In a bid to reverse what the company calls “a lack of training in synthetic turf installation,” Cleveland-based synthetic field systems contractor Sports Construction Group has partnered with INSTALL Ohio to create a training and certification program for turf installation. The program was recently launched at all four of INSTALL Ohio’s training centers, which are overseen by the Ohio and Vicinity Regional Council of Carpenters (OVRCC).

Paul Franks, president and ceo of Sports Construction Group, noted that his company plans to rely on installers certified through the new INSTALL program. “By developing a training program with the OVRCC, we know that we and the industry at large will have access to skilled tradesmen,” Franks said.

The program was designed in part by Sports Construction Group’s director of operations Rich Splean, a 15-year turf installation veteran. The core curriculum addresses all aspects of turf installation, including proper surface preparation, jobsite conditions, safety, proper use of adhesives and even sewing techniques.

According to Mike Cahill, OVRCC’s state director of organizing, the new training program is in keeping with OVRCC’s mission to train and educate the industry on all aspects of installation.

“The [turf] industry is growing incredibly rapidly,” he said. “We need this level of training to properly serve the market.”