Welcome to the Training Section.
Places are still available on the following Pitchcare courses, e-mail chris@pitchcare.com for further details:
Winter Sports Turf Maintenance (Football and Rugby) | Book on this course
Led by Pitchcare’s own Dave Saltman, this 1-day course for volunteers, part time groundsmen and those starting out in the industry gives an overview of the safe and efficient use of machinery and equipment. Accredited by Lantra Awards.
25 February at Leicester
Here is a brief outline of the short courses we can offer. The Pitchcare -branded course portfolio includes:
In addition we work with a network of training providers throughout the UK to offer individuals places on courses covering the full range of Lantra Awards courses including Safe Use of Pesticides, Arboriculture (chainsaws, brushcutters, hedgecutters etc), Machinery and Equipment (mowers, tractors, ATVs etc), Health and Safety, and First Aid.
For groups (usually a minimum of 4) we can provide a qualified instructor and deliver standard or bespoke training at your premises, so long as suitable equipment and facilities are available. Alternatively, we can often source a local Pitchcare associate’s facilities.
The option of a LANTRA or NPTC qualification is available for most courses; alternatively a Pitchcare Certificate of Attendance may be sufficient to provide candidates with evidence that they have received training to the required standard of proficiency to meet current H&S and insurance requirements. Please note that there is a charge for NPTC Registration and Assessment in addition to the training fee.
Career Groundsmen
Those wishing to follow a career as a groundsman or greenkeeper would typically take a vocational qualification, such as an Apprenticeship in Amenity Horticulture (Sportsturf), at their local land-based college.
The Apprenticeship is a "framework" of qualifications comprising the NVQ level 2 in Amenity Horticulture, Key Skills and 3 additional occupationally relevant qualifications. The NVQ consists of seven units covering a range of sportsturf skills and related practices. The main objectives of the course are to ensure the development of practical skills, related background knowledge and health and safety issues and procedures. NVQs are work related, competence based qualifications which reflect the skills and knowledge required to do a job effectively. They are achieved through assessment and training. Assessment is normally through on the job observation and questioning in the workplace, but some sessions may take place at college.
Trainees produce evidence to prove that they have the competence to meet the NVQ standards.
Generally, to be eligible for an Apprenticeship you must:
Those who have successfully completed their Apprenticeship may wish to continue to study for the Advanced Apprenticeship (NVQ Lwevel III).
Funding for Training
As far as we are aware, funding for short courses on the safe use of sports turf machinery and equipment is not available. However, some local authorities may help with funding for safe use of pesticides or arboriculture training if they are keen to promote good environmental practice – contact your local council’s environmental department.
Funding for apprenticeships is more readily available and more information on this can be found at:
or contact your local land-based college.
Check out the LANTRA website to identify the course most suitable for you. www.lantra-awards.co.uk For further information, go to the Short Courses section.
