Whether you are a seasoned turf professional or a volunteer, the Sports Turf Academy is the centre to raise your knowledge and skills in turf maintenance and management. From short training courses, to apprenticeships, higher education; here we have the resources to help all levels explore new areas of knowledge and skills. For the full terms and conditions on STA courses, please click HERE.
Training and education courses include:
- Sports turf maintenance at all levels from basic introduction to degree level
- Short courses e.g. irrigation, turfgrass nutrition, management and coaching skills
- Machinery maintenance and set-up
- Masterclasses (industry expert talks)
- Sports turf construction
- Integrated management of weeds, pests and diseases
The Sports Turf Academy provides the opportunity to not only train at a world-class venue, but learning with us provides access to the latest in Sports Turf technology, access to leading industry professionals and provides all of our students the opportunity to be part of an unrivalled learning experience.
Want to take your career to the next level? Register your interest below or by clicking HERE.
Sports Turf Academy upcoming courses
Sports Turf Academy Award in Sports Turf Level 2 - 2 September - 6 September, 2024
Overview
This will be a friendly classroom-based course that will allow the attendees an opportunity to develop new knowledge and participate in activities to confirm they are learning. The aim is to learn new knowledge and skills that may be adopted into their own working context to enhance quality standards and sustainable management in sports turf.
Apply HERE
Cost - £900.00 + VAT for five days
Standalone modules available in:
- Principles & Theory of Sports Turf Maintenance - £200.00 + VAT (2 September)
- Principles & Practices of Sports Turf Irrigation - £255.00 + VAT (3 September)
- Cylinder Mower Set Up = £155.00 + VAT (4 September)
- Leadership & Management = £155.00 + VAT (5 September) Lantra Accredited
- Initial Line Marking = £225.00 + VAT (6 September) Lantra Accredited
Learning Outcomes
The course covers introductions to the above modules, two of which gain Lantra Certification
Learner Demographic
This course is suitable for international visitors, apprentices of sports turf/golf greenkeeping, and those wishing to complete an intensive short-course in sports turf maintenance and management.
Entry Requirements
There are no entry requirements, however, it is recommended that attendees have some prior experience in sports turf maintenance.
BASIS Certificate In Crop Protection Amenity Horticulture: Amenity Grass & Sports Turf Areas
- Tuesday 10 September - Legislation, transport, storage
- Wednesday 11 September - Pesticide formulations, modes of action
- Tuesday 17 September - Turf grass and biodiversity
- Wednesday 18 September - Principles and practices of weed control
- Tuesday 24 September - Principles and practices of disease control
- Wednesday 25 September - Revision
- Thursday 10 October - Revision and mock exam
- Wednesday 16 October - Multiple choice and site specific scenario exams
- Thursday 17 October - Mock Viva exam (AM)
- Thursday 17 October - Identification exam (PM)
- Friday 18 October Exam (in field viva and viva panel)
Overview
The BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection has been approved by Ministers to meet the requirements of Schedule 2 of the Control of Pesticide Regulations for certification of those involved in the sale, advice and supply of pesticides.
This course is aimed at those involved in advising, sales or supply of pesticides in the amenity industry. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Contractors who sell or give advice
- Distributors who sell or give advice
- Pesticide manufacturers and suppliers
- Consultants, agents, managers, specifiers and local authority managers who are involved in pesticide sales or advice
Apply HERE
Cost - £1995.00 + VAT
Learning Outcomes
This course provides training and certification for sellers of agrochemicals and those giving advice on their use in amenity. It is valuable qualification for all those involved in the use of plant protection products in turf.
Learner Demographics
This course is aimed at sports turf professionals including those involved in advising, sales, or supply of pesticides in the amenity industry.
Entry Requirements
Candidates must have had satisfactory training and supervised field experience before entering for the BASIS (FSTS) examination. If in doubt as to this requirement, please contact the BASIS office.
Advanced Cylinder Mower Set Up and Sharpening Course - 1 & 2 October, 2024 | FULLY BOOKED
Overview
This Lantra approved qualification is aimed at sports turf, ground staff, greenkeeping and lawn care professionals seeking to develop their skills and knowledge in professional mowing machinery set-up and basic skills in fault finding problems.
The course will be delivered in conjunction with mowing machinery expert Neil Hullah from Cut Sharp at LCFC Sports Turf Academy, Seagrave, Leicestershire.
Apply HERE
Cost - £265.00 + VAT
Learning Outcomes
- Understand principles of working safely while, grinding, mowing and conducting mechanical works.
- Understand the importance of the correct bottom blade selection for the ‘actual’ height of cut (HOC). Understand and set up angles/shear point position. Understand clip rate relevant to actual HOC.
- Prepare mowing equipment for grinding of cutting blades.
- Operate grinding equipment safely.
- Prepare mowers for cutting to a high standard.
- Understand a range of agronomical benefits of correct mower set-up.
- Investigate mowing faults and rectify.
Learner Demographics
This new two-day course is designed for sports turf operatives, greenkeepers and grounds care mechanics.
Entry Requirements
There are no entry requirements, however, it is recommended that learners have some prior experience in the basic use of grounds care and mowing equipment. The duration is 12 hours over two days, 9am-4pm.
Groundcare Machinery Maintenance – Electrics - 5 November, 2024 | FULLY BOOKED
Overview
This Lantra accredited course will show you how to work safely and effectively on the electrical aspects of mowers. You will first cover all the theory to ensure you understand mower electrical circuits.
Following practical demonstrations, you will then progress onto practical sessions to identify electrical components. You will learn about best practice in electrical maintenance and how to locate common faults through testing.
Upon successful completion, you will gain a Certificate of Competence and a Lantra Skills ID card.
Apply HERE
Cost - £265.00 + VAT
Learning Outcomes
- Produce a site-specific risk assessment (SSRA) for machinery maintenance operations (specific to electric fault finding)
- Identify the required personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Identify the health and safety features required to diagnose and fix groundcare machinery electrical systems
- Identify components within an electrical system
- Know how an electrical system functions
- Identify potential faults on the electrical system
- Correctly carry out electrical maintenance and testing in accordance with the machine manufacturer’s operating manual
- State the possible hazards/risks when carrying out maintenance or repair task Organise the workshop and use a systematic method of working where possible.
Learner Demographics
This training course is ideal for you if you work in horticulture, landscaping and turf maintenance.
Entry Requirements
Important note: The Groundcare Machinery Maintenance Health and Safety E-Learning Course must be completed before commencing this course. Please follow the link - Easy to use online learning from Lantra - 024 7669 6996
The course is suitable for you whether you’re a novice or more experienced and simply looking to improve your skills and knowledge.
Groundcare Machinery Maintenance - Hydraulics - 6 November 2024 | FULLY BOOKED
Overview
This Lantra accredited 1-day Groundcare Machinery Maintenance – Hydraulics course will give you technical information about your mower. We have experienced instructors who will ensure that you use your machine safely and with confidence.
As well as legislation and health and safety, you’ll cover the theory of hydraulics. You’ll have hands-on experience of basic hydraulics’ operation and walk away with a certificate of competence to prove it.
Apply HERE
Cost - £265.00 + VAT
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the health and safety requirements for hydraulic maintenance
- Carry out a risk assessment and implement control measures, including emergency procedures
- Understand hydraulic system functionality and how a hydraulic system works
- Identify key hydraulic components and understand their function in the system
- Understand the role of oil function in a hydraulic system
- Understand the correct adjustment of fittings and hydraulic pipes
- Understand the importance of keeping a hydraulic system clean
- Understand how to prepare a machine for carrying out a hydraulic test
- Understand how to test a hydraulic system for correct pressure
- Restore a hydraulic system, clear the workshop and check the system
- Understand the responsibilities when hydraulic testing
- Operate the equipment in a safe and appropriate manner
Learner Demographic
This training course is ideal for you if you work in horticulture, landscaping and turf maintenance.
Entry Requirements
Important note: The Groundcare Machinery Maintenance Health and Safety E-Learning Course must be completed before commencing this course. Please follow the link - Easy to use online learning from Lantra - 024 7669 6996
The course is suitable for you whether you’re a novice or more experienced and simply looking to improve your skills and knowledge.
Groundcare Machinery Maintenance - Introduction to Engines - 7 November, 2024 | FULLY BOOKED
Overview
This 1-day course is part of a dedicated suite of Groundcare Machinery Maintenance training courses. It will show you how to work safely and effectively on the engines of mowers.
You will first cover all the theory to ensure you understand mower engines. Following practical demonstrations, you will then progress onto practical sessions to identify engine components.
You will learn about best practice in engine maintenance and how to locate common faults through testing.
Apply HERE
Cost - £265.00 + VAT
Learner outcomes
- Have safety knowledge when working with engines
- Be able to identify related risks
- Understand and identify the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required
- Be able to identify components within an engine
- Understand engine terminology and how an engine function
- Understand the 4-stroke cycle used in petrol and diesel engines
- Be able to identify the functions of:
Petrol Engines
Diesel Engines
Engine Turbos
Lubrication System
Cooling System
Electrical Charging System
Diesel Engines Euro Stage 3
- Understand diagnostics signs and how to test engines
- Correctly carry out engine maintenance and testing in accordance with the manufacturer's operator's manual (MOM)
- Identify potential defects on an engine which require attention
- State the possible hazards/risks when carrying out maintenance or repair tasks
Learner Demographic
This training course is ideal for you if you work in horticulture, landscaping or turf maintenance.
Entry Requirements
Important note: The Groundcare Machinery Maintenance Health and Safety E-Learning Course must be completed before commencing this course. Please follow the link - Easy to use online learning from Lantra - 024 7669 6996
The course is suitable for you whether you’re a novice or more experienced and simply looking to improve your skills and knowledge.
Terms & Conditions
For the full terms and conditions on STA courses, please click HERE.