|
On September 1, 2006 (12) Equipment technicians were involved in a conference call to deliberate on starting an Equipment Technicians association. During that phone call we decided that not only is this type of association long over due, but it is increasingly necessary for the development of this position. The equipment technician’s role over the past 20 years has developed into much more than just a person on the staff who keeps the equipment operational. With the increase in golf courses around the world there simply are not enough skilled technicians to meet the needs of every course. This is the case due to many reasons however we believe career awareness to be the biggest.
How can you tell the difference between a skilled an unskilled technician? Is it the way they look or dress? Is it how quickly they can get a piece of equipment up and running? Is it the organization they have or maybe the management skills they possess? Also is not everyone’s perception of a skilled technician different? The GCSAA helped develop the Superintendent position into one that’s matured over the years as well. They have taken on more responsibility and have in turn gained much more respect.
It is for these reasons that an equipment technicians association is being developed. An equipment technician is responsible for all the equipment that maintains the golf course on a daily basis. With that being said the equipment technician has a duty to make sure every member and guest experiences a golf course that is in beautiful condition everyday. The position they hold can determine whether that guest returns to the golf course to play again or if today is the last time they see your golf course.
Beginning on January 1, 2007 the IGCEMA members elected the first officers and board of the association. The board consists of equipment managers and technicians from all over the world who have experienced many types of challenges within our industry. With the implementing of committees the association is able to get many more individuals world wide from industry leaders to assistant technicians so that everyone has the opportunity to assist in expanding the knowledge and professional image of every technician from the high end private clubs to the small town public facilities and distributors.
The golf course technician is an integral part to the success of a golf management team and it’s for that reason that professionalism, standards, education, and achievement should be recognized, nurtured, and respected. It is the goal of this association to grow this idea and to expand it all over the world. We feel that by doing this it will encourage others to enter our profession and to do so with the previous statements in mind. We intend to work with Superintendent Associations and manufacturers to further develop this association into one that gains the respect and recognition that is long overdue and much needed in our industry for the equipment technician.
|
