BIGGA has announced a new partnership with Baroness which will enhance the Association’s commitment to the continuing education of greenkeepers.
The first of the Association’s new client deals will see Baroness, who have been producing specialist grass-cutting machinery for almost 50 years, back a scholarship scheme which will help BIGGA members gain their technical and supervisory qualifications.
Under the terms of the agreement, Baroness will support BIGGA members who cannot access funding for their NVQ Level 3 Sportsturf qualification. If the member meets the required criteria they will receive 50% of their course fees up to a maximum of £1,000.
BIGGA’s Learning & Development Manager Sami Strutt said: “We’re excited about this partnership which further supports our ever increasing focus on education.
“NVQ Level 3 is a critical level for greenkeepers looking to progress to a supervisory role, and we’re proud to be able to offer support to these greenkeepers who are clearly fully committed to achieving the best in their careers.
“We’re very pleased that Baroness are supporting this initiative and look forward to helping many greenkeepers access this demanding yet hugely rewarding and beneficial qualification.”
Baroness is the brand name for the Kyoeisha Corporation of Japan, who currently offer a wide range of mowers from hand-pushed to self-propelled walk and rider machines. Baroness is the market leader in Japan and are continuing to expand worldwide, particularly in the USA and Europe. They have been a firm supporter of BTME in recent years and have increased their stand space for the 2014 exhibition.
Managing Director Ian Kerry said: “Baroness is very pleased to be working as partners with BIGGA. We hope that, especially through our support of the Level 3 Scholarship programme, we can help those in the greenkeeping profession who want to attain a level of competency through personal development that will help them throughout their careers.
“We are looking forward to a long and fruitful partnership as we continue to push forward with Baroness in the UK. ”
Baroness will be showing their latest machines on Stand B78 at BTME 2014.
Baroness www.baronessuk.com
BIGAA www.bigga.org.uk