You’ve probably noticed how often CPD opportunities are coming up across the grounds sector right now. Training days, short courses, live demos, and structured programmes have all increased over the past couple of years. Employers expect more from their teams and standards keep rising, with new equipment and techniques continuing to enter the market. If you’re not actively getting involved in opportunities to continue your learning, there’s a good chance you’ll fall behind.
Right now, we’re all in a strong position because access to training has opened up. With an increasing number of options available, we can pick from regional events, one-day sessions, online learning, and hands-on workshops that fit around our own workloads. Because of this, it’s now much easier to build CPD points steadily.
A Refresher on CPD Points
CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development, and the idea is that gaining CPD points tracks the learning you complete to improve your knowledge and skills in your role. Each course, workshop, or training session you attend contributes to your overall CPD record.
If you need a refresher on how CPD works and how it’s measured, you can check the guidance from The CPD Certification Service, which explains how structured learning contributes to recognised development.
Our Work With The GroundsFest Academy
At IGFH, we exist to unite international career opportunities with education, news, and community, to help you better yourself as a professional greenkeeper. As part of this, we work with The GroundsFest Academy to help turfcare professionals in the UK to provide access to free educational events.
The Academy has built a packed calendar of education sessions covering everything from practical skills to machinery use, sustainability, and career development. Going beyond classroom learning, these sessions incorporate live demonstrations and direct access to suppliers, giving you the chance to ask questions that relate to your own site. That way, what you learn is easier to apply when you’re back at work, which is exactly what CPD should do.
More training options across the industry
GroundsFest Academy isn’t the only option. Manufacturers, educational facilities, and suppliers are running more product training days than ever, and we’ve made it easy to find all the opportunities to build your skills worldwide on our Training and Development Hub.
Here, we’ve grouped together all the resources for apprenticeships, certifications and qualifications (both in-person and online), university degrees, and CPD training.
Why are CPD Points Important for your Career?
CPD now plays a bigger role in career progression. When you apply for a job, the employer will look beyond your experience to see that you’re passionate about your job and keen to evolve with the industry.
If you can show consistent CPD activity, you give yourself an advantage by proving that you take your role seriously and want to move forward. That can help you stand out when you’re looking to take the next steps in your career.
Takeaway
If you’re interested in booking a certain CPD course, make sure you give yourself enough time to secure your place. Right now, everything is set up to help you build your skills and your CPD record without making it difficult, and there are plenty of free opportunities to take advantage of while you can.