Tag Archive for: Education

GMA education programme continues to grow

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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

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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

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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

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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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IOG’s Training & Education Guide

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IOG’s Training & Education Guide: The new IOG Prospectus is the definitive guide to the Institute of Groundsmanship’s  Training and Education, detailing the many training courses and qualifications available from the institute. The 44-page booklet outlines the qualifications, training courses and advisory services available to help support individual career development and future opportunities.

Also included is an ‘at-a-glance’ career roadmap showing how all the different options dovetail to create progression pathways.

IOG's Training & Education Guide

In addition, there is an explanation of the IOG’s Pitch Grading Framework – guidelines that match pitch quality standards with the skills required to maintain them, at every level from volunteer grassroots playing surfaces needing introductory certification through to foundation degrees for professionals at elite stadia.

The Prospectus offers something for everyone; a blended learning system that allows access to IOG courses in the workplace, the classroom or online, to enable everyone to enhance their skillset and knowledge.

A host of IOG training courses are outlined, for winter pitches, cricket, bowls, racecourses, warm season grasses, reinforced pitches and artificial surfaces, as well as ‘general’ and bespoke courses. The qualifications offered by the IOG include:

  • Technical Awards, Certificates and Diplomas in turf surface maintenance;
  • Certificate in sustainable turf management;
  • Professional Certificate and Diploma in turf surface management;
  • Professional Certificate in turf surface consulting; and
  • Supervisor Management Level 3.

Commenting on the launch of the IOG Prospectus, chief executive Geoff Webb said: “The IOG is committed to encouraging continual skills development and is passionate about supporting those wanting to learn how to improve playing surfaces at every level of the sporting spectrum.

“Thousands of grounds people train with us each year, as well as the many who undertake IOG qualifications, and the IOG Prospectus now provides an easy-reference guide for everyone involved.”

A PDF copy of the IOG Prospectus can viewed in the Learning area of the IOG website (www.iog.org/learning) or via the link https://www.iog.org/sites/default/files/documents/pages/iog_learning_prospectus_2018_1.pdf and printed copies are available from the IOG by calling 01908 312511 or via email: Learning@iog.org

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