Improve your career prospects at BTME

Continue to Learn 2015 at BTME 2015 is off to a flying start with bookings pouring in - and if you're a young greenkeeper looking to improve your career prospects and make the next move it's vital for you to attend.

It's important to note that Continue to Learn and the Turf Managers' Conference is not just for Course Managers and Head Greenkeepers - in fact this year the focus more than ever is on Assistant Greenkeepers.

The offering covers everything assistants need to progress in their career including mechanics, budgeting, people management, managing conflict and grass identification.

Tom Freeman, First Assistant Greenkeeper at Kingsdown Golf Club, is already looking forward to attending his first Turf Managers' Conference, which will feature topics as diverse as soil properties, customer service awareness, change resilience, organic matter management and water conservation!

He said: "Seeing presentations from speakers who are right at the top of industry can only help my career, ultimately I want to work my way up to be a Course Manager one day and I think attending these sort of educational events gives me a head start.

"You can use any aspect of the Continue to Learn programme to your advantage. There were so many I was interested in attending, from ecology to grass composition, but I've decided to go to the 'Mathematics for Modern Greenkeepers' Workshop. This is an area that I know I need to work on so it's ideal for me to develop my skills."

Don't forget that there are many Seminars which are completely free to attend. Turn to the yellow section of the Continue to Learn booklet which was sent to all members alongside October's issue of Greenkeeper International. All you have to do is pre-book your spot then get yourself to Harrogate! These include presentations on guidelines for using fertilisers, stress management in turf, managing fairy rings and more. Sam Evans, Deputy Head Greenkeeper at Oakland Park Golf Club, is even presenting a seminar on how BIGGA's many educational and development opportunities can benefit your career.

Continue to Learn places are being snapped up so book now to avoid disappointment. Visit www.btme.org.uk or click on the 'Events' tab on the BIGGA website to reserve your place.