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GMA supports launch of new Sports Turf apprenticeship

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GMA supports launch of new Sports Turf apprenticeship: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has welcomed the creation of a new Level 5 Sports Turf Technical Manager apprenticeship, developed by the industry-led Sports Turf Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group.

The new apprenticeship, which includes an integrated Foundation Degree (FdSc), has now been published, subject to final funding band approval. Delivery is proposed for late 2025 or early 2026.

GMA supports launch of new Sports Turf apprenticeship

GMA supports launch of new Sports Turf apprenticeship

Designed to meet the technical demands of modern turf management, the apprenticeship offers a clear and funded progression route into higher-level learning. The inclusion of the Foundation Degree in Sports Turf means apprentices can achieve a high-quality, industry-relevant qualification as part of their training.

As the professional body for grounds management, the GMA has submitted a letter of professional recognition to the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) to support the mandate of the qualification.

The apprenticeship also aligns directly with the Grounds Management Framework, which brings together a range of training and education opportunities provided by both the GMA and other providers, including apprenticeship providers, to ensure a clear and coherent career pathway for those working, or wishing to work, in sports turf maintenance and management.

Levy-paying employers can draw down funds up to the approved maximum, while non-levy payers contribute just 5% towards training costs. The accessible funding model helps remove barriers for both apprentices and employers, encouraging wider participation and supporting the continued professionalisation of the industry.

Jason Booth, Chief Operating Officer at the GMA, said: “This new Level 5 apprenticeship is a significant step forward for the sports turf sector. It creates a vital link between hands-on experience and degree-level learning. Currently, just under 17% of the professional workforce has come through apprenticeships so by offering a technical qualification that aligns with industry needs, we hope to widen access and attract more people to a rewarding and skilled profession.”

The Sports Turf Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group is a voluntary collaboration involving Whitgift School, Leicester City Football Club, STRI Group, Myerscough College, LANTRA, International Greenkeepers for Hire, Ashton Gate Stadium, Grounds Management Association, The RFU, Bridgewater and Taunton College, Warwickshire CCC, Warwick Schools, Wiltshire College, Perfect Pitches, York Racecourse.

The full apprenticeship standards are available here:

Expressions of interest for the Level 5 Sports Turf Technical Manager apprenticeship are welcome via this form.

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Birkdale introduces new DuraPost® sleeper post

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Birkdale introduces new DuraPost® sleeper post: Birkdale has launched a new addition to its practical DuraPost® range – the Sleeper T-Post. The new post has been designed to offer an ideal solution for constructing small to medium sized retaining walls. Easy to install, the post features 9mm pre-drilled holes and offers a tough and durable fixing method. 

The T-shaped design provides an ideal method for fixing sleepers to the post. It also features 9mm pre-drilled holes, which are then compatible with SiteMate® Flat-Head, Wafer-Head or Hex-head timber screws.

Birkdale introduces new DuraPost® sleeper post

Birkdale introduces new DuraPost® sleeper post

Available in 1.2m, 1.5m, 2.0m and 2.4m lengths, the patented DuraPost® Sleeper T-Post is made from roll-formed galvanised structural steel with an extremely durable pre-galvanised coating to ensure the ultimate in corrosion resistance. The coating offers a 30 year life expectancy in C2 and C3 environments, as defined in ISO 12994-2:2017.

While the T- Post can be used to build retaining garden walls up to 1.2m in height with a foundation depth of 1.2m, Birkdale recommends that a structural engineer is consulted on projects over 0.6m in height.

For more information about products in Birkdale’s DuraPost® range, visit: www.birkdalesales.com/collections/durapost.

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New 78L Puncture Proof Wheelbarrow

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New 78L Puncture Proof Wheelbarrow: British garden machinery brand, The Handy has launched a new 78-litre polypropylene wheelbarrow, built for long-lasting performance across a wide range of garden and landscaping tasks.

Made from lightweight yet tough, UV-resistant polypropylene, this durable wheelbarrow is designed to handle heavy-duty use and withstand the elements season after season. With an impressive 78-litre load capacity, it’s ideal for transporting soil, gravel, tools, and garden waste with ease.

New 78L Puncture Proof Wheelbarrow

New 78L Puncture Proof Wheelbarrow

Equipped with twin puncture-proof tyres, the Handy Wheelbarrow offers smooth movement over rough or uneven terrain, delivering excellent stability, balance, and manoeuvrability. Additionally, its practical design ensures reliable performance with minimal upkeep.

Joining The Handy’s expanding range of wheelbarrows and garden trolleys, the new 78-litre polypropylene wheelbarrow is backed by a two-year manufacturer’s warranty and offers a no-fuss, long-lasting solution suitable for gardeners, landscapers, and DIY users alike.

To discover more on The Handy range and to purchase direct at trade pricing, please go to wwww.thehandy.co.uk

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Green-tech’s new Landscaping & Grounds Maintenance brochure

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Green-tech’s new Landscaping & Grounds Maintenance brochure: Green-tech, the UK’s leading landscaping and grounds maintenance supplier, has launched a new 50-page seasonal brochure packed with essential products and trusted solutions for summer maintenance.

The brochure can be downloaded from the Green-tech website (www.green-tech.co.uk), or you can request a printed copy by emailing marketing@green-tech.co.uk.

Green-tech's new Landscaping & Grounds Maintenance brochure

Green-tech’s new Landscaping & Grounds Maintenance brochure

Tailored for landscape contractors, grounds maintenance teams, estate managers, and local authorities, it brings together Green-tech’s most popular and effective products to help maintain green spaces during the demanding summer months.

The brochure includes a wide choice of professional grass seed and wildflower seed mixes suited to a range of applications, from high-wear school pitches to biodiversity-rich verges and open spaces. It also features fertilisers, weed control products, pesticides, barks, composts, soil improvers, and weed suppressant fabrics; all supported by technical advice from Green-tech’s experienced team.

To support year-round maintenance, the brochure showcases hard surface cleaners, application equipment, reinforcement products for grass and turf areas, and a comprehensive range of edging systems and landscaping tools.

Green-tech’s Sales Director, Richard Gill, comments, “Our new brochure is designed to simplify summer maintenance planning. Whether you’re maintaining school grounds, public parks, commercial or domestic landscapes, you’ll find proven products that work. Green-tech holds high stock levels and delivers quickly to give landscape professionals the products they need when needed, from one supplier.”

Green-tech is recognised as the go-to supplier for the UK landscaping industry, offering over 5,000 products and an unrivalled level of service and technical support. Working across landscaping, forestry, construction, and amenity management sectors, the company champions product innovation and sustainability.

In 2025, Green-tech was proudly named Pro Landscaper’s Service and Supplier Company of the Year, acknowledging its commitment to customer excellence and its leading role in supporting the success of the UK landscaping sector.

To view the brochure or explore the full product range, visit: www.green-tech.co.uk

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Origin Welcomes New Seeds and Turf Product Manager

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Origin Welcomes New Seeds and Turf Product Manager: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) is pleased to announce that Luke Hunt has been appointed as their new Seeds and Turf Product Manager, effective Monday, 19th May 2025.

Luke brings over two decades of industry experience, a strong technical background, and genuine enthusiasm for turf and seed, making him an exciting addition to the business.

Origin Welcomes New Seeds and Turf Product Manager

Origin Welcomes New Seeds and Turf Product Manager

Luke joins OAS from Barenbrug UK, where he was the Amenity Business Development Manager responsible for managing a portfolio of distributor accounts and helping bring new research-led products to market.

With a career that spans 24 years, including a decade spent as a greenkeeper, Luke has a reputation for his practical knowledge, strategic thinking, and collaborative approach. He has extensive experience across both grass and wildflower seed markets.

Luke will work closely with the wider OAS team to advance the company’s seed strategy. He will also play a key role in developing innovative and sustainable products that support customer-led initiatives, integrated supply chains, and marketing campaigns in line with the company’s longer-term strategic goals.

Commenting on the appointment, Jayne Leyland, Portfolio Director for OAS, said, “I am delighted to welcome Luke to Origin Amenity Solutions. His depth of experience and technical expertise are clear, but his passion for the industry and his ability to connect with customers stand out. I am looking forward to seeing the positive impact he will make.”

Luke Hunt adds, “I’m genuinely excited to join the OAS team at such a progressive and forward-thinking time for the business. Origin’s values around sustainability, innovation, and strong customer relationships resonate with me. I’m looking forward to working alongside a passionate and knowledgeable team, building on the existing momentum, and helping to evolve the seeds and turf offering to deliver real value for our customers and the environments they manage.

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