The GTC, as one of the Government’s Apprenticeship Trailblazer organisations, was represented at a Downing Street reception on Thursday 6 March.
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, the GTC have joined other Trailblazer companies, who are also committed to ensuring the Apprenticeship for their sector. The GTC Apprenticeship scheme will be designed by golf club employers and aims to produce the next generation of greenkeepers and Golf Course Managers.
David Croxton, Proprietor of Cold Ashby Golf Club and Chair of the GTC’s Trailblazer Group attended the Reception with Ryan Bezzant, an apprentice from Ealing Golf Club.
David said: “It was an honour to represent the GTC at such a prestigious event and to see greenkeeping recognised at this level. It was a proud moment for me, having seen the progress the profession has made over recent years, through the work of the GTC and its representative bodies.
Ryan added, “Having been selected by the GTC to represent all current apprentices from across England, it was a truly memorable occasion and one I will remember for the rest of my life. I now want to focus on my apprenticeship at Ealing Golf Club and take this opportunity to thank my family, all my colleagues at the golf club for supporting me on my apprenticeship journey so far.”
David Golding, GTC’s Education Director added, “It is such a proud day for the greenkeeping sector and many people should take credit for all the hard work that has given the GTC Trailblazer status. We now need to reform the apprenticeship to take education and training to whole new level and ensure our apprentices become global ambassadors for golf greenkeeping.
For further information on Golf Greenkeeping including the Apprenticeship contact:
David Golding, GTC Education Director – Email: david@the-gtc.co.uk Tel: 01347 838640 Mobile: 07831 222659
Paul Keeling, Club Services Manager, England Golf – Email: p.keeling@englandgolf.org Tel: 01526 351818
Jim Croxton, Chief Executive Officer, BIGGA – Email: jim.croxton@bigga.co.uk Tel: 01347 833822 Mobile: 07799 111860