutions that can enhance the performance of their turf maintenance facility on a day-to-day basis.

Bookings open for Bernhard Academy programmes

Bookings open for Bernhard Academy programmes

Managing Director of Bernhard and Company, Steven Nixon, said: “We are thrilled to see this new programme of courses come to life after months of research and development. We’ve really been working hard to truly understand what it is that the turf industry needs, to continue moving forward, so we are excited to offer courses that address those needs head-on.”

Bernhard Academy has partnered with respected golf venues around the UK and installed bespoke facilities tailored to turf maintenance workshops. Each of the new courses will be delivered in a world-class learning environment at either Moortown Golf Club or Royal Norwich Golf Club in England – in addition to the Bernhard Academy headquarters in Haverhill – and Gleneagles in Scotland. There will also be an interactive online webinar series, which will be delivered live from the Bernhard Academy in Haverhill.

The new programme features educational courses that fall under two categories: Management or Technical. Both categories will cover a range of essential topics to help achieve success in turf maintenance.

The Bernhard Academy Management Series is an interactive and engaging series of workshops that will provide guidance to those in supervisory, middle management, and senior management positions, supporting the transition through their careers. The courses available to book are:

– The power of understanding others: Develop crucial interpersonal skills to foster effective relationships within teams and with stakeholders
– Using data and information for solid decision making: Learn how to utilise data for well-informed decision-making in turf management

– Principles of innovation and how to generate great ideas in the workplace: Explore the foundations of innovation and techniques for generating creative ideas in a professional setting
– Managing finance, prepare and control budgets: Learn the fundamentals of budgets and how to deliver to your business needs
– Stakeholder communication and engagement techniques that work: Master the art of stakeholder management, a critical aspect of successful turf maintenance projects
– Transparent project management tools to achieve great results: Acquire project management skills to plan, execute, and oversee turf-related projects efficiently
– Change – how to prepare and manage effectively: Understand strategies for effectively preparing for and managing organisational change
– Performance management and unlocking maximum productivity: Learn techniques for optimising productivity through effective performance management

Additionally, the Bernhard Academy offers a technical, skills-based course:

– Cutting unit setup and sharpening techniques: This course provides hands-on training in the precise setup and maintenance of cutting units, ensuring agronomic and economical benefits and best quality of turf presentation and health

Craig Haldane, Director of Education for the Bernhard Academy, added: “At the Bernhard Academy, we are committed to empowering individuals in the sports turf and club management industry with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in their roles and careers. Our courses are designed to meet industry demands and have been created to allow attendees to take the next step in their career. We look forward to welcoming passionate participants that are eager to learn and continue driving this great industry forwards.”

Seize the opportunity to enhance your turf maintenance career by securing a place in one of the Bernhard Academy’s educational courses today and embark on a journey of professional growth.

For booking information, course details, registration, and support please visit the new user-friendly Bernhard Academy website: www.bernhardacademy.co.uk

For more information on the Bernhard Academy, you can visit the LinkedIn page: www.linkedin.com/company/bernhard-academy/

You can also find the Bernhard Academy on Twitter at @BernhardAcademy or on Instagram at @bernhard_academy.

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

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