The next steps in turf education

As the Bernhard Academy continues to develop, we spoke with the newly appointed Director of Education Craig Haldane to discuss its development.

Craig started by conveying the vision and mission of the Academy: "Our vision is simple; to be globally recognised as leaders in professionalising our industry and developing the people within it.

As a brand, Bernhard and Company is globally recognised. Now, it is about making the Bernhard Academy the same. The mission is how we achieve the vision. We forge meaningful partnerships with like-minded people and businesses who want to teach the next generation."

Craig also emphasised the importance of differentiating between Bernhard and Company and The Bernhard Academy: "The Academy will be something completely separate from the Bernhard organisation. It will not be used to sell products, but intended solely for the purpose of education."

The goal is to build the Academy to not only become a UK brand, but also go global. "We are looking at opening more facilities to give a learning opportunity to more people across the UK. We need to help youngsters to see the importance of learning information. Whether that's through gaining NVQs or going through college. Education needs to feel like a reward. We want to link practicality and education and give people a hands-on approach."

Craig outlined what made him want to get involved with education within the turf industry: "It is something I have always enjoyed. My interest really spiked back in 2012, when I was invited to share information in Dubai. I became passionate and empowered when speaking about the knowledge and experiences that I have gathered throughout my career and my life."

Director of Education Craig Haldane

When discussing his own development, Craig tips his hat to mentorship: "You don't really recognise a great mentor when you are being taught. However, you can look back and think 'That mentor was really ahead of his time'. For example, when I was in the Middle East, my general manager at the time was Michael Braidwood - he was a great mentor. He gave me the opportunity to develop and, if I hadn't had those opportunities, I wouldn't be where I am today."

Craig brings a vast amount of experience to the Academy - from working in the scorching sun in the Middle East, to dealing with the harsh cold in his previous role as Golf Courses Manager at Gleneagles. Craig highlighted how he will use his experience to help the next generation of grounds people and greenkeepers: "I went into greenkeeping with no certification in agronomy. I just did every job that was asked of me and I became obsessed with what I was doing. I needed to know more, I wanted to know more and that's when the education aspect came into it. That's what we will try to implement."

Craig reflected on transitioning from working outside in the elements to working on developing the next generation of greenkeepers: "I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss parts of the outdoor job. For twenty-six years, I managed golf courses and I love being outdoors. Although, the 4am alarm every morning is something I don't miss so much! The transition has been smooth though and I find myself being more connected to others in the industry. I am now spending my time building relationships, as well as sharing information about the Academy and what we want to achieve."

He draws on an analogy when explaining how he wants to interweave education and experience: "You cannot beat experience, but education behind that experience becomes fundamentally more important as you progress through your career."

Craig simplified why leadership and management skills need to be implemented: "Quite often, a course manager and the deputy may have both been at a course for a long period of time. Rightly so, the deputy then gets the opportunity to be promoted. He soon realises that he needs to know how to communicate with a community and how to produce a budget, plus outlining a five-year forecast and nutritional plans for the course. Both have received little training, but they now need to know what they are putting down and why - as opposed to just being told to do it."

"As a new head greenkeeper, another situation suddenly put in front of you is managing other people. Learning how to get the best out of others and how to engage and develop a team. I want to build great teams, who want to come to work every day. The Bernhard Academy Leadership and Management Series will really investigate developing those communication skills to build a great work environment and culture to allow a team to thrive."

Craig highlighted the importance of a 'positive image' and leading by example: "If you go into the clubhouse, take a spare change of clothes. If you go into the clubhouse with muddy shoes and kit on, people will say 'Oh there's the greenkeeper'. That change of attire into something smarter might change the perspective to 'Oh that's the course manager'.

If we don't change how we present ourselves, then people will not change their perspective on greenkeepers."

He summarised by highlighting the importance of education: "Education is extremely important, as it forms the basis of knowledge to then be able to make decisions. I won't suggest that without education you won't succeed because I have met many great leaders within the industry who have not had the education, but they have a vast amount of knowledge and are successful."

The Bernhard Academy Leadership & Management Series explained

• Due to launch in Autumn.
• A series of workshops aimed at the supervisor level, management level and middle management level.
• A series of courses focused on management in a workshop environment. This will most likely run for no more than two days.
• Building some great partnerships within the industry. The aim is to get a vast amount of people who can deliver information at the Academy.
• Content on mower set-up training and sharpening techniques to be redefined and improved.
• Teaching about a positive image for the modern greenkeeper.