Work Related Qualifications
The main differences between workbased (vocational qualifications) and work related qualifications are in the area of assessment. Candidates for vocational qualifications are assessed ‘at work’ whereas work related qualifications are usually assessed by examinations and relate to the National Occupational Standards.
There is a wide range of work related qualifications that are offered by the GTC Approved Training Providers and by visiting the Providers' websites the various courses, including delivery methods, can be viewed.
National Certificate (NC)
This is a Level 2 qualification and is popular for those students who cannot find employment and are willing and able to attend one of the approved training provider colleges.
This course can be studied full time or part time. It includes a wide range of theory and practical subjects plus an extended period of work experience. Successful students can progress to e.g. a National Diploma Course or a Foundation Degree in England and Wales, or in Scotland progress to Higher National Certificate/Diploma.
Advanced National Certificate (ANC)
The Advanced National Certificate (ANC) is often a popular college based course/qualification that sits between N/SVQ Levels 2 & 3.
National Diploma (ND)
This course is designed for students who are destined for supervisory and management positions. It includes management as well as the science of turf management. This course also includes an extended period of work experience.
Foundation Degree in Sports Turf
A limited number of colleges in association with Universities offer the Foundation Degree (England & Wales) with Scotland offering the Higher National Certificate/Diploma.
The Foundation Degree is superseding the Higher National Diploma in England and Wales. It can be studied on a full or part time basis or by distance learning and on-line. It is assessed by assignments, case studies and by examinations. Successful graduates can progress via a one-year course to a B.Sc (Hons) qualification.
Foundation degrees are designed for students who wish to progress into positions in golf course management.
B.Sc (Hons) Turfgrass Science
This four-year full time course is designed to give a wide-ranging education in turfgrass science.
M.Sc Sports Surface Technology
This course is a combination of academic, technical and practical training looking at the fundamental and applied aspects of sports surface technology, together with an industry orientated research project. The course is available on a full or part-time basis and could take up to five years to complete (on a part-time basis) and it is delivered by Cranfield University.
Certificates of Competence
There are also Certificates of Competence (CoC’s) available through Approved Centres and often cover legislative requirements including Health & Safety, machinery maintenance and use, Safe Use of Pesticides, Tractor use etc.
At this point it should be pointed out that golf course employers throughout Europe prefer their golf course staff to have the skills as well as knowledge and the GTC would encourage anybody thinking of becoming a greenkeeper or aiming to become a Golf Course or Estates Manager to gain as much experience as possible from Day 1.
The career path shows the two distinct routes however students can jump across from the more work-based Vocational Qualifications to the college delivered ANC/HNC/D Foundation Degree.
