Training is of course the lifeblood of any industry.

Firstly to attract new recruits into an industry in the first place an apprenticeship or training structure needs to be in place to reassure those new to the game that they will be guided and helped through their early days. How can any workplace expect young people to be interested in joining them if there’s a lack of support or a means to advance visible to them?

Then once a recruit is established, there needs to be a means to continually learn more and develop new skills - with the aim to take on more responsibilities. If there’s a clear path to bettering oneself and for making progress in an industry, the retention of staff will be so much easier.

Therefore it’s good to hear about schemes such as BIGGA and Jacobsen's Future Turf Managers' Initiative which is returning for 2018.

Since being launched in the UK in 2013, BIGGA and Jacobsen boast that FTMI has grown into a global success story, with initiatives also being launched in Spain, Portugal, Australia and New Zealand.

The scheme has been designed by the Association and manufacturer for greenkeepers who wish to make the step up to head greenkeeper or course manager.

Jack Hetherington is a FTMI graduate who has recently been promoted to course manager at Alnwick GC. In a statement praising the scheme he’s quoted as saying, "I applied for FTMI to gain the tools and understanding to help me become a course manager.

"FTMI is perfectly tailored towards advancing careers. Industry leaders helping to create their future successors is a trait running deep in our profession that we should be proud of. I would highly recommend FTMI to anyone looking to improve both themselves and their skills."

The scheme is a three-day event which takes place in March each year at Jacobsen’s European manufacturing facility in Ipswich. Twenty delegates will be chosen to take part in the initiative.

Over the course of three days, delegates are given presentations and training sessions from industry professionals on topics including: leadership skills, interview techniques, communication skills, crucial conversations, CV writing skills, and creating budgets.

BIGGA Head of Member Development Sami Strutt said: "BIGGA and Jacobsen recognise the importance of preparing the next generation of greenkeepers to take on the role of head greenkeeper or course manager. FTMI has been designed to give practical tools and guidance to help the delegates to pursue their career aspirations through this professional course."

Another quote given by a graduate of the scheme couldn’t sing its praises higher. Ricky James, deputy course manager at Welwyn Garden City GC, said, “FTMI cannot have its value put into words, but here goes . . . It is the single most beneficial opportunity I have experienced.”

The organisers must be delighted to receive praise such as that. And one has to say if that’s how people who have taken the course are reacting to it, the industry should be proud that the scheme is available to those who qualify.

To be eligible for the initiative you must have at least three years' experience working full time as a greenskeeper. An application form must be completed and submitted online. You will be required to submit a copy of your CV with the application. Also a nominator or application supporter will be required to endorse anyone who chooses to go for it.

If you think the scheme sounds like it's for you, you can find more details and how to apply by clicking here.