The National Occupational Standards are
an analysis of what a superintendent must know in order to competently
perform specific tasks in the workplace. They are an inventory of
essential skills that impact professional performance and ability to
adapt to the changing work environment.
The development of these Standards had a
number of purposes.
- Increased occupational
recognition
- Increased credibility and
professionalism
- Ease of identifying personal skill
areas needing upgrading and improvement
- Education and training more consistent
with the professional needs, resulting in an improved
product
- A better definition of career path
options
- Increased mobility
- Potential salary increases
- A basis for recognition
programs
We also believe they aid employers
by:
- Improved quality of product
- Recruitment advantages
- Effective skill upgrading
- Increased productivity
- Better competitive position
- Improved bottom line
The process has evolved into four
phases.
- Planning and producing the
Standards
- Marketing of the Standards
- Curriculum development/possible
accreditation
- Recognition/ possible
certification
Following the approval of the Standards
at the 1998 Calgary AGM, we proceeded to the second phase. A NOS
Marketing and Communications Committee was established and met in July
1998. That committee, chaired by Rob Officer, developed the initial
marketing strategies. The CGSA Board and Administration, with the
support of Human Resource Development Canada (HRDC), proceeded with the
agreed upon next step Marketing.
A marketing firm was contracted to
develop a communication strategy aimed primarily at golf facility owners
and their representatives demonstrating the benefits of having a
qualified Superintendent managing their golf courses. These
marketing efforts continue today with posters, magazine ads and direct
mail campaigns, all aimed at trying to increase the profile of the golf
course superintendent and to help people understand the importance of
the role of the superintendent in the golf industry.
