Tag Archive for: Apprentice

Carnoustie apprentice becomes qualified greenkeeper

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Carnoustie apprentice becomes qualified greenkeeper: On Tuesday 4th April, Carnoustie’s first apprentice in recent years, Ross Crosbie, celebrated becoming a fully qualified Greenkeeper after a four-year apprenticeship with Carnoustie Golf Links.

The Executive Team at Carnoustie Golf Links have been extremely impressed by Ross’s hard work and dedication to his apprenticeship and have since been delighted to offer Ross a full-time, permanent position as a Qualified Greenkeeper at the world-famous Angus venue.

Carnoustie apprentice becomes qualified greenkeeper

Carnoustie apprentice becomes qualified greenkeeper

As a Carnoustie resident, Ross grew up in the town and played golf from a young age, enjoying the benefits of the junior coaching programme delivered by Carnoustie Golf Links as part of the Carnoustie Craws junior programme, which provides free group coaching to over 350 young people in the community, from age 5 to age 18.

Ross had previously undertaken work experience at the Links and having made the most out of his opportunity, looked for the next step after completing his school studies. When the Apprentice Greenkeeper position became available, Ross was keen to apply and was ultimately successful in his bid for the role.

Kevin Stott, Links Superintendent at Carnoustie Golf Links said: “From the outset, Ross has truly integrated himself into the Greenkeeping team as well as the wider organisation. Ross arrives at work every day with a great attitude to learn, an enthusiastic work ethic and is also keen to pass on his knowledge and support newer apprentices.

“Since beginning his Apprenticeship, Ross has showcased a strong commitment and passion to becoming a greenkeeper, always working to the best of his ability. He consistently looks to improve upon his skills and does so with real enthusiasm and determination.

“Ross has supported the Greenkeeping team by acting as a representative at Careers Days, showcasing the apprenticeship programme and now, on completion of his apprenticeship, Ross continues to showcase his great attitude to work, his passion for greenkeeping and fantastic attention to detail and we believe that he is a great ambassador for Carnoustie.”

The four-year apprenticeship works in conjunction with Elmwood College in Cupar and upon completion, the apprentice is awarded with a Sports Turf Greenkeeping SVQ Level 2 award. The benefits of being an apprentice at Carnoustie are many and include the opportunity to earn whilst you learn from one of the best Greenkeeping teams in the world.

Ross has had the chance to work alongside some of the most skilled and knowledgeable greenkeepers whilst at Carnoustie and has expanded his awareness by travelling further afield to learn about course management in warmer climates. In the fourth year of his apprenticeship, he travelled to the USA where he undertook work experience at Pinehurst Golfing Resort in North Carolina. He gained new experiences and learnings which he has brought back with him to Carnoustie, enriching his own knowledge and development, and even experienced working with the Greenkeeping team to present the US Women’s Open in 2022.

Ross Crosbie said: “Ever since I was young, I’ve played golf at Carnoustie, and I know how highly regarded Carnoustie is in the industry, because golf has pretty much been my life. So, to be able to work on a Championship golf course, my home course, to me, that’s the best thing about working at Carnoustie. But also, I’ve had great opportunities working here. I’ve been off to America, I spent three weeks at Pinehurst. That’s something that I never, ever thought I would do in my life. The amount of people that I’ve met, the things that I’ll take with me for the rest of my life, it really is something incredible.”

Carnoustie Golf Links strives to employ apprentices and local young people as it continues to connect with the community in an aim to support development of the young work force. Carnoustie Golf Links aim to train and mentor eager, motivated young people, providing hands on training and offering the best start to any young person joining the company.

Michael Wells, Chief Executive at Carnoustie Golf Links said: “As a strategic employer, the Links is dedicated to the training and development of new generations. At Carnoustie, we provide a four-year apprenticeship to our trainee Greenkeepers – they finish their apprenticeship with a qualification in Greenkeeping plus four years’ experience working at one of the world’s best golf courses.

“We want to provide our apprentices with every opportunity to succeed and excel, plus allow trainees to access all areas of learning which will help them reach this ambition. Our strategic partner, John Deere, have been hugely supportive of our apprenticeship programme providing opportunities for additional development training through their international venues.

“Our aim is to provide as thorough an education into greenkeeping as possible, moving away from the antiquated apprenticeship style in favour of a dynamic and modern approach. We trust our apprentices and give them responsibilities that they feel comfortable with, which will challenge them whilst allowing natural progression to take place.”

At a celebratory lunch on Tuesday 4th April, hosted in The Rookery restaurant and bar within Links House at Carnoustie Golf Links, Ross was presented with a certificate of completion of his apprenticeship from Carnoustie Golf Links and a gift from John Deere presented by Nikki McKenzie from John Deere.

In attendance from Carnoustie Golf Links was Michael Wells – Chief Executive, Adair Simpson – Deputy Chief Executive, Kevin Stott – Links Superintendent, Duncan Cairnie – Championship Course Manager, Mark Reynolds – Burnside and Buddon Course Manager, Tracey Riley – HR Manager. In attendance from John Deere, one of Carnoustie’s strategic partners, was Nikki McKenzie. In attendance from Carnoustie High School was Russell Brown.

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BGL apprentice greenkeeper selected to work at The Open

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BGL apprentice greenkeeper selected to work at The Open: BGL (Burhill Group Limited) is delighted to announce that a member of the greenkeeping team from its Abbey Hill Golf Centre in Milton Keynes has been selected to be part of the support team at this year’s Open Championship.

Sam Norman, who joined the BGL group and Abbey Hill in 2018, has been selected as one of just two apprentices who will join the support team at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in the week prior to the 151st Open. At the event, he’ll share responsibilities such as hand-mowing Hoylake’s greens, before joining the famed bunker raking squad that follows each group during The Open Championship tournament days.

BGL apprentice greenkeeper selected to work at The Open

BGL apprentice greenkeeper selected to work at The Open

Norman’s selection further demonstrates BGL’s continued commitment to supporting staff development across the group, by providing its teams with the best opportunities to grow their skillsets and enhance their CVs.

“I’m very excited to head up to Royal Liverpool Golf Club for this summer’s Open Championship,” commented Norman. “To be selected as one of just two apprentices to join the greenkeeping team in July is a great honour, and I’m looking forward to having the chance to represent Abbey Hill and BGL, and hopefully learn a huge amount at such a high-profile event.”

Colin Mayes, CEO of BGL (Burhill Group Limited), added: “Everybody at BGL is extremely proud of Sam for being selected as one of just two apprentices to work at golf’s most historic event. We’re passionate and committed to supporting our staff in their endeavours to develop their careers. Whether it be via our internal learning platform or national programmes, we’re delighted to offer opportunities for personal and professional development and champion the success of our people.”

Since joining in 2018, Norman has grown to become one of Abbey Hill Golf Centre’s most valued employees. He secured a full-time role on the greenkeeping team in 2021, and his stellar efforts saw him recognised as Abbey Hill’s Employee of the Year for 2022.

In early 2023, Norman’s BIGGA membership gave him the chance to apply to be part of the greenkeeping team at The 151st Open. He was one of more than 60 applicants and, following a conversation with Royal Liverpool Golf Club’s Links Manager, James Bledge, he was selected for the role.

The BGL group continues to be an industry-leader in personnel career development. The group offers an Online Training Academy platform, which contains more than one thousand training courses which are accessible to team members throughout the group. It also actively encourages employees to explore external development opportunities that they find interesting and feel will further their careers.

For more information on BGL (Burhill Group Limited), visit www.bglcompany.co.uk

For more information on Abbey Hill Golf Centre, visit www.abbeyhillgc.co.uk

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John Deere’s new apprentice training centre

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John Deere’s new apprentice training centre: John Deere and training provider ProVQ have announced plans to open a brand new Apprentice Training Centre this autumn, at a farm site in Upper Saxondale near Bingham in Nottinghamshire. This will mark the 30th anniversary of the company’s first Ag Tech apprentice intake, who were enrolled at original partner Brooksby Melton College in 1992.

Designed specifically and solely for John Deere dealer apprentices attending the company’s award winning Ag Tech, Turf Tech and Parts Tech training programmes, the first John Deere Apprentice Training Centre was established at Radcliffe-on-Trent five years ago. These premises have now been outgrown, due to the programmes’ success and increasing dealer demand.

John Deere's new apprentice training centre

John Deere’s new apprentice training centre

The Ag ,Turf and Parts Tech apprenticeships focus on developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for dealer personnel of the future. Each year group trains at the centre for up to eight weeks a year in four blocks of two weeks. Some of this time is also spent at John Deere’s Langar HQ when working with the largest equipment and the latest technologies.

John Deere appointed ProVQ Limited in summer 2015 as its new business partner to deliver the apprentice training programmes on behalf of its dealers in the UK & Ireland. Since that time the strength of the partnership has allowed the programmes to develop and grow to meet the needs and expectations of a modern John Deere dealership. The current full-time ProVQ staff will continue to be managed by James Haslam at the new Apprentice Training Centre from the autumn.

ProVQ started its apprentice training programmes in 2005, and went on to develop a full range of national services including apprentice recruitment, training, vocational assessment and qualifications. Today the company trains over 600 apprentices and many hundreds of adult learners on technical, parts and customer service programmes.

“We are really looking forward to establishing this new bespoke facility close to our UK headquarters at Langar,” said John Deere Limited training centre manager Allan Cochran. “Our joint investment in the expanded Apprentice Training Centre will be in the region of £1.5 million. This will allow us to continue our growth and ambition to attract more young talent to develop successful careers in land-based engineering through the John Deere agricultural, turf and forestry dealer network.

“As our dealership businesses continue to grow, there is increasing demand for qualified technicians equipped with the correct knowledge and skills to support that growth. We have therefore recognised the need to increase the capacity of our already successful and industry leading training programmes even further.

John Deere's new apprentice training centre

John Deere’s new apprentice training centre

“The new site will feature a purpose-built two-storey unit in addition to refurbished and extended farm buildings, effectively almost doubling our available square footage. The premises will include a bigger workshop space as well as larger classroom and cafeteria facilities.

“Most importantly, this will give us the capability to double our throughput of trained technicians to meet dealer demand. ProVQ will maintain its current staffing levels and continue to provide the full suite of apprentice technician training programmes at the new premises.”

ProVQ managing director Stuart Jones added: “Together with John Deere, we have already jointly developed a very high quality training environment in which apprentices can learn to master the technology that underpins the company’s comprehensive agricultural and amenity turf product ranges.

“We are now looking forward to seeing many more young people come through the doors of our new training centre at the start of what is undoubtedly a very exciting and rewarding career in engineering and parts support. The facilities we are developing will help them to achieve their full potential in a rapidly changing industry that offers a great opportunity to work with some of the most advanced technologies supporting food production, land management and environmental sustainability.”

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JCB engineer scoops apprentice award

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JCB engineer scoops apprentice award: A JCB Design Engineer is the toast of the UK today after winning a national apprentice award.

Louise Meredith, 21, scooped the title of Higher or Degree Apprentice of the Year at the finals of the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) Awards in London last night (Wednesday, November 27th) just weeks after winning the regional final.

JCB engineer scoops apprentice award

It was a night of success for JCB apprentices as Quality Engineer Tom Lomas, 21, from Cheadle, was also highly commended at the same ceremony in the National Advanced Apprentice of the Year category just weeks after he was named Regional Advanced Apprentice of the Year. Tom works JCB Earthmovers, in Cheadle.

Louise, a Design Engineer in the Loadall division at JCB World Headquarters, in Rocester, said: “I’m passionate about apprenticeships and undertaking a degree / higher apprenticeship has been a fantastic way to start my career, so to win this national award is just amazing. I still can’t believe I’ve been recognised in this way.”

JCB Director of Learning and Development Max Jeffery said: “We are immensely proud of the outstanding achievements of these award winners who have excelled in their studies at JCB. To be recognised at national level is testament to their hard work and commitment.  The company now has more than 400 young people on its apprenticeship, undergraduate and graduate training programmes, as we continue to invest in the next generation of engineering and business professionals.”

Louise and Tom are part of a group JCB apprentices who are proving they are in a class of their own when it comes to winning awards.  JCB World HQ Business Degree Apprentice Elena Newbrook, 20, of Nantwich, Cheshire has won the Regional Make UK Business Apprentice of the Year: Rising Star award and Morgan Smith, 21, of Handforth, Cheshire has scooped Regional Make UK Engineering Apprentice of the Year: Final Year. Degree Apprentice Morgan is a Hydraulics Design Engineer at JCB Heavy Products, Uttoxeter.  Elena and Morgan will now represent the region in the National Make UK Awards on January 29th, 2020.

In addition, two JCB apprentices were highly commended on the Make UK awards shortlist. In the Midlands awards Engineering Degree Apprentice Chris Owen, 19, of Newcastle-under-Lyme who specialises in Electrical Engineering, and Olivia Pearch, 19, of Derby who is a Business Degree Apprentice at JCB Power Systems were honoured.

Applications for JCB’s 2020 apprenticeship and graduate training programmes open in December. Visit www.jcb.com/about/careers for details.

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MHM’s Leonie Wins Award

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MHM’s Leonie Wins Award: A talented young apprentice from Treherbert, in the Rhondda, South Wales has scooped a top prize in the 2019 Hire Awards of Excellence.

Leonie Morris, who works as an apprentice fitter for the equipment supplier firm MHM Plant Ltd, has been judged as ‘The Apprentice of the Year’ at a glittering ceremony held at the Grosvenor Hotel, London. Her prize was awarded to her by BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, Anton Du Beke.

MHM’s Leonie Wins Apprentice Award

Leonie (22) joined the company in August 2017. She extends her time repairing, maintaining and servicing a wide range of power generation and associated equipment, alongside her studies at Bridgend College.

The Hire Awards of Excellence celebrate the amazing achievements of hire and supply companies across the UK and Ireland’s plant, tool, equipment and event hire industry. Crucial recognition is also given to outstanding individuals who have consistently stood out from the crowd and achieved and set some of the highest standards in the industry. All the winners have been independently judged against stringent criteria, with the awards providing an excellent way of acknowledging and showcasing some of the very best practices that the hire industry can offer.

Commenting on winning this award, Leonie said, “I am honoured to have been given this award. It’s a great feeling to be formally recognised for doing a job I genuinely enjoy.  I am lucky enough to be surrounded by enthusiastic and talented people, who always have the time to help me progress. I hope that my success will encourage other young men and women to take up an apprenticeship in the UK hire industry, as it’s a great business to be in.”

Steven Jones, Workshop Manager, MHM Plant Ltd added, ““Talent isn’t a word I would use lightly, but in Leonie’s case, it applies. She is equally at home with petrol, diesel, mechanical and electrical equipment. I’ve worked with a few apprentices in my time, but none achieved, so early in their growth, the very high standards that Leonie sets out for herself.”

MHM Plant hires and sells a wide range of power, fuel storage, lighting, welding and associated equipment for the UK and Ireland rental markets. The company was incorporated in February 2010 and has their headquarters in Port Talbot, South Wales. They operate nationwide from two locations. MHM West is located in South Wales and MHM North in Coatbridge, Scotland. A London depot, MHM South, is currently under development.

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John Deere Apprentice Awards

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John Deere Apprentice Awards: 48 young service technicians have formally graduated from the latest John Deere Ag Tech, Parts Tech and Turf Tech advanced apprenticeship schemes, which are run in partnership with national training provider ProVQ.

John Deere hosted its annual apprentice graduation ceremony earlier this year in Germany, with the apprentices visiting the company’s cab factory and European Parts Distribution Centre in Bruchsal before being presented with their awards at the John Deere Forum in Mannheim.

John Deere Apprentice Awards

Four of the company’s apprentices won overall awards for the 2017 graduation year. Ewan Edwards of dealer RBM Agricultural Ltd, Louth was named Ag Tech Apprentice of the Year, for which he received a crystal plaque, a certificate and vouchers for workshop tools worth £250.

Sean Murphy of Charlies Groundcare in Newtown was awarded Turf Tech Apprentice of the Year and joint Parts Tech Apprentices of the Year were Max Evans of Tallis Amos Group in Bristol and Jack Norman of Masons Kings in Exebridge. All three also received a crystal plaque and certificate, and the same value vouchers.

The presentations were made by Deere & Company’s Region 2 training delivery manager Dr Lutz Schueppenhauer and John Deere Limited’s newly appointed branch training manager Allan Cochran.

John Deere’s three-year Ag Tech and Turf Tech and two-year Parts Tech apprenticeships lead to IMI Level 2 & 3 Diplomas in Landbased Engineering and Vehicle Parts Competence, and registration at LTA Intermediate level in the industry’s Landbased Training Accreditation scheme. In subsequent years qualified technicians undergo further education and adult training within the John Deere University programme, on a career path that can ultimately lead to the highest possible LTA Master Technician accreditation.

 Now in its 26th year, Ag Tech was the first such scheme to be introduced in the UK and won a National Training Award at the end of 1997, the only one ever made to an agricultural machinery apprenticeship programme. Since the first programme started in 1992, well over 700 apprentices have graduated through the three main schemes and are now working in the company’s nationwide dealer network.

John Deere Apprentice Awards

Allan Cochran took over the role of John Deere Limited branch training manager for the UK & Ireland from his predecessor Richard Halsall at the beginning of March, and works closely with training partner ProVQ on the John Deere apprenticeship programmes.

Allan joined the company in 1997 as a management trainee after completing an HND in mechanisation, planning and business management at SAC Auchincruive. His subsequent responsibilities have included sales demonstrator instructor for tractors, service training instructor, area manager product support for Scotland and then Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and product specialist for tractors and loaders.

In 2005 Allan was promoted to technical services manager and then senior product support specialist, and from 2009 he was technical support specialist for the tractor dealer technical assistance centre (DTAC) system and a harvesting customer support specialist.

For more information, visit: www.JohnDeere.co.uk

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New Golf Course Apprentice

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New Golf Course Apprentice: A green keeping apprenticeship at the internationally-renowned Castle Stuart Golf Links is the ideal job for Ethan Ramsay due to his love of golf and of working outdoors.

Ethan, 17, started his new role this month at the four-time Scottish Open venue, but is already very familiar with the famous links.

New Golf Course Apprentice

The former Millburn Academy pupil has spent time at Castle Stuart on work experience and was also part of the bunker squad during the 2016 Scottish Open. In addition, the 13-handicap golfer has played and caddied on the course several times.

“The Scottish Open was an amazing experience and gave me a taste of what it would be like to work full-time on this great course”, said Ethan. “I like playing golf and enjoy physical, outdoor work so I am delighted to get a chance to start my apprenticeship here.

“I hope I can have a career in the golf industry and that the job will also help my golf, at least on this course.”

Ethan joins a team of 11 full-time green keeping staff at Castle Stuart who are preparing for the 2018 season opening on 23 March. They will be joined by two seasonal staff between April and October.

While receiving on-site training at Castle Stuart, Ethan will also be studying for Scottish vocational qualifications in sports turf maintenance at SRUC, Scotland’s Rural College, in Fife, for three years.

Head greenkeeper James Hutchison said: “Ethan is really enthusiastic and has a real get-up-and-go attitude. He is keen to learn and is always asking questions which shows he wants to progress.

“At Castle Stuart he will be involved in all aspects of the course so he will develop a wide range of skills. If people impress here there will certainly be opportunities to move up the career ladder.”

Apprentices have a world-wide career opportunity with Caste Stuart as it offers placements and exchange programmes with other courses. In the past greenkeepers have visited Europe, Australia and the US as part of their learning experience.

James added: “Greenkeeping is a great career for young people. We have a fantastic working environment here and provide apprentices with the right tools and on-site training to prepare them for whatever they want to achieve.”

The quality of the Castle Stuart links has been praised by the likes of Phil Mickelson, who won the Scottish Open in 2013, and the 2016 winner Alex Noren. It is regarded as a model for modern course design by testing the best but being playable and enjoyable for players of all abilities.

Castle Stuart has also won awards for its environmental management, the course having been created from an area of former farmland and a site rich in wildlife.

For more information, visit: www.castlestuartgolf.com

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