Training & Development
content is engaging and state-of-the- art; both in sports turf information and the way it is delivered. As part of the project, we are also enhancing areas of online learning in sports turf, such as the live online classrooms and collaborative learning through social media.”
To view an example of the interactive learning package, hover over the Pitchcare app image on the previous page.
MyResearch - Sports Turf Research and Industry Partnerships
Ben Proctor
MyApprenticeship - Newly appointed Apprentice Ben Proctor reflects on his career choice
Newly appointed Apprentice Greenkeeper, Ben Proctor, aged 18 from Lytham St Annes, works at Fairhaven Golf Club, and reflects on his own career choices and why he has chosen Greenkeeping as a profession.
It’s been an exciting year at Fairhaven with the accolade of being recently awarded Outstanding Environmental Project of the Year in the recent Golf Environmental Awards. Ben is working towards his Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Horticulture - Sportsturf - Greenkeeping. This will take him approximately twenty months to complete.
Q&A with Ben Proctor
What made you choose an Apprenticeship?
“I wanted to learn a trade that has a future and also be able to earn some money at the same time. I didn’t want full time college, and the Apprenticeship really does give me the best of both worlds.”
Why Greenkeeping?
“I love being outdoors and working in all weathers and I also enjoy the early starts. I can see the importance of maintaining the course to the highest possible standards, and trying my best at all times. The standards are very high here at Fairhaven and it’s great to work as part of a team.”
How is the Apprenticeship going so far?
“The team here at Fairhaven are really supportive and I am learning new skills all the time on the job. I get regular visits from my college tutor and also have knowledge questions, research and evidence to gather. So far, so good, I am really enjoying it.”
Do you play golf?
“As yet, no, but I played a lot of football, and was previously an apprentice from 16 to 18 at Accrington Stanley. I would really like to learn in the future.”
What about your career in the future?
“Who knows, maybe one day I can be a Head Greenkeeper myself.”
The College’s commitment to advancing its portfolio of research activity within the turf sector remains high on the agenda this year. The benefits this brings in enhancing industry partnerships, quality of provision and student experience is fundamental in expanding this resource. Three members of Myerscough College staff have already, this year, submitted research papers to the 4th European Turfgrass Society Conference in Osnabrueck, Germany.
The main theme of the conference this year is balancing turfgrass performance and sustainability. Good luck to Stewart Brown, Jonathan Knowles and Dr Andrew Owen as they await news as to whether or not their papers have been accepted.
MyCareer - Ex Apprentice James turns Workbased Sportsturf Tutor
In response to continued growth in the demand for workplace training, new tutors James Billington and Thomas Wood, have recently joined the Myerscough team. In this addition, James Billington, Sportsturf Work- based Tutor, shares his industry experiences, career choices and the reasons for joining the team at Myerscough College.
“I began my Greenkeeping career in 2002 with an Apprenticeship position at Ellesmere Port Golf Club on the Wirral, studying day release at college to gain my Level 2 qualification.
After about a year, I moved to an assistant position at Portal Premier Golf Club in Cheshire, where I finished my Level 2 and progressed to an Advanced Apprenticeship working towards my Level 3 qualification.
Whilst studying for this in 2006, my college tutor entered my name for the BIGGA/Toro Greenkeeper Student of the Year Award in which I was placed runner up.
In 2009, I successfully applied for a Ransomes Jacobsen scholarship to fund the initiation of my foundation degree with Myerscough College. On successful completion of the first years study, I was invited to complete my study period under scholarship of the R&A and was fortunate enough to visit St Andrews and the stunning Askernish on South Uist in the
James Billington
Outer Hebrides with a selection of my fellow R&A Scholars.
On returning to work from Askernish I was offered the Deputy position at Portal Golf Club; a position I held for around two years before taking my own Head Greenkeeper position at Poulton Park Golf Club in Warrington, where I worked for just short of three years. The position at Myerscough College allows me to make best use of the skills and knowledge I have accumulated over my professional and academic career.
I have very much followed a work-based pathway with my own continued professional development and have made the best of all opportunities offered to me during my time as a student. I feel that my career achievements and personal experiences of the work-based education system present a valuable source of motivation and inspiration for the students with whom I shall work with in my new role.”
The year ahead is another exciting one for
Myerscough and we look forward to keeping you informed through our educational partnership with Pitchcare, on our
progress in tackling a challenging ‘to do’ list and working with industry to deliver the high standards of training and research activity demanded by the sector.
For further information on any of Myerscough College’s training opportunities please contact our Employer Services team on 01995 642255 or email;
employerenquiries@myerscough.ac.uk
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