Access all routes to the GTC Learning Materials

This article first appeared in On Course - Issue 27

David Golding, the GTC's Education Director, reminds Course Managers and Head Greenkeepers that their role as work-based trainers can be supported by the use of best practice Learning Materials.

The GTC's learning materials, written by sector specialists and used by turf tutors throughout the Approved Training Provider network are now being made available in a new format.

The hard copies of the Level 2 and Level 3 learning materials have fast become the latest essential reading in many golf maintenance facilities and not only for greenkeepers registered on the National/Scottish Vocational Qualifications Level 2 and 3. We hear that many experienced Course Managers are also using the materials as reference books when they have learners to assess.

The materials are available in CD Rom format and now the latest option for learners is to purchase a chapter by chapter in a pdf download direct from the GTC website (at a very reasonable cost).

Some learners prefer to read from a book others are quite comfortable in reading from a screen and the GTC is pleased to give access to both styles of learning. We do not intend to stop at these options explains David Golding GTC's Education Director.

"The GTC in association with the Virtual College are now looking at adding quizzes and self-assessment opportunities using the learning materials as the best practices for greenkeeping. A demonstration of e-learning was produced for the BIGGA Harrogate Week exhibition and over 50 visitors to the GTC stand agreed to take part in the trial.

David adds, "there was tremendous support for the GTC's latest initiative both from individual learners and the college representatives. Ongoing discussions with the Virtual College following feedback from the demo trial will hopefully see the learning options extended by the GTC in the near future and we are always looking to give greenkeepers the opportunity to learn and develop through a variety of opportunities."

The GTC Training Provider network does a tremendous amount of work to offer qualifications through a variety of delivery options and it's only right that the GTC supports them with the best practice learning materials.

All of the GTC's initiatives are developed with the full support and knowledge of its Approved Training Provider Centres.

For all the latest information check out the GTC website www.the-gtc.co.uk