GTC TO REVIEW APPROVED TRAINING PROVIDER NETWORK

The Greenkeepers Training Committee is conducting a review of all its 28 approved training providers in the United Kingdom and Ireland, in a move aimed at ensuring that all are offering courses of a high quality standard.

A report on the findings of the review will be made to the GTC Board in August. The training providers have a wide geographical spread, with 19 in England, five in Scotland, two in Wales, one in Northern Ireland one in the Republic of Ireland.

David Golding, GTC Education Director, said this week:

"As the body which works hard to strengthen the partnership between providers and the industry, we believe it is vital that there is some kind of independent assessment by ourselves which looks at all aspects of the turf education and training being offered by the providers.

"Whilst we already know there is a great deal of good work going on, it is important we take an impartial look at the wider picture so we can be sure that a consistently high standard of education is being offered.

"In recent times there has been a big increase in greenkeeping training numbers, together with changes in the way training is delivered, combined with some difficult times in some agricultural and horticulture colleges. This review is timely and will be looking at a wide range of evidence, including the detailed reports provided by the Government inspections.

"The review will also include discussions with representatives from the awarding bodies such as City & Guilds and the Scottish Qualifications Authority."

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