Sports Turf Apprenticeship - on track to beat national completion rate average by over 50%

Press Releasein Training & Education

Sports Turf Apprenticeship -on track to beat national completion rate average by over 50%

Press Release

warkwick-col-Sports-Turf-1.jpg

It is strongly indicated that Warwickshire College's completion rates for its Sports Turf Apprenticeship are likely to beat the national average by over 50%.

Chris Robson, Manager of Zenith Apprenticeships at Warwickshire College, said, "Warwickshire College's completion rate for the Sports Turf Apprenticeship stands at an impressive 85%. Last year's national average was 25%, and everything is pointing to a similar rate this year - the national average at May 2005 was only at 25% as well.

"We attribute Warwickshire College's excellent result to the high level of support that we give our apprentices, as well as the attention we pay to forging and maintaining strong links with employers. "

To celebrate this result, a ceremony was recently held at Warwickshire College's Moreton Morrell Centre that was attended by David Golding, Education Director of the Greenkeepers' Training Committee (GTC).

During the celebrations, Mr Golding presented sports turf and landscape horticulture apprentices at Warwickshire College with certificates to mark the completion of their Apprenticeships.

Mr Golding said: "This Apprenticeship is a passport to take you either on to higher education or to work within the turf sector anywhere in the world. Now, with the support of the excellent turf team at Warwickshire College, I sincerely hope you continue to develop your careers as you have chosen a wonderful profession."

As well as gaining a Sports Turf NVQ Level 2, the 18 apprentices who completed the programme gained qualifications in Key Skills, Basic First Aid and the Safe Use of Pesticide Application.

Based on his own experience as an apprentice greenkeeper, Mr Golding added:
"The majority of today's top golf course and stadium managers all started their professions as apprentices and now trainees completing the Apprenticeship programme have a terrific opportunity to follow in their footsteps."

Funded by the Learning and Skills Council Coventry and Warwickshire, Zenith Apprenticeships at Warwickshire College offer Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships in Sports Turf Management and Landscape Horticulture, as well as in a wide range of other industry areas. For more information please freephone 0800 783 67 67 or email enquiries@warkscol.ac.uk

For more information contact Sam Elvyhart on 01788 338677 or email selvyhart@warkscol.ac.uk or see our web site www.warkscol.ac.uk

Photo details: At Warwickshire College's sports turf celebration ceremony: Centre: David Golding, Education Director of the Greenkeepers' Training Committee (GTC) with Nathan Manktelow (left) and Simon Clements (right), who have both completed their Sports Turf Apprenticeships.




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