BIGGA has announced that it has been formally approved as a Lantra Customised Provider, which they say marks a significant milestone in their ongoing commitment to raising standards, professionalism, and access to high-quality education across the golf greenkeeping industry.

This approval recognises BIGGA’s capability to design, deliver and quality-assure industry-relevant learning that meets nationally recognised standards.

As a Lantra Customised Provider, the Association is now approved to develop and deliver bespoke, accredited training and awards that are tailored specifically to the needs of the golf and sports turf sector. This status ensures that their programmes are externally validated, quality assured and aligned with employer and industry expectations, providing learners and employers with confidence that training outcomes are meaningful, credible, and transferable.

The approval also sees the BIGGA Kickstart Programme formally recognised as the association’s first accredited and approved award under the Lantra Customised Awards framework.

BIGGA says this entry-level programme has been designed as an accessible and supportive introduction to the fundamentals of golf course maintenance.  It provides essential knowledge and practical understanding for those interested in pursuing a career in greenkeeping, as well as those already working in the industry who wish to validate their skills and knowledge before potentially progressing to formal Level 2 qualifications.
 
Rob Phillips, Learning & Development Manager (Technical) at BIGGA, said, “Becoming an approved Lantra Customised Provider is a significant milestone for BIGGA and represents the latest step in our continued and highly valued partnership with Lantra. This approval gives us the ability to formally accredit BIGGA-designed programmes that are shaped by the realities of modern golf course management and the needs of both learners and employers. The accreditation of the BIGGA Kickstart Programme is particularly important, as it provides a recognised and credible entry point into the profession, while laying the foundations for clear progression through to apprenticeships and our recommended formal education pathway.”