A New National Award From Myerscough College

Sportsturf Mechanisation - A New National Award From Myerscough College

By Gemma Keenan

Myerscough College near Preston, Lancashire is to launch a new training programme specifically aimed at the development of knowledge and skills related to the increasingly sophisticated range of sportsturf machinery found on greens and pitches throughout the country.

The new National Certificate in Sportsturf Mechanisation will begin in September, and in addition to dealing with core subjects such as turfgrass agronomy and soil science, will also place an emphasis on the maintenance and operation of mechanised sportsturf equipment in a safe and effective manner. This will include both mowing equipment and a wide range of turf management machinery such as aeration machines, The course will also provide for training in the maintenance of cutting equipment through effective grinding and sharpening operations.

In addition to the award of a National Certificate through City & Guilds, successful students will also come away with Certificates of Competence in the Safe Use of Mowers and Turf Care Equipment through the National Proficiency Test Council. Brian King, Sportsturf Machinery Lecturer at Myerscough comments, "We are very conscious that the equipment used in sportsturf has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years and now represents the latest technological innovations available.

Machinery purchase and maintenance costs are some of the highest items on the Greenkeeper and Groundsman budget. Yet such equipment is only as good as the person using it - poorly maintained and operated machines can be worse than no machines at all." This intermediate level yearlong course can be studied on a full or part time basis and will serve to meet the increasing demand for skilled sportsturf machinery technicians.

For further details please contact Brian King at Myerscough College on 01995 642222 or Course Enquiries on 01995 642211 or E-Mail: gkeenan@myerscough.ac.uk