Flexible learning

This article first appeared in On Course - Issue 22

The GTC receives support from a major Government funding body in a joint initiative intended to improve the quality of work-based training and assessment. Following a meeting at the offices of the Learning & Skills Council (LSC) David Golding, the GTC's Education Director, reports on a joint project, which he feels will result in a further improvement in the delivery of greenkeeping work-based training programmes.

Bolstering work-based training programmes

NEGOTIATIONS have been ongoing between the LSC, Lantra representatives and the GTC to find a way of improving the delivery of NVQ and apprenticeship programmes.

The GTC is still concerned about several aspects of the way some providers deliver the work-based training programmes, in particular the method of assessing candidates.

The GTC is looking to agree a delivery criterion that has the full support of the LSC and Lantra.

As part of the evaluation process, current GTC approved training providers have been invited to take part in a pilot programme to explore delivery patterns that are truly responsive to employers' needs.

The trial, which was due to start in October 2006, involved GTC assessment, alongside the NVQ support infrastructure and an analysis of current Greenkeeping NVQ performance statistics across the sector. Work-based assessors, supported by college staff, will carry out the work and it is expected that four to five colleges will be involved in the trial.

Ultimately the GTC is looking to establish a Centre of Excellence for the employers to register trainees at only the centres who agree to deliver greenkeeping programmes in accordance with the agreed criteria.

The LSC, in fully supporting the project, will have a major controlling factor in that it is they who allocate funding to approved centres to offer the Government programmes, in accordance with industry needs.

The GTC, having invested in Course Manager training to help deliver work-based training, now really is making a fi nal push to cement the golf course/training provider relationship, to ensure both the employer and the learner receive the best possible education and skills training.

Whilst the LSC is only responsible for the funding of education and training programmes in England the GTC will be sharing the evaluation information with all of its Approved Training Providers including those in Scotland and Wales.

Look out for training seminar

All the latest news from the industry will be available to approved training providers through a GTC seminar in January.

The GTC will be inviting all its providers to the updating seminar during Harrogate Week 2007. The invitation-only event will offer delegates the chance to hear updates on all aspects of turf qualification including the very latest news from organisations such as the Lantra Sector Skills Council, awarding bodies NPTC and SQA, Government funding bodies and the GTC.

"Many employees of the approved training providers look to the GTC for support and guidance in the delivery aspects of turf qualifications," said Education Director at the GTC, David Golding.

"And in return we have sought an input from subject specialists in all the materials developed to improve the standards of greenkeeper education and training, such as a training manual and learning materials.

"The seminar will be an excellent opportunity for debate and to exchange ideas all aimed at improving greenkeeper education, training and qualifications," David said.

Admittance at the event is strictly by invitation only. More information is available from David Golding on david@the-gtc.co.uk or by telephoning 01347 838640.

Accessible to all

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.

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.

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.

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. While studying here he also received an R&A scholarship of £1,000 for being an outstanding student. Recognition indeed.

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? 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 a 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 qualifi cations 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.