BIGGA LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

BIGGA provides a wide range of education in its Regions and Sections and at its major event of the year Continue to Learn at BTME. There is something for everyone at BTME with Workshops and Seminars and Fringe Seminars aimed at greenkeepers, deputies, course managers and golf club officials.

Gold and Silver Key Members

Many of the Learning and Development services offered to its members by BIGGA are supported by the BIGGA Learning and Development Fund. This, ring fenced fund, is supported by a number of companies and by a number of individuals who feel that the education and training of greenkeepers is very important. A current list of Golden and Silver Key contributors to the Fund can be found, each month on the education page of Greenkeeper International. Anyone wishing to contribute to the BIGGA Learning and Development Fund should contact BIGGA HQ on 01347 833800.

Master Greenkeeper

There are 52 BIGGA Master Greenkeepers. Each Master Greenkeeper has had to accumulate credits for formal and informal qualifications and have at least 10 years experience as a greenkeeper. This is followed by a rigorous inspection of their golf course, followed by a two-part examination.

Continuing Professional Development

Introduced in the year 2000, the BIGGA Continuing Professional Development Scheme was designed to offer BIGGA members the opportunity to record their education and training achievements and to earn CPD Credits.

BIGGA members registered on the Scheme have to earn 10 Credits in each CPD year. Those members who are awarded 5 successive Certificates will be awarded a Diploma of Continuing Professional Development.

BIGGA Higher Education Scholarships

Supported by Ransomes Jacobsen

BIGGA has been able to help its members follow courses of higher education by offering them a scholarship. Many greenkeepers have been able to attend N/SVQ Level 4, Higher National Certificate, Foundation Degree, BSc and MSc courses thanks to continued sponsorship of the Scholarship Scheme by Ransomes Jacobsen.

Refund of Fees Scheme

BIGGA believes that golf clubs should pay for greenkeeper education and training. However, BIGGA recognises that not all clubs pay for all education and training. The Refund of Fees Scheme gives Members who have paid for their own education and/or training the opportunity to apply for an 80% refund of fees paid up to a maximum of £350 in any one year.

BIGGA/GCMA Safety Management System

The BIGGA/GCMA Safety Management System is a proactive tool that is used to identify and control hazards and to reduce risks to prevent injury to golf club members, visitors and employees.

Training Resources

A range of training resources is available through BIGGA, including:

For further information about how BIGGA education can help you, please visit the BIGGA website.