NATURAL TURF Lessons for groundscare’s future
Acknowledging the fact that the groundscare industry is dominated by an older generation, the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) is set to encourage more youngsters into the sector
H
ighlighting a ‘ticking time bomb’ in groundscare due to the lack of skills and an industry dominated by an
older generation workforce, the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) is currently implementing a raft of developments de- signed to make groundsmanship a career of choice for the younger generation. According to Ian Lacy, the IOG’s head
of professional services, while the results of the ‘Grounds Management – a hidden profession’ survey conducted in 2007 were “a real alarm call”, they also ef- fectively endorsed what the IOG already knew: that too few young people were signing up for a career in groundscare. “It’s an industry that, quite erroneous-
ly, is perceived by many as a career path suited only to youngsters who perhaps cannot apply themselves academically,” says Lacy. “However, groundscare is a challenging and stimulating industry;
the modern groundsperson has to be as much a turf scientist, man-management expert and professional communicator as they are able to maintain natural and synthetic turf playing surfaces in first class condition all year-round, whatever the weather.”
Learning pathway In order to attract the younger gen- eration to enlist and progress in the industry, the IOG has been developing social networks like Twitter and Face- book, smart phone applications and has created a Young Board of Directors to help the industry shift its image towards one that youngsters aspire to. These new initiatives complement
the institute’s existing pathway to help youngsters enter and progress within the industry, which includes: • The Alex R Millar Bursary Awards of up to £500 for three years
• The IOG is a licensed provider of the Duke of Edinburgh Award • The IOG publication and distribution of the ‘Expand Your knowledge – a Career in Groundsmanship’ booklet to public and private secondary schools in the UK • The creation of the innovative Moodle virtual learning environment, where students are assigned a tutor and can study at a time and pace that suits • The IOG’s accreditation as a City and Guilds/NPTC-approved delivery body and a provider of qualifications and courses accredited in line with National Occupational Standards (Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4) • The launch of a dedicated annual award – the IOG Young Groundsman of the Year • The IOG Continuing Professional De- velopment (CPD) scheme • The IOG has become a National Accredited Apprenticeship Provider
Issue 4 2010 © cybertrek 2010
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