First Green is taking off and everyone should get on board

 The First Green initiative continues to build momentum, leaving Workforce Project Manager Jenny Bledge full of optimism for the year ahead

 

At this year’s BTME, I took to the stage at Continue to Learn Extra to present on First Green. Greenkeepers, course managers and other industry professionals packed into a seminar room eager to learn more about how to introduce the next generation to careers in greenkeeping.

It was brilliant to see such high engagement. Many attendees stayed behind to discuss how to take the first steps towards hosting their own First Green event in 2025.

A highlight of the seminar was being joined by a panel of previous First Green hosts sharing their experiences of running events. Their insights – what worked well, what they learned and how they engaged with schools – were invaluable. I hope this helped those considering hosting for the first time by showing how achievable and rewarding these events can be.

First Green has already made an incredible impact since launching, with over 300 young people experiencing hands-on learning and real workplace experiences at golf courses across the country.

 

Through these interactive field trips, students engage with greenkeeping, mechanics, golf course operations and golf, all while developing essential STEM skills. This not only strengthens links between clubs and their local communities but is also a step forward in helping to address workforce challenges in the industry.

As the second highest attended Continue to Learn Extra seminar during BTME this year, it is clear to me that there is a lot of enthusiasm for bringing First Green to more clubs.

The programme is designed to be easy to implement, with full support from BIGGA, making it an accessible and rewarding way for clubs to inspire young people. If your club is considering hosting, now is the perfect time to start planning – all resources are available on the BIGGA website.

I’m hugely optimistic that 2025 will see a huge number of First Green events across the UK and Ireland. Let’s make this the year that more clubs than ever open their doors, engage with their communities and introduce young people to the exciting opportunities in greenkeeping. 

• 10 events held
• Over 300 young people involved
• Over 40 BIGGA members engaged

About First Green

First Green is an innovative environmental science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education outreach programme using golf courses as hands-on learning labs. The initiative aims to introduce young people to the career opportunities available in golf and showcase the skills required for these roles. In doing so, First Green hopes to inspire the next generation of greenkeepers.