Firm ground for the future
As world cup fever continues to captivate the nation, many followers eagerly wait with baited breath to see who will make it through each round and ultimately to the final in Johannesburg on 11 July.
Unfortunately Northern Ireland didn’t make it to the competition, but perhaps we should stop and think about the pitches on which teams practice faithfully week after week, and those who work every week of the year to ensure our sports grounds are looking, and performing, at their best. As David Winn, sports turf industry manager for Lantra explains: “To turn out a top quality pitch, in spite of everything the weather throws at us in the Northern Ireland takes some doing and requires real skill.” Chief Executive of the Institute of Groundsmanship, Geoff Web said: “Keeping a pitch playable, especially in extreme conditions, requires an excellent understanding of the science of soil, the right equipment, good preparation and skill. The right training can lead to a rewarding lifelong career, and as Scottish groundsmen are renowned throughout the world for their expertise, some very exciting opportunities are available.” Michael Pollock, Lantra Skills Ambassador and Landscape Contractor said: “We have the perfect conditions for growing grass, however it is only through the training, skill, knowledge and dedication of the individual groundsmen that we are able to turn this into world class playing surfaces.” A new Level 2 Modern Apprenticeship in horticulture is now available; this qualification is a great platform for developing a career in horticulture, encompassing parks and green spaces, historic and botanic gardens, landscaping, sports turf and production horticulture. David Winn concluded: “Industry research has revealed there is a real need for more new entrants in this area of employment. With training courses and qualifications available at all levels to allow ambitious and enthusiastic individuals work towards becoming a groundsman, there’s something for everybody.” “Northern Ireland hopefully will make the finals of the 2014 world cup, but it’s only four years until the next one, so if you want to be a part of the hopes and dreams of 2014, then why not become a groundsman!” If you would like to learn more about groundsmanship and careers in the environmental and land-based sector, Lantra can help. Please visit www.lantra.co.uk or call 0845 707 8007. ENDS ISSUED BY: For further information please contact the LANTRA PRESS OFFICE Paula Smyth, Marketing, Communications and Project Co-ordinator Tel: 028 7963 1304 or e-mail ni.media@lantra.co.uk EDITORS NOTES: • Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based sector is licensed by the UK government to drive forward the new skills, training and business development agenda for the sector. • Lantra represents 17 industries: agricultural crops; agricultural livestock; animal care; animal technology; aquaculture; environmental conservation; equine; farriery; fencing; fisheries management; floristry; game and wildlife management; land-based engineering; horticulture, landscape and sports turf; production horticulture; trees and timber and veterinary nursing. For more information see www.lantra.co.uk • In Northern Ireland, Lantra represents the interests of approximately 19,000 businesses which employ around 63,000 employees (approximately 9% of the workforce).
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