Tag Archive for: Training

Avant Tecno Hosts Multi-Dealership Training

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Avant Tecno Hosts Multi-Dealership Training: Avant Tecno recently brought Technical Engineers from all of its UK dealerships together for a unique opportunity at the company’s global headquarters in Ylöjärvi, Finland. Over three intensive days, the group received exclusive training directly from the team behind Avant’s industry-leading innovation.

The trip began early on a Monday morning, departing Heathrow for Helsinki before travelling north to Avant’s state-of-the-art manufacturing hub. Far more than a standard factory tour, this was a multi-dealership technical training programme designed to deepen product knowledge, strengthen aftersales expertise, and build lasting connections across the Avant network.

Avant Tecno Hosts Multi-Dealership Training

Avant Tecno Hosts Multi-Dealership Training

Throughout the visit, engineers gained invaluable insight into both the latest advancements coming out of the factory and the brand’s rich engineering heritage. Hands-on sessions enabled attendees to work closely with Avant’s expert trainers, share best practice, and learn alongside colleagues from across the UK and Ireland. The result was not only enhanced technical understanding but also a stronger sense of collaboration and community across the dealership network.

True to Finnish tradition, downtime offered its own memorable experiences. Evenings were spent enjoying great food, relaxing in the sauna and, of course, braving a refreshing plunge into the lake, giving the group a real taste of local culture.

This investment in its people reflects an exciting period of growth for Avant Tecno UK. With its new, state-of-the-art UK headquarters opening last year, the business continues to strengthen its support for dealers and customers alike.

The Finland training event marks another step forward in ensuring that every dealership engineer has the skills, knowledge, and confidence to deliver the exceptional service Avant is known for.

John Spencer, Sales and Marketing Director for Avant Tecno UK, described the trip as an important investment in both people and partnerships:

“Our engineers are at the heart of the customer experience. This trip was all about giving them deeper, hands-on access to the machines and the people who build them. The shared learning, the conversations, and the relationships formed in Finland are just as valuable as the technical training itself. The knowledge they’ve brought back will directly enhance the support we offer customers across the UK and Ireland.”

For more information, please visit www.avanttecno.com/uk

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Origin hosts successful golf irrigation training days

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Origin hosts successful golf irrigation training days: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS), the exclusive Rain Bird Golf distributor for the UK, recently hosted two successful golf irrigation training days, providing delegates with a comprehensive understanding of their irrigation systems and how to optimise their performance.

The first session took place at Luffenham Heath Golf Club, Stamford, on Thursday 30 October, where a new Rain Bird irrigation system has recently been installed. The second event was held at Ashby Decoy Golf Club, Scunthorpe, on Wednesday 5 November.

Origin hosts successful golf irrigation training days

Origin hosts successful golf irrigation training days

Both events were well attended, attracting course managers, greenkeepers and irrigation technicians keen to enhance their technical knowledge. BIGGA CPD points were available to attendees, reinforcing the educational value of the sessions.

The training gave delegates an in-depth understanding of irrigation hydraulics on their own courses, exploring how to make existing irrigation systems operate more uniformly and how to combat dry patch to achieve better results without significant capital investment. The sessions also included an introduction to Rain Bird’s CirrusPRO™ control system, with discussion around how central control technology can help make irrigation more uniform and effective.

The days were hosted by Peter Robin, OAS Irrigation Product Manager, and Angus Finlayson, OAS Irrigation & Digital Solutions Lead, who shared their expertise and practical experience throughout.

Peter Robin commented, “It was fantastic to see so many enthusiastic delegates keen to deepen their understanding of irrigation technology. We aimed to help them get the best out of their systems, and the feedback has been really positive. The engagement and questions throughout both days showed a genuine interest in making irrigation more efficient and effective on the golf course.”

Angus Finlayson added, “Both events were a great success. We focused on broader irrigation principles rather than system-specific demonstrations and the level of participation was excellent. It was rewarding to see delegates leave with more confidence in operating and improving their irrigation systems, regardless of the brand.”

For information on upcoming events and training opportunities, visit www.originamenity.com.

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Bernhard Academy hosts successful turf care mechanics training

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Bernhard Academy hosts successful turf care mechanics training:  The Bernhard Academy recently held a highly successful three-day Fundamentals of Turf Care Mechanics – Level 1 training course at Moortown Golf Club, led by industry expert and Bernhard Academy course leader, Barry Drennan.

The course welcomed equipment technicians and turf care professionals for an intensive, hands-on learning experience focused on the essential mechanical skills required to maintain high-performance turf equipment. Over three days, delegates developed their knowledge of petrol and diesel engines, rotary blade sharpening and balancing, 12-volt battery systems, hydraulics, cutting unit setup and repair, electrical systems, and safety switch diagnostics.

Bernhard Academy hosts successful turf care mechanics training

Bernhard Academy hosts successful turf care mechanics training

Sami Strutt, Education Director at the Bernhard Academy, praised the success of the event, saying: “Courses like this are vital for developing the next generation of equipment technicians turf care professionals. Barry’s expertise and practical approach ensure that attendees leave with real-world skills they can apply immediately. Our Academy venue at Moortown Golf Club continues to be an outstanding location for delivering high-quality education.”

She added: “All delegates left extremely happy with their experience and rated the workshop five stars across the board. It’s wonderful to see such positive feedback from professionals who are passionate about enhancing their skills.”

Delegates also spoke highly of the course, describing it as “real-life hands-on training” and “a great class that’s ideal for both beginners and experienced technicians.” Others commented that “the class was very hands-on, so we got to physically do everything we were learning.”

The next Fundamentals of Turf Care Mechanics – Level 1 course will take place at Gleneagles, Scotland, from 11-13 November 2025. This follows the recent success of the Turf Technicians Conference hosted by the Bernhard Academy, further highlighting its commitment to advancing professional turf care education.

For more details and to book upcoming courses, visit: www.bernhardacademy.co.uk/courses

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BAGMA to highlight new industry EV training at SALTEX

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BAGMA to highlight new industry EV training at SALTEX: The British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA) are pleased to be returning to SALTEX this November, showcasing their brand-new EV training course alongside a whole host of other member benefits.

Visitors to stand A030 can discover all the latest services and savings, as well as join fellow industry members for a special networking event as BAGMA brings a one-off Connect event to The NEC!

BAGMA to highlight new industry EV training at SALTEX

BAGMA to highlight new industry EV training at SALTEX

Recognising the ongoing shift towards electric vehicles and battery-powered equipment in the groundcare industry, BAGMA have teamed up with lecturers and industry partners to develop a new, practical one-day training course that’s set to become the benchmark for those operating Off-Highway Electric Vehicles (OHEV) & Electric Outdoor Power Equipment (EOPE).

The programme is designed to help technicians, sales staff, delivery drivers, engineers and workshop personnel gain a working knowledge of the hazards of high-voltage electric systems, best practice for handling and storage of battery packs and an awareness of all relevant legislation and compliance requirements. The course concludes with a short assessment and a certificate of completion which is an increasingly valuable asset as electrification continues to take the industry by storm.

Alongside training, stand A030 will also be the place to discover the exclusive offers and savings available from BAGMA’s range of approved Service Providers. Following a year of difficult trading conditions for many, make sure you’re making the most of your membership by speaking to a member of the BAGMA team about member discounts on finance, utility contracts, lease vehicles and more.

Members are also invited to join BAGMA for a very special BAGMA Connect networking event at SALTEX 2025. Join your peers, industry partners and a selection of BAGMA Service Providers for a drink in The Clubhouse from 3pm on Wednesday 12th November.

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Growth In GMA’s Training And Turf Care Advisory Services

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Growth In GMA’s Training And Turf Care Advisory Services: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has expanded its Technical and Learning department with two strategic appointments, boosting the support and expertise available to the sector through high-quality training and consultancy.

Bojan Jovanovic has been appointed as Learning Programme Lead, and Fiona Lyttle takes on the role of Turf Care Advisory Support Lead. Together, they bring extensive experience that will enhance the GMA’s educational and advisory services for both professionals and volunteers.

Growth In GMA’s Training And Turf Care Advisory Services

Growth In GMA’s Training And Turf Care Advisory Services

Bojan has worked closely with the GMA for over five years as an online tutor, supporting learners undertaking GMA qualifications. He brings a unique blend of educational and practical turf care expertise, having spent more than a decade teaching land-based qualifications at Further Education institutions. Earlier in his career, Bojan specialised in construction and maintenance of elite sports surfaces, contributing to high-profile projects across tennis, croquet, elite football and the London 2012 Olympic equestrian facilities.

Fiona brings a deep understanding of the sports turf industry, particularly in learning and development. Well known for her work with the Greenkeepers Training Committee (GTC), which works closely with the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) on education and training, she offers valuable educational insight and industry knowledge. Her appointment will support the continued growth and delivery of the GMA’s Turf Care Advisory (TCA) services.

The appointments mark a significant step in the GMA’s ongoing mission to provide high-quality training and consultancy, supporting the development of skills and standards across the entire industry.

Dan Prest, GMA Technical and Learning Manager, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Bojan and Fiona to the team. They both bring incredible industry knowledge and fresh perspectives that will help us grow our education and consultancy offer. Bojan’s background in both turf management and further education is a perfect fit for our evolving learning programmes. Fiona’s insight into training and development, along with her knowledge of the industry, will be so important in strengthening our Turf Care Advisory support. This is a real boost for the industry as a whole.”

Bojan Jovanovic, GMA Learning Programme Lead, said: “Having worked with the GMA for several years as a part-time tutor to many learners, I’m excited to step into this new role and help shape the learning journey for professionals and volunteers. Education is a vital part of raising standards in the sector, and I’m passionate about helping people succeed both on the ground and in the classroom.”

Fiona Lyttle, GMA Turf Care Advisory Support Lead, said: “I’m thrilled to join the GMA at a time when support and guidance are more important than ever. I’m looking forward to working on and developing the consultancy provision offered by the association and supporting those working across the breadth of the grounds management industry. It’s all about helping people feel confident and connected in their roles, allowing them to provide safe and fit for purpose playing surfaces.”

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