The Greenkeepers Training Committee (GTC) has announced the appointment of Les Howkins MG, golf course manager at The Richmond Golf Club in Surrey, as the new chairperson for greenkeeping for the Trailblazer Apprenticeship Employer Group.
The Level 2 Golf Greenkeeper Apprenticeship is undergoing a review by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) and Howkins will lead the Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group as it manages and responds to the review, ensuring the successes of the new Apprenticeships are built upon further.
Howkins has been involved with the Trailblazer Group since its inception in 2014 and is a huge advocate for greenkeeper training and education. Having held the post of chairperson of BIGGA from 2015 to 2019 and through his role as golf course manager at one of the most prestigious clubs in the country, he is ideally placed to build on the leadership of former chairperson David Croxton, who sadly passed away in 2020.
Howkins said: “I am excited to take on this role and following the challenging times every golf club has experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to ensure that golf courses continue to be maintained and managed by highly skilled professionals. The ongoing review of the apprenticeship will provide for this need and produce the next generation of golf course managers.”
Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO and GTC board member, said: “Les has a proven track record of leading committees and boards in our sector which, coupled with his passion for education, makes him the ideal candidate to lead the Trailblazer group at this time. With the Level 2 apprenticeship having been such an outstanding success in England and with Levels 3 and 5 poised to do likewise, we are at an exciting time for greenkeeper training.”
Fiona Lyttle, Learning and Development executive (GTC), said: “We were saddened with the loss of David, who was instrumental as the first Trailblazer Chairman for Golf Greenkeeping. With his guidance and determination, the GTC was able to build an excellent Apprenticeship programme from Level 2 to Level 5.
“We were delighted and privileged to be able to appoint Les as the new Trailblazer chairperson. Being an active employer and advocate for greenkeeping education, the Trailblazer group and I are looking forward to working with Les to maintain the level of apprenticeships our employers have become accustomed to and to ensure they have quality golf facilities for their members to enjoy.”
The Greenkeeping Trailblazer Employer Group and Trailblazer Apprenticeship programme is supported by variety of golf clubs, including The Richmond, Frilford Heath, Colne Valley,, Gaudet Luce, Portmore, Trentham and Worplesdon, as well as England Golf.
Notes to editors
The Greenkeepers Training Committee (GTC) is the independent organisation representing British golf club employers and greenkeepers through a Board of Directors, Advisory Groups and working alongside the Learning & Development department of the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA).
The GTC was set up as the industry body to promote the career of greenkeeping in England, Scotland and Wales by ensuring the provision of quality education and training. In consultation with golf club employers and training providers, the GTC has developed the quality learning opportunities the golfing industry requires.
For more about the GTC, you can visit our website