Training places available in the workplace

Training for workplace assessment gathers momentum

By Andrew Bannister

As another growing season comes to an end many golf course managers and head greenkeepers are signing up for courses which will ensure their club harvests the benefits of workplace training for greenkeeping employees.

This programme was given a huge boost earlier this year when over half a million pounds of European Social Fund money was secured to fund GTC training programmes directly benefiting golf club employees. A similar amount of money is being put in by the industry, meaning over £1 million is available to boost workplace assessment between now and the end of 2004.

David Golding, GTC Education Director, commented: "With another increase in the number of students registering for work-based training, enlightened employers are recognising the very real advantages of being able to develop workplace-based assessment on site.

"Course managers are vital to this process, and I am pleased to say that may of them have already expressed interest in being trained as assessors. This initiative is an important way of ensuring local managers are at the heart of training and can tailor it exactly to the needs of a particular employer.

"Workplace-based training has been going on informally for many years, but in today's ultra-competitive climate a more structured and formal process is essential, balancing flexibility with ensuring a consistency of standards nationally.

"Training places are still available, and I would urge all employers who have not yet considered this programme to think carefully about the benefits and sign up now before they get left behind."

THE ESF bid, made in partnership with Plan-It Training, will benefit up to 200 greenkeepers. Training as workplace assessors is seen very much as part of a wider process of ensuring the professional development of course managers and head greenkeepers.

The GTC and Plan-It have trained in excess of 800 Course Managers in recent years Employers are advised to check with the GTC if they are in any doubt about whether their Course Manager is qualified.

For more details contact David Golding on 01347 838640 or e-mail golf@the-gtc.co.uk