Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the environment and land-based sector, is to conduct a review of the N/SVQ Level 4 Amenity and Horticulture management qualification.

The Greenkeepers Training Committee (GTC) has been calling for the review for some time.

David Golding, education director for the GTC, said: “We have been pushing for this for the best part of three years and feel it is essential to keep the qualification as current and relevant to employers and golf course managers as possible.”

The GTC will be the leading employer-led body on the review and is currently establishing a team to work with Lantra for its duration – which is expected to be around six months.

The team will be charged with highlighting the occupational skills required by modern golf courses.

“We want to see a qualification which is far more appealing to course managers and head greenkeepers, who are currently not undertaking Level 4 in sufficient numbers,” said Golding. “It is also for the training providers to offer a programme which ensures candidates have the necessary support to achieve the qualification.”

“The GTC ultimately wants golf club employers to recruit course managers using a recognised qualification. Therefore, it is vital we ensure the content of the qualification matches the employers’ expectations for a modern day golf course manager.”