Tag Archive for: Training

Bernhard Academy brings practical turfcare training to Gleneagles

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Bernhard Academy brings practical turfcare training to Gleneagles: The Bernhard Academy has announced it will be delivering two immersive turfcare training courses at Gleneagles Golf Club in Scotland this autumn, providing valuable hands-on learning for turf equipment professionals at all levels.

The first course, Fundamentals of Turfcare Mechanics – Level 1, will run from 11 to 13 November 2025. Over the course of three days, participants will receive in-depth instruction on machinery servicing and fault-finding, ideal for anyone managing turfcare equipment or seeking to enhance their technical confidence.

Bernhard Academy brings practical turfcare training to Gleneagles

Bernhard Academy brings practical turfcare training to Gleneagles

Following this, the Basic Machinery Workshop will take place on 17 November 2025. This one-day session focuses on practical daily checks, essential adjustments, and fundamental repair techniques. Both sessions aim to give greenkeeping teams and turfcare technicians the confidence and competence to manage their equipment more effectively.

Each course includes access to an online Abrasive Wheel safety awareness module, approved by the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM). This training aligns with HSG 17 guidance and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Attendees will also receive lunch and refreshments, a Bernhard Academy certificate of completion, and BIGGA members will benefit from course discounts and CPD credit eligibility.

Looking beyond Scotland, the Bernhard Academy continues to champion technical development across the industry. On 23 September 2025, the Turf Equipment Technicians Conference will take place at Bernhard and Company’s manufacturing headquarters in Haverhill. Endorsed by the Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation (TETO), the event brings together turf professionals from across the UK to collaborate, share expertise and celebrate the vital role equipment technicians play in turfcare excellence.

Sami Strutt, Education Director for the Bernhard Academy, commented: “These sessions at Gleneagles are part of our ongoing mission to empower technicians with the tools, knowledge and confidence to elevate their work. Whether you’re starting out or refining your craft, our aim is to offer relevant, practical education that helps people and their clubs thrive.”

The full autumn programme from the Bernhard Academy reflects a nationwide focus on skills development in turf equipment management, with further training scheduled in Haverhill and at Moortown Golf Club:

  • 23 September: Turf Equipment Technicians Conference (Haverhill)
  • 24 September: Cutting Unit Set-up and Sharpening Techniques (Haverhill)
  • 7 October: Basic Machinery Maintenance (Moortown GC)
  • 8 October: Cutting Unit Set-up and Sharpening Techniques (Moortown GC)
  • 21-23 October: Fundamentals of Turfcare Mechanics – Level 1 (Moortown GC)
  • 11-13 November: Fundamentals of Turfcare Mechanics – Level 1 (Gleneagles GC)
  • 17 November: Basic Machinery Maintenance (Gleneagles GC)

For more information on all Bernhard Academy courses, visit: www.bernhardacademy.co.uk/courses/

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Lowe Maintenance becomes ECHO Affiliated Training Centre

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Lowe Maintenance becomes ECHO Affiliated Training Centre: FGM Claymore, the official distributor of ECHO tools in the UK, is proud to announce that Lowe Maintenance, a respected chainsaw and machinery training provider based in North Yorkshire, has become an ECHO Affiliated Training Centre. 

As an affiliated training centre, Lowe Maintenance will incorporate ECHO equipment into their courses, providing students with the opportunity to learn using industry-leading tools that are trusted by professionals worldwide. Lowe Maintenance’s expertise in delivering professional training in forestry, arboriculture, and land-based machinery aligns perfectly with ECHO’s commitment to reliability, performance, and user safety.

Lowe Maintenance becomes ECHO Affiliated Training Centre

Lowe Maintenance becomes ECHO Affiliated Training Centre

“We are delighted to welcome Lowe Maintenance as an ECHO Affiliated Training Centre,” said Paul Butterly, Managing Director of FGM Claymore. “This partnership reflects ECHO’s continued investment in the UK market and our commitment to equipping users with top tier tools throughout their training.”

“Becoming an ECHO Affiliated Training Centre is a fantastic opportunity for us and our students,” said Demelza Lowe, of Lowe Maintenance. “We’re proud to align with a brand that shares our dedication to safety, quality, and professional standards. Using ECHO equipment in our courses means our learners get to train with reliable, high-performance tools that prepare them for real world challenges.”

This collaboration will ensure that learners receive practical training with the latest equipment, enhancing their skills and confidence for future careers in the industry.

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Training Helps Professionals Deliver on National Action Plan

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Training Helps Professionals Deliver on National Action Plan: The UK National Action Plan (NAP) for the sustainable use of plant protection products calls on everyone involved in weed, pest, and disease control to adopt integrated management strategies and develop plans often referred to as IPM plans. Whilst still not a requirement, it is at the core of the NAP and the sector needs to fully understand what IPM is and how to develop and implement IPM plans.

To support this, BASIS offers a dedicated course providing practical, easy-to-access online training tailored specifically for the amenity sector. The course entitled ‘Planning Integrated Approaches in Amenity Situations’ guides users step-by-step through developing and implementing effective, environmentally responsible management plans.

Training Helps Professionals Deliver on National Action Plan

Training Helps Professionals Deliver on National Action Plan

This course is part of a set of five within the Principles of Sustainable Amenity Management series, created with input from industry experts including former Amenity Forum Chair John Moverley. The full series covers key topics such as navigating policy, enhancing biodiversity, and managing water and air quality in amenity environments.

Designed for busy professionals, the courses are interactive and self-paced, allowing learners to fit training around their work. Real-life case studies and expert insights ensure the knowledge gained can be applied immediately on site. Whether you work for a local authority, manage grounds, consult on environmental issues, or contract on site, this training is relevant and accessible, with no prior qualifications required.

Each course costs £50, or the full five-part series is available for £200 + VAT, providing great value for anyone committed to sustainable amenity management. More information and enrolment is through the link  basis-classroom.co.uk/courses/amenity.

There’s never been a better time to develop or refresh your approach to integrated weed control

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Engagement in GMA’s training and qualification increases

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Engagement in GMA’s training and qualification increases: The Grounds Management Association (GMA), the UK’s leading organisation for the grounds management industry, has seen a 43% rise in uptake of its training compared to this time last year.

This follows a challenging season for many sports. Over the past 12 months, the GMA saw enquiries related to flooding surge, coinciding with increased rainfall that was up 147% on the long-term average in some parts of the country.

In the North East of England, football clubs needing support because of water-logged pitches were up 244%. And 80% of rugby union clubs have had drainage issues this year compared to 50% last year.

Jason Booth, chief operating officer of the GMA, says: “We know last year was a tough season for many. More extreme weather means the challenges in our industry are getting greater. It’s time to focus on knowledge and skills to get ahead of the game so it’s essential clubs invest in their pitches and grounds teams.

“The GMA’s unique suite of training and qualifications are designed to help groundspeople advance their knowledge and skills – including courses specifically geared towards the new challenges faced in winter sports, like football, rugby league and rugby union.

“Our training is designed with the help of industry experts and supported by national governing bodies, including The FA, ECB, RFL and Sport England. We’re also the only industry association to be accredited by the Department of Education’s matrix Standard.

“As well as in person training, there are also plenty of online courses, perfect for busy professionals and volunteers who want to enhance their turf maintenance knowledge from anywhere.

“Grow your knowledge today, head over to our website and check out the training and qualifications we’ve got available.”

Discover the wide range of easy-to-access, high-quality training courses on the GMA website: https://thegma.org.uk/learning/training

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Howardson Group hosts successful dealer training event

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Howardson Group hosts successful dealer training event: The Howardson Group recently brought together over 100 delegates from their dealership network across the UK, Europe and the Far East, over a three week period which proved to be an invaluable opportunity for all involved.

Held at the picturesque Morley Hayes Golf Club in the Derbyshire countryside and Derby County Football Club’s training ground, the events showcased the company’s extensive portfolio of product groups, including Dennis, Hunter Grinders, Lloyds SISIS and Syn-Pro.

Howardson Group hosts successful dealer training event

Howardson Group hosts successful dealer training event

The agenda for the event was packed with informative sessions, including sales and product training that delved deep into the benefits and features of the Howardson Group’s products for end-users. Attendees gained insight into future developments and had the chance to network and share experiences with other like-minded individuals.

One of the standout features of the event was its “hands-on” approach, allowing attendees to interact directly with the equipment. This approach, covering both new and existing key products, was aimed at enhancing their understanding of the Howardson Group product ranges.

Attendees were also invited for a behind-the-scenes factory tour, where all the products are manufactured, and gave them the chance to see first-hand some of the recent investments. The group were also given rare access to the All British Precision factory where components for the machines are meticulously produced on site in Kirk Langley.

Howardson Group hosts successful dealer training event

Howardson Group hosts successful dealer training event

Feedback from those who attended the event was overwhelmingly positive. Robert Snedden from Thomas Sherriff commented, “Brilliant, well-organised, and above all, slick. We have looked at 37 machines, spoke about them all and learnt a lot. The timing was perfect, the content was perfect, and I couldn’t fault it at all.”

Jim Clarke from Jim Clarke Fine Turf Machinery said, “I’ve really enjoyed the event and seen a lot of machinery that we wouldn’t have normally seen. It has been a great experience.”

Andy Melville, Commercial Director at GGM Groundscare, highlighted the value of hands-on training, stating, “The event has been very useful, very informative. It is great to physically see the machines in action. It gives you the opportunity to see what they can actually do, rather than just look at a brochure and read some specification.”

Overall, the event was a resounding success, providing attendees with valuable insights, networking opportunities, and a first-hand experience of the Howardson Group’s impressive range of products. With such positive feedback from attendees, the Howardson Group looks forward to hosting similar events in the future, continuing to support and empower their dealer network.

For further information visit www.howardsongroup.com

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