10 May 2011
Greenkeeping Training
The GUI would like to draw your attention to the following courses, run by Teagasc, which assist greatly in the training and professional development of Greenkeeping staff in Ireland.
The courses are ideally suited to those working in golf clubs who wish to develop and enhance their skills.
See below for more information.
ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN GREENKEEPING
FETAC LEVEL 6
INTRODUCTION
Golf is a major business in Ireland employing over five thousand people. Greenkeeping is well worth considering for those people who would like an outdoor career with excellent prospects both in terms of work satisfaction and monetary rewards.
The College of Amenity Horticulture is the established and most experienced provider of educational courses for greenkeepers in Ireland. The College acts as coordinator of greenkeeper training for the Golfing Union of Ireland.
The certificate in greenkeeping course has been in existence for twenty years and the graduates of the course now manage hundreds of the top golf courses in Ireland and abroad.
COLLEGE OF AMENITY HORTICULTURE
The Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture is located at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin and at Teagasc College Campus, Kinsealy.
There is a long tradition of training at the National Botanic Gardens dating back to 1812, when records show that students were taken on as apprentices. Over almost two centuries the course has evolved to suit the needs of the day.
Teagasc – the Agriculture and Food Development Authority, is responsible for conducting courses at the College.
By combining classwork with practical skills training both at the College and on outside work placements, students receive a balanced approach to the work of Greenkeeping and Sports turf management while on the course.
There is a staff of 26 Teagasc personnel, who work in close liaison with the Golfing Union of Ireland and Golf Clubs throughout the country. The College is non-residential with students finding accommodation in the locality. The facilities at the College include student and staff canteen, library, and a computer room at the National Botanic Gardens and Kinsealy College Campus.
ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN GREENKEEPING LEVEL 6
The Certificate in Greenkeeping Level 6 course provides the standard qualification for greenkeepers in Ireland. The Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) validate the course and students who successfully complete the course are awarded the Certificate in Greenkeeping Level 6. The course aims to provide the skills, knowledge and competency required for responsible positions on golf courses. The course is designed for people who are already working as trainee or assistant greenkeepers on golf courses. To gain entry to the course young people should first find employment with a golf club as a trainee following the Leaving Certificate. The golf club will then apply to the Golfing Union of Ireland for a place on the training course and will normally fund the trainee while on the training course.
Course structure: Students attend the college on a block release basis for six weeks per year while following a programme of skills training on their home golf course.
Course duration: Two years
Entry requirements: Applicants must have passed the leaving certificate or be mature students (over 22 years on the 1st June in the year of entry). All students must have a minimum of six months work experience in a golf course prior to commencing the training course and must remain working for the duration of the course. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Places are allocated in July and the course commences in early September each year.
Course content: Seven modules are studied on the course namely – Turfgrass science, Course Maintenance and construction, Turfgrass maintenance machinery, Tractors and engines, Sportsturf Studies and Communications.
Course fees: Fees are payable for this course. Please contact the college for details of current fee.
COLLEGE STAFF
The lecturing and technical staff of the college are experienced in golf course architecture, agronomy and course maintenance.
COURSE LOCATIONS
The FETAC Advanced Certificate in Greenkeeping Level 6 is conducted at Teagasc College Campus, Kinsealy, Malahide Road, Dublin 17
COURSES START ON 5th SEPTEMBER 2011
APPLICATIONS FOR COURSES
Advanced Certificate in Greenkeeping Level 6 (FETAC)
Golfing Union of Ireland
National Headquarters
Carton Demesne
Maynooth
Co Kildare
Tel: 01 5054000, Fax: 01 5054001, E-mail: information@gui.ie
And
Teagasc, College of Amenity Horticulture, National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9
Applications are accepted throughout the year.