Sports Turf Operative

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.

What apprentices will learn

• 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
• For more infiormation on the Skills, Knowledge & Behaviours learnt from this course, please click here.

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.

Age Requirement:

• Must be at least 16 years old.

Educational Requirements:

• No formal qualifications are strictly required to begin this apprenticeship. However, employers may prefer candidates to have GCSEs at grades 3/D or above in English and Maths.
• If you are under 19 years old and have not already achieved these grades: apprentices will be required to work towards Level 1 English and Maths and attempt Level 2 functional skills as part of the apprenticeship.
• If you are 19+ years old: functional skills in not mandatory but is recommended for further progression.
• For more information, visit the government website found here. 

To enrol onto an apprenticeship programme you need to be employed with a contract of employment. If you have an employer lined up or are already employed please contact our Apprenticeship Team on 01273 892127 or via email.

If you do not currently have an employer please visit the main Apprenticeships page for guidance on how to find and apply for an apprenticeship opportunity or register for our Talent Bank service.