New working group to set education standard

GTC WORKING GROUP TO SET EDUCATIONAL STANDARD

GREENKEEPER education is set to take a major step forward with the establishment by the Greenkeepers Training Committee of a working group of sector specialists who will develop standard learning materials based on best practice and principles for golf course maintenance.

The skills which trainee greenkeepers learn on vocational courses are vital to the long-term success of the industry, but up until now employers have not been able to influence the educational content of such training courses.

The new move, which has the full support of awarding bodies such as City and Guilds, will address one of the long-held concerns of the GTC about the variability of what is taught. The working group aim to develop the learning materials by this autumn for the Sports Turf (Greenkeeping) National Occupational Standards - NVQ's and SVQs Levels 2 and 3.

Dr Mike Canaway, Chairman of the GTC Technical Committee, said: "Standardising education and learning information for our approved training providers is essential. This move will give employers extra confidence that their greenkeeping staff are learning what they really need to know. There has been an overwhelming level of support for what we are aiming to achieve."

David Golding, GTC Education Director, added: "This initiative by the GTC will further strengthen the partnership between the industry and its training providers. Since the introduction of vocational qualifications, the awarding body representatives who regulate training providers have had no direct involvement with what is taught to greenkeeping trainees.

"This aspect of Greenkeeper education is fundamental to the future standards of golf courses and if students are not taught the correct principles and best practices from day one then golf course conditions will inevitably decline."

For more details contact David Golding on 01347 838640 or e-mail golf@the-gtc.co.uk