Now in its third year, the BIGGA Future Turf Managers Initiative (FTMI), which provides intensive personal and professional training for aspiring head greenkeepers and course managers, opens for applications on December 1st, 2014. With the continuing support of Jacobsen, this is an unmissable educational opportunity for BIGGA members, especially those who want to advance their careers in the near future.
Sami Strutt, Head of Member Development at BIGGA said, “We are indebted to Jacobsen for their continued support of this initiative, now in its third year. In conjunction with the Jacobsen team we critically review it immediately after very event and this has enabled us to keep it fresh and make it an outstanding learning opportunity for our members.”
Selection will be limited to 20 delegates, who will be invited to attend Jacobsen’s Ipswich headquarters for an intense three days of first-class education, utilising the expertise of leading Course Managers as mentors, dynamic trainers and industry experts. Applications, online via the BIGGA website, begin on 1 December and will need a nominator from the industry.
Last year Kevin Glazier, Deputy Head Greenkeeper at Royal Mid Surrey Golf Club, was one of the delegates who attended FTMI. Commenting on the experience he said,
“It’s an intense few days but a fantastic opportunity! To speak to the other delegates and the mentors was fascinating as you can discuss aspects of greenkeeping you wouldn’t normally discuss. The FTMI really made me focus on my greenkeeping goal – to become a Course Manager. It was an honour to be selected and something I would strongly recommend applying for.”
FTMI 2015 will take place on 24-26 March 2015, and subjects include:
- Communications
- Budgeting
- Leadership
- Team management
- CV writing and interview techniques
- Volunteering
The ideal candidate will show initiative, dedication to greenkeeping, a genuine interest in the industry and be actively involved in education at both a regional and a national level.
Lee Strutt, golf course superintendent at gWest in Perthshire since 2008, is one of the mentors. A passionate believer in continuous professional development, he has recently been accredited as a Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
“This is an exceptional opportunity for aspiring greenkeepers to further their careers. This is a not an easy workshop; it’s an intensive three days for the delegates and my fellow mentors, but nonetheless very rewarding for everyone involved with the programme,” he said.
Alan Prickett, Managing Director, Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd added, “Investing in the professional and personal development of greenkeepers is part of the ethos across the Jacobsen organisation, both here in the UK and around the globe. We understand the value of education and the importance to our industry of having highly skilled and motivated leaders in the future. The FTMI will provide young greenkeepers with the tools to enhance their skills and reach the very top.
“The first two events surpassed our expectations and we are delighted to be continuing our partnership with BIGGA to deliver this programme. I would urge any determined greenkeeper out there to apply quickly for a place on the 2015 initiative; it could be career changing!”
Only BIGGA members can apply and applications will only be taken via the online system. A panel from BIGGA and Jacobsen will select the successful delegates. If you require any further information, please email sami@bigga.co.uk
Ransomes Jacobsen www.ransomesjacobsen.com
BIGGA www.bigga.org.uk