Most professions acknowledge that continuous learning and skills updating is essential - and the grounds care profession is no different. Regardless of the qualifications you have gained over the years, techniques and practices change apace, so if you want to ensure you and your team are up to date why not embark on the IOG CPD (Continuous Professional Development) programme?
CPD offers a flexible yet measurable approach to skills updating, is available at six different levels depending on your experience and qualifications to date, and it provides a range of benefits both to you and your organisations. And the IOG CPD programme is specific to the subject of turf management and the requirements of our industry.
It is not about completing hours or ticking boxes, it is about learning and developing.The approach that should be taken is to consider where you want to be in 12 months time, set your objectives then plan out the most useful route for you to achieve them. After each piece of learning you should ask yourself, what can you do now that you couldn’t do before? If you can answer that then you know CPD is working for you.
John Courtney, Grounds Manager at Swansea University has just completed this year’s CPD programme. “While it is widely acknowledged that the IOG provides excellent training courses - which therefore made my decision to progress with Level 3 CPD a lot easier - I must admit that the real driver must be that CPD is an ideal indicator of skill levels. It demonstrates that the individual is competent to a certain standard and, by definition, that his/her work will be performed to that standard. In addition, of course, having CPD accreditation also arms the individual with a ‘skills certificate’ that is recognised industry-wide.”
What’s the point of CPD?
By following the specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound (SMART) objectives of a CPD programme you should be able to:
• Gain increased confidence and credibility by charting your learning progress and additional knowledge
• Provide proof of your achievements in appraisals using the IOG CPD record card
• Achieve your career potential by focusing on your training and development, and working towards set objectives
• Be in a strong position during organisational changes and restructures by updating and widening your skills set.
IOG CPD is free to all IOG members. Full details are available online ( www.iog.org ), as well as a downloadable application form. If you would like to discuss it in more detail please contact a member of the training team on 01908 312511 who will be happy to help.
