Tag Archive for: Education

Celebrity garden designer opens national education awards

Celebrity garden designer opens national education awards: Inspiring, celebrity garden designer, Danny Clarke (aka The Black Gardener) is hosting the ceremony for the national Land-Based & Environment Learner (LBEL) Awards later this year, with today marking the opening of nominations for 2024 entries.

For the second year running, this exciting Awards scheme will recognise the outstanding talent, successes, and achievements of learners from across England and Northern Ireland in the land-based and environment sector.

Celebrity garden designer opens national education awards

Celebrity garden designer opens national education awards

Celebrity garden designer opens national education awardsvThe winners will be announced at a genuine celebration of talent on the 21 November 2024 at the centrally located, National Conference Centre in Birmingham. The ceremony will be hosted by Danny Clarke, who changed from a career in sales to horticulture in his early forties.

Danny Clarke, who trained as a garden designer at Hadlow College said: “I am thrilled to be hosting this year’s ceremony to recognise the talent and dedication of people in education who are taking care of and creating green spaces and looking after animals.”

“Although I didn’t change career until I was middle-aged, my love of the outdoors started early on in my life. I can’t wait to hear the stories behind the nominations, some of whom I expect will be career changers, like me, or young people embarking on their career. Either way, it looks set to be a memorable date in the calendar!”

The Awards organisers, Lantra and Landex, are actively encouraging land-based employers, colleges, private training providers and universities to recognise and promote their top candidates by nominating them for a prestigious award. The deadline for entries is 11 June 2024.

Dr David Llewellyn CBE, Lantra’s Chair of Trustees commented: ‘’We were overwhelmed by the 120 nominations that were received in the first year of the Awards. The LBEL Awards already play a key role in celebrating hard-work and success and in this second year, we are urging employers of apprentices to put their best candidates forward. In this way, we can recognise and reward the very best of our developing workforce.’’

Marcus Clinton, Chair of Landex commented: “Landex is calling on the network of land-based colleges and universities to identify outstanding learners who have the talent and drive to push the industry forward. We want them to take some time to nominate these fantastic individuals and join us in giving them the recognition they deserve.”

The annual awards are open to individuals on a full-time or part-time Land-Based and Environment course or Apprenticeship in England between September 2022 and September 2024. The award categories include Agriculture; Aquaculture and Fisheries, Arboriculture; Forestry and Woodland Management; Equine and Farriery; Floristry; Landscape and Horticulture; Land-Based Engineering; Animal Care and Management; Veterinary Nursing; Environmental Conservation, Game and Wildlife; and Sports Turf and Greenkeeping.

Prizes for the above categories apply across Private Training providers, Further Education (FE), Apprenticeships Awards (Level 2-3), Higher Education (HE) and Higher Apprenticeship Awards (Level 4-7). This year we will be introducing a new category: Research Student of the Year, where supervisors are encouraged to nominate a student studying a post-graduate level either for a master’s degree or a Doctoral Degree.

There are overall prizes for: Research Student of the Year; Apprentice of the Year; Overall Winner; and Runners Up. Online entries are being encouraged, as the quicker and more sustainable option. However, paper copies of the nomination form are available on request, by emailing lbels@lantra.co.uk

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The Future of Sports Turf Higher Education Needs Your Opinion

The Future of Sports Turf Higher Education Needs Your Opinion: There is a proposed new Level 5 Sports Turf Technical Manager Apprenticeship on the horizon with the option of including a Sports Turf Foundation Degree.  What are your thoughts on this?

In October 2023, a new Level 3 Advanced Sports Turf Technician Apprenticeship was made available (for details please see Institute for Apprenticeship and Technical Education (IFATE) website).  This new progression route builds on the Level 2 Sports Turf Operatives or Level 2 Greenkeeping and/or supports those seeking to develop their supervisory skills, knowledge and behaviours in sports turf.

The Future of Sports Turf Higher Education Needs Your Opinion

The Future of Sports Turf Higher Education Needs Your Opinion

Based on the role and duties of a sports turf manager, IFATE have now recognised that a continued progression route to a higher level 5 apprenticeship qualification in sports turf may be needed.

To ascertain the taught knowledge, skills and behaviours for a level 5 sports turf manager, a new survey is now available to canvas industry opinion.   If you have a vested interest in sports turf, sports turf operatives (groundstaff/groundskeepers) and general management of sports turf (e.g. any sport that uses a predominantly natural grass surface), then please complete the survey

Survey: https://forms.office.com/e/iYyA7Y3L06

Further to this, the survey is seeking opinion for utilising an existing level 5 university sports turf qualification as an educational programme towards achieving a level 5 Sports Turf Technical Manager apprenticeship.  Specifically, utilising a ‘Foundation Degree in Sports Turf Management’.

Why a Foundation Degree?  The newly developed recommended ‘Duties’ of a level 5 Sports Turf Technical Manager indicated a role that is based on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).  The Foundation Degree in Sports Turf is a longstanding STEM-based higher education sports turf qualification.  The existence of the FD is potentially readymade to meet this need.  Over 200 sports turf professionals have completed the FD since 2013 and just over 50 have progressed further and graduated with a Bachelor of Science with honours (BSc. Hons).  It appears to be a successful qualification for technical sports turf professionals, however there may be barriers preventing more individuals from achieving this qualification, namely university tuition fees.

Why Apprenticeships? Completion of a formal apprenticeship is a recognised qualification that confirms that an individual has completed at least a year of training and education and has sat an independently assessed and regulated examination, known as an End-Point Assessment.  Arguably, the UK Government values Apprenticeships and generates funding to incentivise and meet the costs of this training for employers.

If the turf industry is of the opinion that the Foundation Degree in Sports Turf Management has a valuable part of Level 5 Apprenticeship for Sports Turf, then there is a good case to include this qualification.

How much will it cost?  In summary, a Level 5 apprentice’s employer could access about a 95-100% reduction in the fees.  An apprentice would have no fee.  An employer would need to facilitate an average of six hours a week for an apprentice’s off-the-job training.

Please complete the survey if you would like to contribute on the future of sports turf education and training for higher level apprenticeships

Survey: https://forms.office.com/e/iYyA7Y3L06

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GroundsFest Announces Education Fund

GroundsFest Announces Education Fund: Organisers of GroundsFest have announced that event profits are being reinvested back into the industry to form The GroundsFest Education Fund.

The GroundsFest Education Fund has been designed to provide support to help students at land-based colleges overcome specific barriers to participation so they can remain in education. The aim of the Fund is to not only support and enhance a student’s education experience but to encourage more people into the industry by making education more accessible.

GroundsFest Announces Education Fund

GroundsFest Announces Education Fund

Through profits generated from GroundsFest, students will be able to reach their full potential by obtaining funding for a wide range of items such as course literature, stationary, tools, laptops, computers and other electrical goods, driving lessons, and accredited training courses on subjects including machinery, weed management, sports turf maintenance, lawn care, arboriculture and many more.

Commenting on The GroundsFest Education Fund, Event Director Christopher Bassett said: “Unfortunately, the number of young people embarking on a career in grounds management is in decline and collectively, we should be doing all we can to change this. Education is the first step into the industry but the numbers coming through and qualifying are worryingly low.

After several conversations, we were shocked to hear that students are being forced out of education or are being prevented from entering education due to not having the money to purchase necessary items. Our aim was to always give back to the industry through the event and therefore we are extremely proud to be launching The GroundsFest Education Fund.”

The scheme will be trialled for the first year at Wiltshire College & University Centre before being rolled out nationwide. Victoria Fiander, Assessor in Horticulture, and Bradley Tennant, Sports Turf Lecturer, both from Wiltshire College, were instrumental in the development of The GroundsFest Education Fund.

Commenting on the new scheme, Bradley said: “The Education Fund is a fantastic initiative for students to access opportunities they may otherwise not have. Coming from a public school, and a council area background I would have loved to have had an opportunity like this, having personally paid for my own certificates such as spraying, tractor driving, and chainsaw tickets, knowing this is a key area that holds many back from pay rises or even progression within their workplace.

“Working with students, I know they often can’t find work due to travel arrangements. We are located in a very rural area, and having access to The GroundsFest Education Fund has the potential to bring more young people into our industry. Something as simple as driving lessons could pave the way for their future to become an industry leader.

“Land-based colleges are the point of entry for the vast majority of horticulture, from sports turf stadiums to the local garden centre. It’s vital we support our colleges. There are currently only 12 land-based colleges within the UK, which is a worrying number considering you can’t turn your head without seeing something that’s been involved with horticulture in some form.

The industry is struggling from top to bottom and education is the way forward.”

To watch the show highlights please click here

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

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

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Education galore at GroundsFest

Education galore at GroundsFest: With five seminar theatres, outdoor practical sessions, and an abundance of land-based education providers in attendance, GroundsFest is set to have the largest display of educational opportunities ever seen at a groundscare event.

GroundsFest’s all-encompassing education programme has been designed for all sectors of the groundscare and landscaping industry and will feature a mix of indoor seminars and outdoor practical sessions.

Education galore at GroundsFest

Education galore at GroundsFest

In addition to the seminars, there will also be an education area featuring many of the UK’s leading land-based colleges. BAGMA (British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association) will be offering advice about its specific industry training courses, and We Are Land-Based Engineering by the AEA have a stand to provide information on a career in land-based engineering.

The free-to-attend, CPD accredited education programme is set to be a major attraction at the event which takes place on 20 and 21 September at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

The programme will provide grounds and open space practitioners across all disciplines – volunteer as well as professional, with an abundance of knowledge-gathering sessions. The indoor sessions will take place in five purpose-built seminar theatres while practical training sessions will be held in the outdoor areas. There is also a theatre dedicated to bowling green maintenance which is being organised by Bowls England and is sponsored by Dennis and SISIS.

In the indoor seminar theatres Martin Sampson from Grounds Training will be starting procedures by delivering an informative session for grounds managers, bursars, club managers and committee chairs. Martin will be focussing on workplace training, current legislation, and tips on creating a skilled workforce.

Lantra, sponsors of Seminar Theatre 2, will be offering tips on how to embrace technology across the landscaping sector; Bradley Tennant (International Greenkeepers for Hire) and Victoria Fiander (Wiltshire College) will be discussing the advantages of using apprenticeships in a staffing shortage, and how networking and volunteering are two great ways to advance a career in the sports turf industry.

Peter Corbett (Origin Amenity Solutions) will be presenting about the changing face of chemicals and the effect this will have on the industry, while Geoff Fenn (Origin Amenity Solutions) will discuss Microdochium disease management and winter fertiliser recovery.

Adam Witchell (The Nurture Landscapes Group/Harlequins Rugby) is explaining how data and water testing are key to his operations; Emma Gayler (EGO) will be presenting

Challenge 2025 – a campaign which calls for batteries to become the principal power source for outdoor power equipment by 2025; Dr Amanda Gummer, on behalf of the API (Association of Play Industries), is discussing how playgrounds are at the heart of communities; turf professional Ed Ramsden will be delivering a vitally important seminar which focusses on mental health; DLF will be exploring several environmental solutions for winter pitches and the Amenity Forum and the STRI (Sports Turf Research Institute) will also be having a presence within the education programme.

Carried out by Grounds Training, the outdoor practical timetable will feature free hands-on, training sessions on a range of groundscare topics including line marking, pedestrian mowers, ride-on mowers, handheld machinery, and the calibration and use of knapsack sprayers and boom sprayers. The sessions will be delivered by a fantastic team of Lantra approved instructors which includes Keith Kent, Martin Sampson, Chris Parry, and Steve Potter.

In the Landscape Zone, there will be two theatres. In the Design Theatre speakers include multi-award-winning garden designers and architects such as Paul Hervey-Brookes, Peter Donegan, Laura Ashton-Phillips, Naomi Ferrett-Cohen and Zoe Claymore plus many more.

In the Landscape Theatre Wayne Grills from BALI (British Association of Landscape Industries) will be leading an informative panel debate; Rob Woodhouse (Solent Garden Services Ltd) and Mark Youde (Urban Landscape Design) are exploring the role of company culture in business; Tim O’Hare (Tim O’Hare Associates) is taking to the stage to discuss soil science; Paul Hadley (Paul Hadley Design) is delivering a seminar entitled Wildflowers in Landscaping and the Young People in Horticulture Association are participating in a debate about the possibility of rebranding horticulture.

All sessions are free to attend.

Register for your free ticket at www.groundsfest.com.

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

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BASF education for Agrovista Amenity customers

BASF education for Agrovista Amenity customers: Several Agrovista Amenity customers recently visited the BASF production facility in Littlehampton where they got the opportunity to find out more about the processes behind producing some of the industry’s leading pest control products.

BASF is the largest producer of organic pest control products in the world. Driven by the principles of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, BASF is constantly investing in the research and development of new products. Some of that research and development takes place in Littlehampton, West Sussex and it is also the largest nematode production facility in the world.

BASF education for Agrovista Amenity customers

BASF education for Agrovista Amenity customers

Agrovista Amenity has a strong relationship with BASF and continues to see a huge demand for their innovative products. Several of the company’s customers were recently invited for a tour around the impressive facility, which was organised by Amenity Specialists Joseph Dormer and Andrew Norman.

The day consisted of learning more about the procedures involved in manufacturing the Nemasys® nematode product; a technical deep dive into the Green Lawnger® range of turf pigments and discovering the latest developments and research involving Attraxor® plant growth regulator.

Toby Martin, an Assistant Greenkeeper at Pyecombe Golf Club in Brighton was particularly interested in the nematodes. “I recently started my NVQ Level 3 and I found this to be a great learning experience. With the recent changes in legislation into what chemicals you can and can’t use, we have started investigating different methods of controlling pests on our course. Nematodes for us seem to be the way forward. Therefore, it is important to fully know what we are doing and to make sure we are doing it properly.

“The presentation we have seen today will help us to apply them on our course in an even more effective way.”

Danny Negus, Grounds Manager at Devonshire Park in Eastbourne, said: “This was a wonderful opportunity laid out by Agrovista Amenity to gain a better understanding of what we are trying to achieve, and how we achieve it. To receive a breakdown on how BASF are producing their products was a real eye opener, and the level of knowledge they communicated was excellent.”

“The biggest thing for me is that when we stage the International it leaves a very large footprint, and we don’t have long before we stage the next event. So, we are looking at ways to mitigate some of the damage that has been left, and I am very interested in the way the BASF products protect the leaf. Today has given me lots of ideas and I’m looking forward to getting back and exploring them in depth. “

Pete May and Toni Norris from Lawntech were also upbeat about the experience. “We came today to look into the option of using nematodes,” said Pete. “The factory is fascinating, and the talk was particularly beneficial because we would not have received that level of detail from just reading the back of a product or looking online.

Toni agreed: “We are constantly looking at new products to enhance the service we can offer our customers, so it has been a really useful experience for us. At Lawntech we pride ourselves on having a deep understanding of products, and that is why we want to educate ourselves as much as possible.”

Agrovista Amenity will continue to run educational events throughout the year for customers.

A video of the event can be viewed by visiting https://youtu.be/SOQP4Ug-1l8

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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Education experience granted to five BIGGA members

Education experience granted to five BIGGA members: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association and Partner ICL have revealed the five recipients of the sixth ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship ahead of the education programme’s return to in-person learning in January 2022.

The successful BIGGA members are:

Kevin Butler, greenkeeper, Saunton Golf Club

Michael Gibbons, greenkeeper, Dunham Forest Golf Club

Abigail Laker, greenkeeper, Frilford Heath Golf Club

Michael Russell, greenkeeper, Preston Golf Club

Jeremy Ward, head greenkeeper, Bradford Moor Golf Club

Education experience granted to five BIGGA members

Education experience granted to five BIGGA members

In addition, the five BIGGA members who participated in the ICL scholarship in 2021, when Continue to Learn took place entirely online, have also been invited to attend the in-person event in January 2022.

To earn an ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship, BIGGA members must demonstrate a commitment to developing their own professional abilities by engaging with BIGGA’s Continuing Professional Development scheme.

The ICL Continue to Learn Scholars will receive three nights’ hotel accommodation and 15 hours of training and personal development opportunities as BIGGA’s world-leading education programme returns to Harrogate Convention Centre in January 2022.

BIGGA’s Head of Learning & Development, Sami Strutt, said: “After hosting Continue to Learn as an online event in 2021 due to COVID-19, we’re thrilled to be able to host in-person learning once again in January 2022. Thanks to ICL, five BIGGA members will enjoy the countless hours of personal and professional development that come with attending BTME and Continue to Learn. Our sincere thanks are extended to ICL for their continuing support of BIGGA and its members.”

Ed Carter, UK Sales and Development Manager at ICL, said: “ICL is a keen supporter of the Continue to Learn education programme as we understand that a highly educated workforce is better able to overcome the challenges that face the industry in the coming years, whether due to our changing climate, changing restrictions on the availability of products or simply due to the desire of golfers to enjoy better quality playing surfaces throughout the year.

“Through the ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship we are able to demonstrate this commitment to BIGGA and its members and I’m hopeful that each of the successful Scholars takes full advantage of the fantastic opportunity they have been presented with.”

Continue to Learn at BTME 2022 will take place at Harrogate Convention Centre from Sunday 23 to Wednesday 26 January 2022. The extensive education programme will run alongside the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition, the leading indoor exhibition in Europe for the sports turf industry.

For further information on BTME and Continue to Learn 2022 visit www.btme.org.uk.

Through the Turf Rewards loyalty scheme from ICL and Syngenta, BIGGA members are able to claim Continue to Learn education vouchers. Points are gained by purchasing products for use on the golf course. For further information visit www.turfrewards.com.

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GMA education programme continues to grow

GMA education programme continues to grow: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) reaches a significant milestone in its online training with more than 2,000 enrolling for its courses since the pandemic began.

Now, the not-for-profit member organisation adds two new courses to its training offering; Online Level 2 Cricket Surfaces (Applied Turf Culture) and the first face-to-face training course since the Covid-19 pandemic began, Level 2 Racecourse: Turf Management.

GMA education programme continues to grow

GMA education programme continues to grow

Taking around 6 hours to complete, Online Level 2 Cricket Surfaces (Applied Turf Culture) is ideal for volunteers or new additions to grounds teams seeking to develop their skills and learn about the importance of preparing a playing surface with the implementation of an annual maintenance plan.

Students who successfully complete the end of course assessment gain valuable knowledge and applicable skills for day-to-day maintenance activities and a certificate of achievement, whilst the course’s specialist content will be crucial for all aspiring cricket grounds staff or volunteers.

Whilst expanding its online training suite, the GMA also announces the return of face-to-face training with a 5-day training course at the British Racing School. Taking place from 14 – 19 November 2021, Level 2 Racecourse: Turf Management teaches students how to apply the theory required to understand the science of racecourse grounds maintenance and will be equally relevant for individual grounds staff as well as Clerks of the course.

Developed in conjunction with the Racecourse Association and the British Horseracing Authority, the 5-day course will be delivered by industry experts, Alan Lewis NDT, Adrian Kay, Head Groundsman at York Racecourse and Richard Linley, Senior Inspector of Courses at the British Horseracing Authority, with accommodation and food covered in the package.

Dan Prest, Head of Technical and Learning, said:

“It has been an incredibly challenging 18 months, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the drive from so many in the industry to continue in their professional journey and development working in the turf-care sector. Whilst we’ve all had to adapt to a more online-orientated work and study life, we know how valuable practical face-to-face training courses are.

We’re also pleased to be developing more content than ever to align with our Pitch Advisory Service objectives to help volunteers get the most of their local natural and artificial surfaces.”

You can sign-up to online Level 2 Cricket Surfaces (Applied Turf Culture) by clicking here.

Or to find out more about Level 2 Racecourse: Turf Management, click here.

More details on the Pitch Advisory Service can be found on the GMA’s website.

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BIGGA’s world-leading education programme

BIGGA’s world-leading education programme: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has revealed that preparations are underway for the return of the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) to Harrogate in January 2022 with the launch of Proposal to Present for Continue to Learn.

A key component of BTME, Continue to Learn is recognised as one of the world’s leading greenkeeping education events, drawing more than 3,000 delegates each year.

BIGGA's world-leading education programme

BIGGA’s world-leading education programme

The content of the programme is decided upon by BIGGA members who participate in the Members’ Choice process, whereby interested speakers are invited to pitch content for seminars and workshops and members then select what they would like to see on the Continue to Learn programme.

Continue to Learn 2022 is anticipated to be a hybrid event, combining in-person learning and online sessions following the incredible success of Continue to Learn 2021, which was hosted entirely online due to the coronavirus pandemic.

BIGGA Head of Learning and Develop Sami Strutt said: “As we begin the planning for Continue to Learn 2022 we are inviting Proposals to Present from across the industry. We are looking for those who have stories to tell, perhaps from their pandemic experiences, renovation projects, research and development, personal health and wellbeing and, of course, all things agronomy-related.

“Taking the programme online in January 2021 allowed us to attract attendees who, under normal circumstances would not have been able to make the trip to Harrogate. Many of the oversees attendees claimed in their feedback that they would be attending BTME and Continue to Learn in future and that’s an incredible affirmation of the hard word that goes into hosting the event each year.

“We are entering an exciting period where we can reimagine the traditional methods of delivery, considering ways to make it more accessible to those who are unable to attend while ensuring we deliver the same quality and quantity of education expected from the Continue to Learn education programme.”

Anyone interested in contributing to the Continue to Learn 2022 education programme can submit a Proposal to Present by 25 April 2021 at https://continue-to-learn-2022.cfp.lineup.ninja/

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Bernhard and Company champions education

Bernhard and Company champions education: Industry-leaders in sharpening equipment and turf management solutions, Bernhard and Company, utilised innovative company assets and sales tools to champion turf education and high-tech management solutions while promoting new product technology to prospective clients at the virtual GIS (Golf Industry Show) 2021.

“We made the decision to attend the virtual show to increase product awareness and promote education within the turf industry,” commented Director of Worldwide Sales for Bernhard and Company, Steven Nixon. “A key element to business longevity and success, our aim is to help people understand the extreme benefits, both short and long-term, to sharpening their mowing equipment.”

Bernhard and Company champions education

Bernhard and Company champions education

The GIS Industry Show, operated by the GCSAA (Golf Course Superintendents Association of America), is the golf industry’s leading turf conference and trade show. As a company that sits at the forefront of education and development within the sector, the show falls perfectly in line with the values that Bernhard and Company represent.

The three-day virtual event took place in early February, with more than 9,000 attendees online, including industry experts and over 200 exhibitors. Over the course of the three days, there were more than 80 interactive education sessions with industry experts, numerous networking events, virtual booth visits, special guests, and award presentations.

Despite the virtual nature of the show, Bernhard and Company were able to demonstrate their constant strive to innovate with the latest features on their grinding machines. The company have taken the concept of sharpening and developed cutting-edge management solutions with new technology that allows turf professionals to constantly provide the very best playing surfaces. New products utilise market-leading technology such as contactless RFID (radio-frequency identification), laser surveying, intuitive touch screens, wireless handsets and remote service modules.

Available for 24-hours on each day of the show, Bernhard and Company made use of every hour of exhibiting time at their disposal. Global sales teams helped to manage the exhibition booth round the clock, allowing the company to speak to and welcome visitors from around the world, including distributors, existing customers and a raft of keen prospects.

The show also presented a great opportunity for Bernhard and Company to convey how they can help sporting venues through alternate turf management solutions, with the likes of SubAir and TurfBreeze, who were also present at the event.

“The show has been fantastic for us this year,” commented Internal Sales and Marketing Manager for Bernhard and Company, Angelique Crosnier. “With a new format it has been great to virtually meet show attendees from all over the world in a safe environment.

“The virtual show still allowed us to showcase all that we have to offer. The response from our customers, distributors, prospects and show attendees has been noticed by all our sales team members who managed the booth – these relationships are key to us,” she added.

There are 30 days of on-demand access to content from the show, so attendees can digest educational resources at their own pace.

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BIGGA members’ opportunity to shape education launches

BIGGA members’ opportunity to shape education launches: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association has launched the Members’ Choice survey for 2021.

The survey offers BIGGA members the opportunity to shape the education that is on offer at the Continue to Learn 2021 education programme, which is due to return in January as part of the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition.

BIGGA members’ opportunity to shape education launches

BIGGA members’ opportunity to shape education launches

The link to the Members’ Choice survey will be sent to all greenkeeper members of BIGGA. Prospective topics have been gathered through BIGGA’s annual ‘Proposal to Present’ system, where individuals and companies can submit their ideas for future programmes.

The Members’ Choice survey distinguishes the job role of the respondent, thus enabling BIGGA to create programmes suited to their members, wherever they may be on their career journey.

Continue to Learn at BTME is the most comprehensive education programme for greenkeeping professionals outside of the USA and attracts in excess of 3,000 attendees each year.

Sami Strutt, BIGGA’s head of member development, said: “In these strange times we are living in, it is all the more important to focus on the future. Planning for Continue to Learn at BTME 2021 is in full force, but needs the help of our members to shape the programme content. We want the learning to be relevant and to further enhance the knowledge and professionalism that is demanded by greenkeepers and we can only do this by asking our members what they want to see from the Continue to Learn offering.”

Continue to Learn at BTME 2021 will take place at Harrogate Convention Centre from Sunday 17 to Wednesday 20 January 2021, running alongside BTME, which runs from Tuesday 19 to Thursday 21 January 2021.

The Members’ Choice survey is available to complete online here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MCC2L2021

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