Sports Turf Operative

Course overview

The Level 2 Sports Turf Operative Apprenticeship is aimed at individuals aged
16 and over who are employed in a sports turf environment, such as golf courses,
sports clubs, schools, or local authorities. It is ideal for those with a
passion for working outdoors and maintaining sports surfaces.

It is their job to maintain an appropriate quality playing surface which
reflects the carrying capacity of that surface to ensure that a sustainable
playing surface is provided.

A career as a Sports Turf Operative can be quite varied, potentially working
across a wide range of different sports and venues, including athletics, bowls,
cricket, croquet, football, hockey, horse racing, rugby league and union, tennis
and ranging from general parks type sports surfaces up to first class
stadia.

Upon achievement of this standard the apprentice will be eligible to join the
IOG register of Turf Management Professionals.

End Point Assessment

• Two online exams


• Practical assessment

• Apprentices typically work at least 30 hours per week while developing
  practical skills in turf maintenance, machinery use, pest and weed control,
  and health and safety.


• No prior experience is required, but basic English and Maths
  qualifications (or a willingness to work towards them) are expected.

Modules

• How to identify and use the correct materials, tools and equipment for grounds keeping
• How to monitor, record and report findings
• Environmental, and health and safety law and regulations
• An understanding of different types of surface and problems associated with them
• How to minimise waste and reduce environmental impacts