Press releases
GTC plays key role in flexible learning
11 December 2006
The GTC has played a major role in the development of higher education learning within the greenkeeping sector.
This development is a direct response to requests from the industry to help further the lifelong learning plan supported by the government for industry, according to Wayne Roberts, curriculum leader for greenkeeping and horticulture at Elmwood College, Fife.
The interest in the delivery of higher education into the greenkeeping and sportsturf industry has been met with the development of HNC, HND, Foundation Degree and First Degree courses in Golf Course management and Turf Science.
“What makes these courses interesting is the accessibility to these programmes of study through the various options of delivery that are available to the industry to ensure that both the qualification aims are met and the ‘employability’ of the learner is maintained through the balance of academic understanding linked with vocational experience and career relevance,” said Wayne.
Greenkeepers can now study with the provider of their choice, through full time, part time and distance learning options and at an agreed time scale that meets the needs of the learner, the industry and the awarding body.
The main benefit to the individual is that distance is no barrier to learning with HE qualifications now available online. With learning packages only a click away, the office at work, the spare bedroom at home or the kitchen table can become the classroom as well.
“This is an important development because it now provides access to learning for Greenkeepers and Course Managers who cannot give up employment to study full time but wish to continue their professional development,” Wayne said.
“But just as much as the learner gets the direct benefit of the qualification, the employer and the golf course also benefit too, by providing the existing workforce with access to up to date knowledge and skills which can only help to benefit the long term of interests of the business.
“Here at Elmwood College we are continually working closely with the greenkeeping industry, the GTC and other industry partners to develop a range of HE qualifications that meet the needs of the industry and yet are flexible enough to provide bespoke learning opportunities for individuals undertaking the programme” he added.
One student who has benefited from the HE programme at Elmwood College is Mark Bewley. Mark, originally from Dublin, was working in the south of France when he came to Elmwood to complete his HNC in Golf Course Management. Whilst studying he also received an R&A scholarship of £1,000 for being an outstanding student.
The HNC course helped to open up new opportunities for Mark including joining Gerry Byrne and his crew at the K Club in Co. Kildare, hosting the European Open and of course the recent Ryder Cup.
“But what of the future?” said Wayne. “With an HE qualification supporting extensive vocational experience, Mark is returning to his native Dublin to be an assistant at the Grange Golf Club and taking on new responsibilities including the installation of new irrigation system under the direction of Head Greenkeeper, Jon Palmer another successful Elmwood HNC Graduate.”
The success that Mark has enjoyed helps to highlight the important link that must be developed between the qualification, the industry and the progression opportunities that it can provide.
As HE qualifications improve not only their relevance and recognition within the industry, so will the opportunities available to graduates.
Over the past five years several students studying on our HE programmes have gone on to not only develop their professional qualifications through BSc and MSc programmes at university, but also develop and widen their vocational experience.
They have successfully obtained key industry positions such as course managers and developed into new industry areas such as course consultancy and research and development where their first hand knowledge and experience of the greenkeeping industry makes for an extremely employable asset to the organisation.
