Tag Archive for: Support

GMA and ECB Apprenticeship Support Scheme

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GMA and ECB Apprenticeship Support Scheme: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have joined forces to launch the ‘Apprenticeship Support Scheme’, designed to enhance the experience of grounds people apprentices in First Class Counties.

This pilot initiative is designed to strengthen the future of cricket by attracting and supporting more aspiring grounds professionals.

GMA and ECB Apprenticeship Support Scheme

GMA and ECB Apprenticeship Support Scheme

With the demand for skilled grounds managers growing, the scheme aims to provide apprentices with not only the technical knowledge required for cricket-specific turf care but also the essential support they need to develop their careers.

It also aims to address broader industry challenges such as workforce retention and succession planning by making apprenticeships a more structured and attractive career pathway. At the same time, it provides additional support for existing grounds professionals, ensuring they have the resources and expertise to mentor and develop the next generation effectively.

The GMA will provide tailored cricket-specific online courses to supplement apprentices’ learning, as well as bespoke webinars designed to enhance their knowledge and better prepare them for a career in cricket grounds management.

Apprentices will also have access to GMA membership, unlocking a range of benefits including the GMA Member Assistance Programme – a 24-hour confidential counselling and wellbeing service – alongside online technical resources, salary advice and guidance, legal consultation and much more.

The ECB Pitch and Grounds Advisor, Andy Mackay, will play a central role in the pilot, acting as a key point of contact for employers seeking advice on apprenticeship support. Andy will also work with stakeholders to develop an information and support hub, and resources to help promote grounds management as a career, laying the foundation for an all-rounded scheme in the future.

By working closely with First Class Counties, the ECB and GMA are hoping to help modernise grounds management recruitment and improve career progression opportunities to ensure that cricket venues continue to be maintained to the highest standards.

With this announcement coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week, it’s a great opportunity to recognise the important role apprentices play in the industry’s future.

Jason Booth, Chief Operating Officer at the GMA, said: “We are proud to be partnering with the ECB to pilot this initiative which not only opens the door for new talent but also strengthens the long-term sustainability of the profession. Apprentices are the future of the grounds management industry and providing them with the right support is essential to achieving high standards across professional cricket.”

Andy Mackay, ECB Pitch and Grounds Advisor, said: “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to develop skills and discover talent, whilst having the potential to set people on the path to a rewarding and enjoyable career. We are excited to bring the GMA and our Counties together in partnership to explore how we can maximise this opportunity to add value to the apprenticeship framework for employers and apprentices alike and create long term solutions to recruitment challenges.”

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Support for Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club

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Support for Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club: The Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club located in the Highlands of Scotland, unfortunately experienced some of the worst damage in the history of the club at the end of October 2023 brought on by Storm Ciaran.

Of course, Fortrose and Rosemarkie was not alone as Scottish golf clubs up and down the east coast of the Home of Golf nation also suffered damage.

Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club

Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club

Unfortunately, Storm Ciaran flexed its muscles menacingly at Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Links, as the accompanying photographs taken of the opening two holes sadly reveal the extent and seriousness of the damage caused.

Of course, it was not the first storm to leave its mark on Scottish golf courses and it certainly will not be the last. It is for this reason the club set up a ‘Coastal Erosion’ sub-committee at the end of 2022.  As well, the club had been in discussion prior to Storm Ciaran with Scottish Water, the local Highland Council and Nature Scotland in seeking to identify ways and finance to protect the course from the likelihood of storm damage.

“Tragically, our worst fears were realised last October where five to six metres to the left side, in part, were lost, down both the opening two fairways,” said Mike MacDonald, General Manager at Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club.

“It goes without saying, neither the committee nor the club members and our supporters expected the devastating extent of damage that took place during that time”.

Our sub-committee will strive to seek the much-needed financial support where possible.  However, it is pleasing to single out local MSP Kate Forbes for her support and understanding as Fortrose and Rosemarkie works to seek these funds needed to restore the course to its pre–Storm Ciaran picture postcard outlook.

Of course, the club has not been idle working tirelessly to bring the club to a point whereby it can now commence work from today – Monday, 26th February 2024 – in looking to repair and rebuild the damage caused by the storm and, at least try to restore the proud boasting a recorded history back to 1793 back to near its former picture postcard glory.

This initial work to restore and further protect the opening two tee-off areas with rock armour (around 110 metres to cover both tees and the areas around the tees) is estimated to cost £140,000 plus VAT.

At Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club we also need to be not only be conscious of our proud members, our many visitors who travel to play here from around the world and for future generations to come but we also also are very conscious of  members of the public in being able to gain access to the left side of the 1st and 2nd holes as they walk towards Chanonry Lighthouse to either watch the dolphins, walk their dogs or simply enjoy the stunning scenery this area offers.

From a golfing perspective, access to areas between the 1st and 2nd tees also is a strong priority going forward but without the financial support to carry out the club’s plans, this is proving difficult.  By way of background, the foreshore bordering the course is owned by the Highland Council and it is the Highland Council we must rely to finance that work needed to be undertaken to allow safe and proper access for members of the public. Without their financial guarantee, no work in this regard can proceed.

As well, it is estimated the associated costs to restore and protect this unique area of land will run into tens of thousands of Pounds.

“It is why the club kindly seeks your financial support if you are in a position to do so”, said Mike.  “All monies/donations received will be ring-fenced for carrying out the necessary works to restore these areas to how they once were.

We really hope that as a golfer and/or member of the public that you will be able to support us! Thank you so much for your consideration and donation if you are able to do so where we have set up a ‘Go Fund Me’ page!

https://gofund.me/e82cd493

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Training to support safe and productive golf

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Training to support safe and productive golf: Lantra will be showcasing the breadth of training options available for safe and productive working in golf greenkeeping and sports turf management at the upcoming leading industry show, BTME on 23-25 January.  

Lantra’s suite of pesticide training is designed for both novices and experienced users, providing the knowledge and skills that are needed for the safe and effective application of pest management measures. The Lantra team will be exhibiting at stand 146 in Hall 1 at Harrogate Convention Centre to provide information on pesticides and other relevant training courses.

Training to support safe and productive golf

Training to support safe and productive golf

The use of equipment for the management of productive golf courses and sports-turf is commonplace, therefore operating them safely and efficiently is vital. Lantra has a range of training courses, ranging between 1-5 days in length, to ensure equipment is used safely and with confidence, which will also be promoted at BTME.

Lantra’s Head of Industry Partnerships (Landscaping & Rural), David Fisher said: ‘’The Lantra team is excited to be at the show to highlight our leading training courses and qualifications in the Landscaping and Sports Turf sectors at BTME’’.

‘’At the show, we will also be actively recruiting for instructors to deliver pesticide training, as we have a lack of them in Northern England. As a Lantra Instructor, you’ll enjoy the freedom and flexibility of working for yourself in the great outdoors, as well as playing a crucial role in delivering essential skills, training and qualifications to a diverse group of learners.’’

Lantra instructor and provider, Ian Sumpter, is also delivering sold out training sessions from the Groundcare Machinery Maintenance suite at the event, as part of the ‘Continue to Learn’ education conference, with Lantra accreditation and CPD points available.

You can find out more about the benefits of being a Lantra instructor here: Become an Instructor – Lantra  

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Industry support needed to develop apprenticeship

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Industry support needed to develop apprenticeship: The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) has given the green light for the Sports Turf Trailblazer group to develop a new Level 5 Sports Turf Apprenticeship.

Whilst in the formative stages of development this is an exciting opportunity to build on the work already done by the group in revision of the Level 2 and development of the new Level 3 apprenticeships. Creation of a Level 5 apprenticeship will provide a recognised educational pathway from entry to degree level whilst benefitting from government funded fee support for employers of 95%-100%. Making education more accessible will help with recruitment, retention and the ongoing professionalisation of the sports turf industry.

Industry support needed to develop apprenticeship

Industry support needed to develop apprenticeship

As part of the Level 5 apprenticeship development process the trailblazer wishes to engage with the wider industry. It is important that the apprenticeship that is developed reflects the needs of the industry. There may be an opportunity to integrate the well-established Foundation Degree into the apprenticeship (benefitting from 95%-100% fee support) but this can only be achieved with industry support. The Trailblazer group will be circulating communications in the coming months and arranging various forums to discuss what is proposed. We would encourage sports turf professionals and their employers to engage with these events. Additionally, we would welcome new applications to be involved with the Trailblazer group from individuals who wish to be engaged more directly in the Level 5 apprenticeship development process.

Please contact Chairperson of the Sports Turf Trailblazer Daniel Ratling for more information d.ratling@whitgift.co.uk

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Greenkeepers selected to support PGA Tour’s flagship event

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Greenkeepers selected to support PGA Tour’s flagship event: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and Premium Partner John Deere have revealed the six greenkeepers who will head to TPC Sawgrass to join the agronomy team for The Players Championship 2024.

The five BIGGA members from the UK and an international member from Canada will be completely immersed in the hosting of the PGA Tour’s flagship event, with flights, accommodation and other costs included. While there, the greenkeepers will work alongside more than 100 turf professionals from across the globe and gain experience of elite championship agronomy, which they can bring back to their home venues.

Greenkeepers selected to support PGA Tour’s flagship event

Greenkeepers selected to support PGA Tour’s flagship event

The scheme is open to full BIGGA members over the age of 21 and the trip takes place from 9-19 March 2024.

Lucas Andrews, assistant director of agronomy at TPC Sawgrass, said: “We’ve been working with BIGGA and John Deere for the last 10 years, bringing in delegates to join our tournament support team for The Players Championship. The energy and drive they bring is phenomenal. This is a special place and the volunteers have their own expectations of us and we strive to live up to those. We look forward to continuing this programme for many years to come.”

You can hear more from Lucas on the BIGGA YouTube channel.

Chris Meacock, John Deere’s Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf, said: “This partnership between BIGGA, John Deere and TPC Sawgrass goes from strength to strength, as evidenced by the record number of applications received this year. Those who have been successful will embark on a unique, career-enhancing experience, being involved in one of the greatest tournaments in golf. John Deere is extremely proud to be able to help these ambitious greenkeepers build contacts and see new techniques, which will inspire fresh thinking for when they return to their home clubs.”

The 2024 BIGGA volunteers are:

  • Aidan Wright, deputy course manager, Camberley Heath Golf Club
  • Adam Brackley, head greenkeeper, La Grand Mare Hotel
  • Colin Hopper, head greenkeeper, Elsham Golf Club
  • Ian Kirwan, course manager, Chorlton-cum-Hardy Golf Club
  • David Feeney, deputy head greenkeeper, Prestwick Golf Club
  • Adam Champion, superintendent, Bearspaw Golf Club, Canada

Head to the BIGGA YouTube channel to meet the 2024 volunteers.

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