An employee is responsible for ensuring that sports turf playing surfaces are suitably prepared. They will also have responsibilities across the wider facility. They supervise staff or volunteers and are responsible for ensuring that the playing surface is suitably prepared and maintained in line with the rules of the relevant sport.
Working in the outdoor environment is a healthy and therapeutic activity, which can contribute to the well-being of employees as well as users of sports surfaces.
Upon completion the advanced sports turf apprentice will have the necessary skills to supervise the sports turf team and the maintenance of the sports ground, in the absence of the Head Grounds Manager, and will assist in the planning, supervising and implementing the maintenance, care and overall appearance of a sports ground in line with the employer’s requirements.
Potential Job Roles
The skills developed during this apprenticeship can used in the following settings:
- Advanced golf greenkeeper
- Advanced sports turf technician
- Assistant head grounds person
- Deputy course manager
- Deputy head greenkeeper
- Deputy head grounds person
- First assistant greenkeeper
- Pitch manager
- Senior greenkeeper
- Senior grounds person
- Skilled grounds person
Course Content
The course consists of 12 “duties”, which include the development of skills, knowledge and behaviours:
- Duty 1 Supervise and undertake the preparation and maintenance of the playing surface in accordance with governing bodies requirements, rules and regulations.
- Duty 2 Evaluate performance and agronomic data of playing surfaces (e.g. weather data, soil conditions, performance quality standard). Recommends improvements to turf health and playing surface conditions.
- Duty 3 Monitor and control threats to turf health and apply sustainable integrated pest management practices (encompassing weeds, pests, and diseases).
- Duty 4 Supervise and implement processes, procedures and strategies for the effective usage of irrigation and drainage systems to maximise sports turf health and surface performance.
- Duty 5 Prepare sports turf machinery and supervise maintenance programmes for equipment and machinery.
- Duty 6 Agree the specification and implement resource and budget requirements for sports turf projects.
- Duty 7 Supervise and mentor operatives and report on staff performance.
- Duty 8 Supervise the adoption of sustainable and environmentally friendly working practices.
- Duty 9 Ensure a safe working environment and the adoption of legal working practices including the reviewing of risk assessments.
- Duty 10 Maintain own personal development by keeping up to date with current industry practices.
- Duty 11 Communicate with stakeholders on the factors affecting the condition of the sports turf and manage expectations.
- Duty 12 Plan, prepare for and supervise the construction or renovation of the sports turf facilities.
- For further information on course content click here.
The apprentice will also develop Core Behaviours including a strong work ethic, pride in their work, good time management, integrity, flexibility, team working, lone working, health and safety mindset, problem solving, decision making, excellent communication and customer service, appreciation of continuing professional development.
For further information on course content click here.
Delivery Method
The course is delivered using a blended learning methodology which includes both face to face visits and remote training sessions. The apprenticeship will finish with an End Point Assessment (EPA) assessed by an Independent External Assessor (IEPA). The EPA is sector specific and may involve practical assessments, written tests, professional discussions and review of evidence.
Expected Duration
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 24 months.