The future of turfcare education: from classroom to club
We spoke with Bradley Tennant, the newly appointed Director of Education at the GroundsFest Academy, about his vision for the future of learning in turfcare.
The education sector plays a vital role within the sports turf industry. Right now, it’s one of the key ways we attract new talent, whilst also retaining experienced professionals.
Education has evolved. It’s no longer limited to either practical or theory-based learning. Today, there are multiple pathways; certifications, apprenticeships, and even unaccredited courses. The growing emphasis on hands-on, practical training is particularly exciting - people can learn a skill and apply it immediately at their clubs the very same day.
One of my aims over the coming years is to support this shift even further. I want to give back to an industry that has given me so much. Over time, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge from countless individuals in this field. I think back to my Level 2 and 3 horticulture courses: we were handed a folder and some paper - that was our entire toolkit.
Education has changed dramatically and the days of monotonous seminars for younger learners are behind us. While traditional classroom-style teaching still has value, today’s learners seek dynamic, practical and engaging experiences. We want sessions to be informative, interactive and enjoyable. Technology allows us to produce videos, posters, and other rich content that make learning far more engaging.
GroundsFest Academy – what to expect
Our vision for the Academy is to bring something fresh to the industry. We don’t want to be just another educational provider. I’ve seen both skills gaps and systemic gaps in the current educational landscape and I want to address them. There’s enormous room for improvement.
We’re not beholden to outside agendas and being part of GroundsFest gives us the flexibility to try new approaches without unnecessary constraints. Our recent DLF training day in May showed what’s possible; small groups, hands-on learning and genuine engagement.
Education already exists, but we want to present it in a more exciting, impactful format. I bring a lot of passion to this role and I believe that enthusiasm is contagious. If we’re positive and motivated about the education we deliver, that energy will inspire those who attend our sessions.
The feedback from our initial training days has been overwhelmingly positive - even though our official launch isn’t until September. The level of interest confirms there’s a real appetite for a new approach to education.
The first ever GroundsFest Academy event was a huge success, as delegates from across the industry gathered for a free day of hands-on education at DLF UK’s state-of-the-art facility.
Partnerships
We’re also collaborating with BIGGA over the coming years to help shape education across the sector. BIGGA already does a great deal in this area, and we’re excited to contribute and build on that work. There’s a real opportunity to expand and enhance the education currently available.
Turfcare isn’t just about greenkeeping and golf courses - it also includes cricket, tennis, parks and recreational spaces. These areas are often overlooked in favour of golf and football. We want to unite them all under one educational umbrella.
And it’s not just BIGGA. We’re also building relationships with turfcare manufacturers and other organisations. These partnerships will help us deliver the highest-quality education possible.
You’ll see the Academy in a variety of settings. We plan to visit schools and colleges, host career days and introduce students to the world of turfcare. Our goal is to attract people to the industry, train them as they join it and continue supporting their development throughout their careers.
Over the next few months, we’ll be announcing additional education days. Within the next 12 to 24 months, we aim to firmly establish ourselves as a key player in the turfcare education sector. We’ll also have a strong presence at the GroundsFest show, where we’ll deliver live training sessions. I’m genuinely excited about what’s ahead.
We already have eight free education days planned, which will roll out in the coming months. We’re also preparing to offer Lantra certificates and are exploring opportunities in other areas of the sector. The Academy will continue to grow and evolve.
Passion for education
My passion for education comes from several sources, but above all, it’s about giving people the opportunity to learn something new. There’s nothing quite like watching someone take what they’ve learned and immediately put it into practice - it’s incredibly rewarding. Seeing that ‘light bulb moment’ when a student masters a new skill is what it’s all about.
Some of our students have gone on to work all over the world. Knowing you’ve helped someone develop, aim higher and succeed on a global stage is an amazing feeling.
Recently, I received a message from someone I taught just a few months ago. We had covered topics like budgeting and career planning. His message said simply: “Thank you for helping me. I’ve secured a new job and am now looking to progress further.”
That kind of feedback is deeply rewarding. It’s not part of a formal job description - it’s just something I genuinely enjoy.