The greenkeeping industry has been at the forefront of dramatic changes to how apprenticeships in England are administered, thanks to the hard work of the Greenkeepers Training Committee (GTC).
As one of the Government’s ‘Trailblazers’, the GTC has worked together with City & Guilds and is proud to announce the launch the new Certificate in Golf Greenkeeping in England.
The apprenticeship reforms are intended to engage with the employer more, to get them involved with education and ensure staff are trained to the highest possible standards. And the new certificate reflects these rising standards and builds upon the recently updated GTC-accredited training manual for greenkeepers.
Susie Brennan, portfolio manager at City & Guilds, said: “The improved training materials, developed by the GTC and their technical working group, will undoubtedly raise the quality of education within the sector and produce highly-knowledgeable professionals.”
As this is a new qualification, centres are being invited to complete a City & Guilds Approvals form. Those centres which are currently GTC Quality Assured can complete the fast track approval form. Centres that are not GTC QA approved will be required to complete an approval form.
To get started, employers and trainees can contact the GTC, BIGGA or England Golf for further information on apprenticeships. As the trainee will have to be registered with a training provider, apprentices will be directed to centres that will deliver the education most appropriate to their needs. The lead training provider will agree a programme of training and develop an individual learning plan with the trainee and employer. The provider will register the trainee with the awarding body, and once that is done they will be able to access the training manual, which can be available either via an e-learning platform or in hard copy format.
When the apprentice is registered, the GTC will be notified and the Quality Assurance process can be put in place. The GTC will ensure trainees experience a quality programme of training and education and processes will be put in place to monitor the progress of each trainee and ensure the programme of education is being upheld.
When all parties agree the trainee is ready for the end point assessments, the training provider will liaise with City & Guilds to co-ordinate the series of end point assessments. This will include an online knowledge test, a trainee statement that summarises their training, and practical end assessments at the trainees own place of work. All of the above will be graded pass, merit, distinction or fail.
Monitoring the quality of training and education will enhance the credibility of those undertraining the Certificate in Golf Greenkeeping. For more details visit www.cityandguilds.com/qualifications