In dustr y Ini tiat ives
Training and Education Keep Turfgrass Strong
In
all turfgrass sectors, a welltrained and educated workforce means a thriving community and prosperous business for the individuals who work hard to make our industry great. It is the commitment to staying informed of new techniques, products and research that guarantees the best processes and results on our golf courses, sports fields and lawns and green spaces. As the turfgrass industry continues to evolve and improve, it is essential that we hold ourselves and each other accountable for not only continuing our own education and training, but also for encouraging each other and the next generation of turfgrass professionals to meet the high standards we strive for ourselves.
Create and Foster A Pipeline Because Tennessee has such a strong foundation in agriculture, it is a natural fit for our high school students who are involved in FFA and other agriculture programs to be introduced to turfgrass as a job opportunity well before they join the full-time workforce. Having students exposed to the basics of careers in turfgrass is the start of building a labor force with all levels of training and experience. Some students may choose to pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees in turfgrass management, while some elect to complete two-year programs at trade or vocational schools. Still others gain knowledge through on-the-job experience. It takes all levels of skill and certification to maintain a strong workforce.
Certifications and Continuing Education A quick look back at research from just 24
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS April/May 2018
two years ago will reveal that turfgrass is an industry that changes fast. From new products and processes to all the curveballs Mother Nature can throw at us, we can never be stagnant in this field. From association and regional conferences to workshops and field days, there are a multitude of opportunities to stay informed, and it is vital that we absorb and pass on that information to benefit ourselves and each other. This shared knowledge results in a collaborative, and therefore flourishing, community.
Beyond the Research You have probably heard of “soft skills”, but maybe didn’t give much thought to how they might help you grow and succeed in your career. While much of our work in turfgrass is scientific and labor
intensive, business and interpersonal skills also matter. Understanding your work from the consumer’s point of view can only improve your standards of turfgrass management. Considering the golfer, sports team or business or home owner who will use your product or service goes a long way toward helping you provide the result they seek. Marketing, customer service, business management… these are all skills that can make or break your business, regardless of how well you have mastered the “hard skills”. Even though our schedules are demanding, and sometimes training and education take a back seat to accomplishing today’s tasks, we should never forget that like turfgrass, we have to be fed and nourished to grow. T
Don’t Miss A Great Opportunity To Learn and Recertify! UT’s Turf and Ornamental Field Day August 30, 2018 • 7:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center 3215 Alcoa Highway • Knoxville, Tennessee To pre-register online and for more information on available accommodations and Continuing Education points, please visit tiny.utk.edu/TurfFieldDay.