Myerscough Training proves successful for Pendle Borough staff

Wednesday 11 February 2009

Myerscough College have successfully delivered an NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture to several Grounds Maintenance staff from Pendle Borough Council.

The course covers all areas of horticulture from planting and turfing to pruning and dressing different surfaces. Additionally it also looks at health and safety issues, developing personal performance and building strong working relationships within a team.

Myerscough College Work Based Assessor Andrew Kenworthy came out to see each individual at work on a weekly basis as well as providing classroom-based learning every other Thursday.

He commented: “This programme with Pendle Borough Council has been a great success and credit must go to all the staff who managed to achieve this award. We are glad that we have been able to provide them with the training that they can use to enhance their everyday work.”

The staff, who maintain several parks and open spaces across Pendle, were presented with their awards on Tuesday 3rd February at Marsden Old Hall in Nelson. All the staff got the opportunity to do the award through funding from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) via the Train to Gain Apprentice scheme. This meant that there was no cost for the employer other than the time and resources made available.

Keith Higson, Parks Officer for Pendle Borough Council, said: “We are delighted with the level of training provided by Myerscough College. The staff all enjoyed doing the course and said that they had learnt many new skills which they can apply to their jobs. I would recommend that other employers look into the training that they can provide for their staff.”

The picture shows the Grounds Maintenance staff from Pendle Borough Council along with Myerscough College’s Assistant Director of Skills, Peter Caney, Work Based Assessor, Andrew Kenworthy, and Learning Support Advisor, Clare Graham.

For more information about Myerscough Training call 01995 642222 or email enquiries@myerscough.ac.uk.