£1,500 grant for PGA Professionals

A new apprentice scheme is set to benefit both PGA Professionals and young golfers eager to take their first steps to PGA qualification.

The 12 month course is being offered in partnership with Pera Training, and will aim to match 16-24-year-olds with golf clubs by offering a £1,500 grant to help PGA Professionals fund their training.

The grant, available in England, is eligible for PGA Professionals who take on new apprentices and can be used to help pay wages or support any other costs the club faces during their education.

The apprenticeship is open to those who are not in full-time education and will offer them the chance to gain valuable experience in the industry.

In the first year they will gain a Level 2 Diploma in Retail Skills and will cover modules such as Customer Service, Selling Specialist Golf Products and Promotional Campaigns.

David Robinson, PGA training manager, said: “The Apprenticeship enables young people to learn retailing in a golf setting and improve their sales skills in the specialist area of golf equipment and apparel.

“It’s a great opportunity, particularly for 16-year-old school leavers, to get some further education while waiting to start the PGA training programme.

“The grant will also help professionals in their business because as the apprentice progresses through the course they will develop new skills and knowledge which should help the pro to develop their business more effectively.”

Apprentices successfully completing the programme will have the chance to move onto taking the PGA Foundation Degree, subject to passing their playing ability test and other qualifications.

Further details at www.peratraining.com