Modernising education and training to meet the changing skills needs of golf in Europe

Background Golf has unique attributes which can stimulate and sustain participation of people from all segments of society and play a leading role in increasing levels of physical activity and improve both physical and mental health for participants in all age groups and diverse communities. The focus of EDUGOLF has been on skills development and education reform in golf in Europe, rooted in the belief that those working in golf, in both paid and voluntary positions, are the key to the future of the sport. Objectives A unique partnership from golf and education came together to achieve the following objectives: > Inform new systems and structures in golf education, underlined by current realities and challenges, founded on solid research> Define the skills and competences needed for the future sustainability of golf by those working in the game> Upskill professionals in golf and volunteers through innovative education and training products to develop the skills to meet the new roles in and for golf Implementation Successful implementation through a detailed workplan with a different partner responsible for each work package. Partners were fully engaged, sharing tasks and exchanging knowledge and good practice in golf education and workforce development. They met formally 6 times (3 in person, 3 online). The project delivered all outputs to planned budget, schedule and quality standards. Implementation highlights include a comprehensive competence framework and new e-learning courses for the sector. Achievements • A Research report on changing realities and tendencies of the golf labour market and education requirements• European Occupational Standards for golf• An Education and Training Handbook for golf in Europe• Innovative online learning to meet the changing skills needs of golf in Europe• A sustainable Strategic Action Plan to meet the changing skills needs of golf• Final Conference with 45 participants from Europe and beyond• Wide dissemination and communication activities