Tag Archive for: Lantra

BIGGA Approved as Lantra Customised Provider

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BIGGA Approved as Lantra Customised Provider: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) is proud to announce that it has been formally approved as a Lantra Customised Provider, marking a significant milestone in the Association’s ongoing commitment to raising standards, professionalism, and access to high-quality education across the golf greenkeeping industry.

This approval recognises BIGGA’s capability to design, deliver and quality-assure industry-relevant learning that meets nationally recognised standards.

BIGGA Approved as Lantra Customised Provider

BIGGA Approved as Lantra Customised Provider

As a Lantra Customised Provider, BIGGA is now approved to develop and deliver bespoke, accredited training and awards that are tailored specifically to the needs of the golf and sports turf sector. This status ensures that BIGGA programmes are externally validated, quality assured and aligned with employer and industry expectations, providing learners and employers with confidence that training outcomes are meaningful, credible, and transferable.

The approval also sees the BIGGA Kickstart Programme formally recognised as the association’s first accredited and approved award under the Lantra Customised Awards framework.

This entry-level programme has been designed as an accessible and supportive introduction to the fundamentals of golf course maintenance.  It provides essential knowledge and practical understanding for those interested in pursuing a career in greenkeeping, as well as those already working in the industry who wish to validate their skills and knowledge before potentially progressing to formal Level 2 qualifications.

Rob Phillips, Learning & Development Manager (Technical) at BIGGA, said:

“Becoming an approved Lantra Customised Provider is a significant milestone for BIGGA and represents the latest step in our continued and highly valued partnership with Lantra. This approval gives us the ability to formally accredit BIGGA-designed programmes that are shaped by the realities of modern golf course management and the needs of both learners and employers. The accreditation of the BIGGA Kickstart Programme is particularly important, as it provides a recognised and credible entry point into the profession, while laying the foundations for clear progression through to apprenticeships and our recommended formal education pathway.”

David Fisher, Head of Industry Partnerships for Landscape and Rural, from Lantra added: “As part of our wider partnership working, we are really pleased to confirm BIGGA has been approved as a Lantra Customised Provider.

“The accreditation of the BIGGA Kickstart Programme is an exciting step forward, as it provides a recognised and credible entry point into the profession, providing a Lantra approved certificate for progression through to apprenticeships and further Lantra/ BIGGA approved training and qualifications.

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Lantra and BIGGA forge new strategic partnership

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Lantra and BIGGA forge new strategic partnership: The British and International Golf Greenkeeping Association (BIGGA), Lantra and Land-Based Assessment Ltd (LBAL) have commenced a strategic partnership designed to boost skills development across the greenkeeping sector through high quality apprenticeships and robust assessment. The collaboration prioritises clear progression routes via the BIGGA Formal Education Pathway and sector wide Apprenticeship awareness.

The partnership commits to shared evidence and continuous improvement for greenkeeping apprenticeships, with Lantra working closely with BIGGA to support the apprenticeship routes at Level 2, Level 3, and Level 5.

Lantra and BIGGA forge new strategic partnership

Lantra and BIGGA forge new strategic partnership

Lantra will be at BIGGA’s annual flagship event, BTME in January 2026, joining GTC Approved Training Providers at a collaborative exhibition in the GTC Education Hub. Furthermore, to mark the strategic partnership, BIGGA have been announced as a sponsor of the Land-Based and Environment Learner of the Year Awards, which is set to take place later this month at the National Conference Centre, in Solihull.

Commenting on the partnership, Jo-Anne Bryan, Head of Apprenticeships and Standards at Lantra said: “We are really pleased to be partnering with BIGGA on championing apprenticeships within golf greenkeeping.

Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for new entrants starting out as a Golf Greenkeeper, to then progress to an Advanced Sports Turf Technician, at Level 3, and for those wanting to excel to a Golf Course Manager at Level 5. These apprenticeships provide a great career pathway within the industry.

Rob Phillips, Learning and Development Manager – Technical, at BIGGA also commented “This partnership marks an important step forward in uniting our efforts to deliver exceptional education and career development for greenkeepers. By aligning the BIGGA Formal Education Pathway, industry recognized apprenticeship standards, and Lantra’s ongoing commitment to robust assessment, we are creating a clear and credible route for progression that strengthens the future of the profession.”

Together, BIGGA, Lantra, and LBAL will deliver a coordinated programme of promotion and on the ground engagement to strengthen apprenticeship outcomes and professional standards in greenkeeping.

BTME 2026 will take place from 20 to 22 January at the Harrogate Convention Centre, when exhibitors can look forward to an optimised event experience supported by FFAIR’s award-winning technology.

For more information about BIGGA and its various activities including how to become a member, visit www.bigga.org.uk

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Lantra Announces Appointment of Next CEO

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Lantra Announces Appointment of Next CEO: Lantra is pleased to announce the appointment of Nick Juba as its new CEO. Nick will be joining the business in June.

Nick joins Lantra with a wealth of experience as a Director, Chief Executive and Non-Executive Director.  Starting his career at the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority before progressing to become a consultant to the European Commission. Nick then worked in the Higher Education sector, leading the University of the Arts Awarding Body where he drove a successful growth strategy.

Lantra Announces Appointment of Next CEO

Lantra Announces Appointment of Next CEO

He then held Chief Executive positions in Further Education, before moving to his current post at Capita Group Plc where he has been Director of Learning since 2020 overseeing the delivery of all shore-based education and training for the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines.

Chair of the Lantra Board of Trustees, Dr David Llewellyn, said:

“We are delighted that Nick Juba will be joining Lantra at an exciting time for the organisation.  Nick will bring a wealth of experience in skills development and training, from the world of education and latterly, from a commercial environment, leading the delivery of education and training across the entire Royal Navy and the Royal Marines”.

“Lantra is working hard to support skills development and training in the land-based and environment sector, and to invest in activities that will help policy makers recognise the vital role that these industries play in the national economy.  We are certain that Nick will play an important part in these activities as well as in Lantra’s wider connections with the land-based industries across the UK”.

“We would also like to pay tribute to our current CEO, Marcus Potter, who will be retiring later this year when Nick takes on his new post.  Marcus has made an enormous contribution to Lantra, and our partners, over the last decade and we wish him all the very best in his forthcoming retirement”.

Commenting on his appointment, Nick said: “I have spent the last 25 years working to improve outcomes for learners across further, higher and technical education and I care passionately about the role skills play in supporting individuals, communities and businesses to achieve their goals.

“I am both excited and humbled by the opportunity to join Lantra and to support the land-based and environment sectors to flourish in a time of policy, environmental and technological change.

“I hope to meet as many of you as possible in my first few months in post and to work in partnership to deliver the skills we need for the success of our local, regional and national economies”.

Lantra continues to work proactively with the land-based and environment sector to ensure that skills needs are met through the development of high-quality training and qualifications.

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Lantra celebrates Green Careers Week

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Lantra celebrates Green Careers Week: Lantra is excited to announce that it will be celebrating Green Careers Week, alongside many other organisations, this year. Lantra will be highlighting some of the more surprising careers that people can have within the land-based and environment sector, aligning with the campaign theme of unearthing non-stereotypical green careers.

Working in partnership with Chevron Green Services, Lantra have been exploring the careers of some of Chevron’s operatives and supervisors, and hearing about what their day looks like, working on the UK’s road network.

Lantra celebrates Green Careers Week

Lantra celebrates Green Careers Week

When thinking of a person being an operative on the UK’s road network, careers in traffic management and road works, such as pipe and cable works, or pothole repairs, might come to mind. However, there are a lot of diverse careers working on the road network, including arborists, also known as tree surgeons, and landscapers.

Keeping the roads safe for the public to use is paramount for those working in the road network sector. With many of the high-speed roads, and urban roads, having trees and vegetation lining the sides, it’s important that the greenery on the network is managed well, including reducing risks to the public.

Commenting on the surprising careers in highways, Steph Stevens, Careers and Engagement Manager at Lantra, said: “We know that many people use the road network every day; going to work, taking children to school, or going to the supermarket. However, the management of the natural environment surrounding our roads isn’t always seen.

“That’s why for Green Careers Week, Lantra have teamed up with Chevron Green Services to show the surprising careers that exist within the highways industry.”

Commenting on the Green Careers Week Campaign, Dan Taylor, Operations Director at Chevron Green Services, said: “It’s great to be working with Lantra on the Green Careers Week campaign. The natural environment that surrounds our road network is so important, and we at Chevron Green Services play our role in actively managing this ensuring the natural environment is thriving whilst keeping our road network safe for all users.”

Alongside the work of the arborists and landscapers, maintaining the green environment, Chevron Green Services also work with ecologists ensuring that habitats are managed to a high standard, and that any works that do take place have minimal impact on species that live in the environments that surround the road network.

Some wildlife species, such as bats, badgers, and great-crested newts, are protected by law and their habitats must be managed to a very high standard, before any maintenance works take place. Through teamwork and collaboration, arborists and landscapers work with ecologists to support species and protect their habitats and environments, causing minimal impact where possible.

Throughout Green Careers Week, Lantra will be posting engaging and insightful content about the surprising green careers within the highways industry on social media. They will also be sharing more insightful videos as a documentary series on YouTube.

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Additions to Lantra Board of Trustees

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Additions to Lantra Board of Trustees: Lantra are pleased to announce that Professor John Moverley OBE and Beth Brook have joined the Board of Trustees from May 2024. Their knowledge and experience of the land-based and environment sector will be a valuable addition to the Lantra Board.

Professor John Moverley OBE is formerly the Chief Executive and Principal of Myerscough College. He joins the Board following his chairing role at the UK Amenity Forum and advisory positions at the Severn & Wye Flood and Costal Committee, and the West Midlands Advisory Committee to the Forestry Commission, where he served as Chair.

Additions to Lantra Board of Trustees

Additions to Lantra Board of Trustees

John is a leading voice on matters relating to sustainable practice in the amenity industry. He is also an elected Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies and holds honorary Fellowships from the University of Central Lancashire, and Myerscough College. John was honoured with an OBE in 2004 for services to education.

Commenting on the appointment, Chair of Lantra, Dr David Llewellyn said: “I’m really pleased that John has joined the Board of Trustees. His expertise and experience will no doubt be of significant value to Lantra, helping to drive the organisation forward.”

Also commenting on the appointment, Lantra CEO, Marcus Potter, said: “John’s standing in the sector is a real asset to Lantra. I am sure his diversity of experience will help steer our strategic direction.”

Beth Brook is an active advocate for skills development. As the former CEO of the

Heart of England Forest, she led the organisation to be one of the first to take on new forestry apprentices, as well as implementing a paid internship in forestry. She also sits on the Board of the Youth Environmental Service, a national organisation that is promoting and facilitating environmental careers for young people.

Beginning her career on a pig farm, Beth is a qualified ecologist and has held executive roles at Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, and Fair Train. Beth is a reasoned voice on skills development, training and professional development within forestry and arboriculture.

Chair of Lantra, Dr David Llewellyn, commented on the appointment of Beth, saying: “I’m delighted that Beth has joined the Lantra Board. Her knowledge, experience, and advocacy will be a real benefit to Lantra and to the Board. I am looking forward to working with Beth over the next few years.”

Lantra’s CEO, Marcus Potter, added: “Beth’s passion for training and skills is in strong alignment with Lantra’s mission and will be greatly welcomed to Lantra’s Board.”

Following the appointment of Professor John Moverley and Beth Brook, two Trustees will be standing down from the Board. Jane Cragie and Richard Clarke will be leaving after eight years and six years, respectively.

Lantra Chair, David Llewellyn commented on the departure of Richard and Jane: “It has been a pleasure to work with both Richard and Jane during their time on the Board. I want to take this opportunity to thank them for all their hard work and commitment in supporting Lantra to be the organisation it is today.

“I wish them both the very best with their future endeavours, and again thank them for their service to Lantra.”

These changes to the Lantra Board take effect from the end of May 2024.

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