Tag Archive for: Training

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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Greenkeepers granted access to career-defining training

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Greenkeepers granted access to career-defining training: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and turf machinery manufacturer Jacobsen have revealed the 20 ambitious association members who will form the Future Turf Managers Initiative (FTMI) Class of 2023.

Each year FTMI co-founders BIGGA and Jacobsen invite 20 up-and-coming association members to participate in the intensive training programme, which has been credited with developing some of the greenkeeping industry’s most influential course managers and head greenkeepers.

Greenkeepers granted access to career-defining training

Greenkeepers granted access to career-defining training

FTMI was first hosted in 2013 as a two-day education event and since then has expanded around the world, with similar schemes being introduced in Spain, Portugal, Australia and New Zealand. The event is aimed at up-and-coming greenkeepers who are not yet in course manager or head greenkeeper positions. Focusing on personal and professional development, rather than agronomy-based subjects, FTMI utilises the expertise of leading course managers, dynamic trainers and industry experts to mentor and educate the next generation of industry leaders.

The members of the FTMI Class of 2023 are:

  • Jack Ashall, Knowle Golf Club
  • Will Barnes, The Berkshire Golf Club
  • Kevin Butcher, Walton Heath Golf Club
  • Dan Fisher, North Foreland Golf Club
  • Jack Hall, Northampton Golf Club
  • Oliver Kirk, Bury St Edmunds Golf Club
  • Stephen Mancini, Prestwick Golf Club
  • Christopher Naughton, The Gleneagles Hotel
  • George Nock, Enville Golf Club
  • Scott Patrick, R&A Lethamhill Golf Course
  • Aaron Peacock, Horsham Golf & Fitness
  • Levi Pethick, Stoneham Golf Club
  • Samuel Richards, Sherborne Golf Club
  • Michael Sparke, King’s Hill Golf Club
  • Shane Stannard, Aldeburgh Golf Club
  • Craig Swindells, Chipping Sodbury Golf Club
  • Nicholas Thorley, Saunton Golf Club
  • James Walker, St Andrews Links Trust
  • Jack Wellings, JCB Golf and Country Club
  • Bradley White, Wentworth Club

Sam Evans MG was previously an FTMI graduate and now mentors on the initiative. The course manager at North Hants Golf Club, he said: “FTMI is a great way of proving to the industry that you want to kick on and that you realise it’s not going to be put on a plate for you. Everyone wants to help each other out and that’s one of the reasons I enjoy being a mentor. Hopefully, a few years down the line some of these guys will be mentors themselves.”

Adam Underwood, international marketing manager for Jacobsen, said: “Jacobsen values the Future Turf Managers Initiative as the pinnacle of our commitment to the industry. We understand the challenges our customers face and to support them with learning and development on training outside of agronomy is very important to us. Our thanks go to BIGGA and the team, without whom the FTMI would not be possible.”

Head to the BIGGA website for more information about FTMI and for a closer look at the class of 2023.

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GGM launch training academy

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GGM launch training academy: GGM Groundscare have unveiled a new LANTRA accredited training academy as the latest offering to their portfolio of services, after identifying a requirement in the industry.

The new courses provide delegates with the skills and knowledge required to safely operate and maintain relevant machinery through courses that deliver both practical skills and health & safety guidance. All training can be carried out either on customers own premises, using the equipment that team members will be using on a day-to-day basis or at GGM’s own impressive dedicated training centre in Colne, Lancashire.

GGM launch training academy

GGM launch training academy

The LANTRA accredited training courses ensure that operators are trained to a national standard whilst fulfilling the organisations legal obligations with regards to the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulation 1998 (PUWER).

GGM Managing Director Chris Gibson explains more:

“After many conversations with our customers, as a business we identified that there was a requirement in the market for a one-stop shop that offers accredited operator training in addition to selling machinery.

“GGM are committed to continuing to strive for excellence in customer service, and the new training academy is the next chapter in this.”

The training covers all makes and models of machinery including:

  • Tractors
  • Ride-On Mowers
  • Walk-Behind Mowers
  • Remote Control Mowers
  • Chippers / Shredders
  • Handheld Equipment

Upon successful completion of the GGM Training Academy courses, all delegates will receive a certificate of competence and for the LANTRA training an accredited certificate and skills card will be awarded (LANTRA registration fees apply).

LANTRA is one of the leading awarding bodies for land-based industries in both the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

It works closely with industry bodies, employers, governments and educators to provide quality training, career guidance and partnership opportunities, giving employers and learners the skills they need to work safely and productively, while getting ready to meet the challenges of the future.

The training is aimed at any employee either employed in, or who is looking to be employed in agriculture, horticulture, landscaping or grounds maintenance, who is or will be required to operate machinery. It will be run by Gary Taylor, who has over 20 years of experience and an infectious amount of enthusiasm, thriving on training others in operating land-based machinery safely with a wealth of expertise.

Chris Gibson continues:

“After sales and service has always been a key part of our offering and so the launch of the GGM Training Academy was a natural step for the business.

“It’s our aim to ensure organisations have adequate and appropriate training to operate and use work equipment, to fulfil their health and safety requirements and to help to prevent unnecessary accidents. We’re extremely excited to take this forward.”

Bookings are being taken now for June so to book your place or for more information on the training courses please contact Eirian Roberts Tel: 01744 417333 or Email: eirian@ggmgroundscare.co.uk

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Investment in training is investment in machinery longevity

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Investment in training is investment in machinery longevity: One of the greatest investments a customer can make in machinery is to invest in training according to Reesink Turfcare. And now there’s a new Electric Powered course meaning that no matter the power source, customers can get the best from their machinery.

Quality machinery is one of the biggest investments a club will make and needs to be safeguarded with proper training. A well-trained and attentive operating team will impact on running costs by catching things early and dealing with them at the most cost-effective point.

Investment in training is investment in machinery longevity

Investment in training is investment in machinery longevity

When it comes to mowers, Reesink offers three relevant training courses: Turfcare Mechanics to include cutting technology, the Safe Use of Ride-On Mowers and Reesink’s brand new Electric Powered Training.

Lee Rowbotham, service and training manager at Reesink UK, explains that having well-trained operators and mechanics can make machines go even further in both performance and longevity: “Reesink training provides customers with the confidence to operate and take care of their own machines so that operations can continue to run smoothly no matter what. It’s about investing in people as much as it is the machines themselves, but ultimately the two are always linked.”

With the rapid development of electric and hybrid technology, it’s important that skills and knowledge in those areas progresses at an equivalent rate so that technicians and dealers can better serve their customers and the Toro product. Hence the introduction of the new course.

Lee explains: “The Electric Powered Training course covers calibration and troubleshooting in Toro electric machinery, understanding how the electric system works and how each electrical component fits into the system. It is aimed at end users who currently have electric Toro products in their fleet.”

For diesel and petrol machines, Reesink’s Turfcare Mechanics course aims to instil confidence in troubleshooting, routine servicing and setting cutting units to manufacturers specification and can bring significant savings when it comes to machinery downtime. Lee says: “It’s surprising how the areas of maintenance that generate service time or bills such as lack of greasing, contaminated fuel or oil and blocked radiators or oil coolers are relatively easily avoided.

“The training Reesink provides teaches operators and mechanics how to keep their machines in a constant state of good condition so they can do a better job on the golf course all year round.”

The Turfcare Mechanics course, designed for dedicated workshop mechanics, also covers understanding Fault Codes and Level 1 Hydraulics and Electrics fundamentals to incorporate on board machinery diagnostics, Lee says: “This course allows clubs to take effective care of their groundscare machinery, meaning machines need less time in the workshop and can spend more time on the job.”

It’s not just in-depth maintenance knowledge that Reesink’s training provides, the Safe Use of Ride-On Mowers course ensures operators are well trained on equipment and find it easy and intuitive to use. This course is ideal for new starters, giving a practical and thorough overview of operating, checking and maintaining ride-on mowing equipment.

Reesink’s training doesn’t stop at mowers; also on offer is Reesink’s Professional Sprayer Operational and Calibration training for Toro sprayers.

Course material and assessment are included in the fees, and manufacturer backed certification is provided at the end. Each of Reesink’s courses range from one to two days of training and can be conducted on an individual basis or in small groups.

Find out more about these courses to help keep machinery performing to the best of its ability to deliver the very best playing surfaces by calling 01480 226800 or going online at reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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Intensive Robot Training for STIGA dealerships

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Intensive Robot Training for STIGA dealerships: STIGA dealers have been treated to extensive training and offered integral insights on the STIGA autonomous robot mowers.

The 210 staff from 130 UK dealerships were given a detailed introduction to the installation and working principle of the new autonomous robot range. The 21 dates throughout January February and March, reached full capacity due to the anticipation and excitement felt about these new machines from our mowing dealer colleagues. The training consisted of introductory presentations and practical outdoor training sessions providing our partners with all the information to become expert robot dealers.

Intensive Robot Training for STIGA dealerships

Intensive Robot Training for STIGA dealerships

The venues chosen were across the country and included Coventry, Edinburgh, Plymouth and Chepstow, and once each was session was completed, dealers obtained a certificate after taking a test.

In preparation for the STIGA robot launch this month, dealers were trained in all aspects of these innovative machines, including in the points below:

Cable-free

STIGA autonomous robot lawn mowers navigate without needing a wire. The installation is fully virtual and done via the STIGA.GO App. The new robot mowers work collecting information from satellites signals, both GPS and all other GNSS systems, to know their positions and navigate around the garden.

Intelligent mowing plan

STIGA AGS technology allows this robot to plan mowing sessions according to satellite signal availability, to mow with precision and accuracy. Knowing the satellites’ positioning in advance, the autonomous robot mower plans ahead each mowing session in each area. All zones in the lawn are mown regularly and accurately, leaving no zone uncut and avoiding over-mowing by passing several times in the same area. The result is an even, beautiful lawn.

Better battery technology

Well-positioned to grant a perfect balance, the ePower integrated battery capacity allows the autonomous robot to care for the lawn in as little as 2 mowing cycles a day. Even after 4 years of use the battery still operates at over 80% of its capacity.

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