Welcome to my first education and training blog. I'll keep it brief and hopefully useful. My aim here is not to instruct how to suck duck eggs, but to try and offer some guidance and support to anyone thinking about, or presently undertaking some Greenkeeping education.

TOPIC: FUNDING VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION IN SPORTSTURF

Choosing the right qualification can be a worry, but getting the money to pay for it could be the difference between achieving and not. I want to cover some basic principals for funding.

 

In terms of learning and Skills Council (LSC) funding, there is mainly two routes for getting your vocational sports turf qualifications

1. Apprenticeship

2. Train to Gain

Both these routes are subject to eligibility (the following is guidance and not exhaustive);

The Apprenticeship (LSC funded)

 

The Apprenticeship is a "framework" of qualifications- NVQ Level 2, Key Skills, Emergency First Aid and two industry qualifications e.g. Safe Use Of Pesticides PA1 and PA2.

The Advanced Apprentice (LSC Funded)

 

Is the next stage, NVQ Level 3, Level 3 Sportsturf Technical Certificate, higher level Key Skills (e.g. level 2 and ICT at level 2) and First Aid At Work (4 day). Also, if you didn't do an Apprenticeship prior, you might not have necessarily completed the Safe Use of and application of Pesticides award- your training provider might fund this too.

Generally, to be eligible for an Apprenticeship you must;

Be between 16 and 24 years old

Be employed as a Greenkeeper for more than 30 hours per week

Meet entry requirements in terms of literacy and numeracy, in fact good GCSE and A levels may be used as proxy or part proxy- the training provider will advise upon application. However, GCSE results aren't an entry requirement. However, any shortfalls in your training may be supported by the training provider (e.g. off the job training), see NPTC website for resources needed to do the qualifications (http://www.nptc.org.uk/qualifications/default.asp?area=133 click on the horticulture 0329 Resources and Assessment link

Train To Gain (LSC Funded)

 

>Over the age of 19 years old

>Employed as a Greenkeeper

>Have no prior qualifications at level 2 or above (note; GCSE grades higher than a C are classed as level 2)

I realise that a wide proportion of people aren't eligible for either of these routes, there is some talk of Train to Gain funding to become available for NVQ level 3. Watch this space. Until then, funding will need to come from yourself or a sponsor/employer. This is usually called the "Fast Track" option (so called as the people doing their NVQ through fast track are usually experienced)

Fast Track

 

>Employed as a Greenkeeper

>Opportunity to gather the necessary evidence

>Higher levels (3+) may require you to be an experienced supervisor or in management position. Again, tutor application can advise.

Other Qualifications

 

As far as I am aware, funding for legislative qualifications (Safe use of Pesticides and Chainsaw) is NOT available. Although, sometimes the Local Authority may fund the PA awards- in an effort to promote good environmental policy. It may be worth contacting them, but no promises.

All vocational training will require the workplace to be in a safe environment for learning and working, full complying with ALL health and safety legislation and regulations. Again, the training provider can usually support this too.

Here are some worthy links

http://www.nptc.org.uk/qualifications/default.asp?area=133

http://www.traintogain.gov.uk/What+Is+Train+To+Gain/

http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/

http://www.myerscough.ac.uk/?page=work-based-home

 

Jonathan Knowles

jknowles@myerscough.ac.uk

February 2008