YOU THINK TRAINING IS EXPENSIVE? ...try the cost of ignorance!

This article first appeared in On Course - Issue 28

Having now caught your attention, let me state that the Club and Staff at Lamlash Golf Club were not ignorant but enthusiastic to move forward.

Arran is a small Island in the Clyde Estuary (near Glasgow).   It has a regular Ferry service from Ardrossan to Brodick that takes less than 1 hour to reach the Island. There are seven separate Golf Courses on the Island, which all have there own distinct charm. 

Lamlash Golf Club decided to add value to what God had given them.

When money gets tighter, education is often the first cut.   It's a short term saving, which can have long term consequences.

Lamlash Golf Club decided to invest in Training for the Long term. 

First was the Staff Development;
"WORK SMARTER NOT HARDER"!

Initially the Head Greenkeeper Jim had extensive practical training but felt he would benefit from additional learning and formal certification.    

Jim McKenzie attended GOSTA Training in Glasgow for a Flexible Up-Skilling Programme .The programme included Svq 3 (Sportsturf), Pesticides (PA1, 2, 6) and the full first aid certificate. He is currently working towards his Assessors Certificate with help from the GTC.

Since then the Policy of Lamlash Golf Club has been to train other staff.  Other staff have now completed the Modern Apprenticeship with additional short courses included. The latest being Paul MacArthur (a mature student) who has changed direction from being a Carpenter who has extensively travelled the world to a Greenkeeper who has decided to further his career on Arran.

Paul was so keen to learn that he finished his level 2 in one year and excelled at level 3 and has been nominated for the Toro Student of the Year competition and Scottish Qualifications Authority "Star Awards".   Paul said "He has turned a dream into reality". Find out what you love to do and then find a job where you get paid to do it."

Then came the improvements and benefits

In line with Training Development it was recognised that Greenkeeping Facilities and Equipment had to be improved .The club dug deep. New sheds and equipment have now been provided.   The outcome -  overall things are more difficult financially, staff wages are up, training costs have increased but on a very positive note productivity is up, staff motivation is higher, better facilities, better machinery, improved Health and Safety, better communication and reduced use of sub-contractors

Jim McKenzie, head Greenkeeper said:"The difference is already night and day".  Training can be expensive, but there is a positive return on investment in many areas and these benefits are quite obvious here at Lamlash Golf Club".