Do you have a passion for golf and want to “take a swing” in the industry? Well, our Golf Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Level 2 could be the perfect opportunity for you. Read on to find out more about our “tee-rific” apprenticeship program.
Overview of role
The main responsibility of a Golf Greenkeeper is to care for the maintenance and appearance of a golf course, keeping in mind the employer’s requirements and expectations.
Level 2 Apprentices must be abe to maintain an outstanding quality playing surface for golfers, by ensuring day-to-day duties are carried out safely and efficiently.
Duration and Entry Requirements of Apprenticeship
Duration
The course typically will take an apprentice 24 months to complete. This reduces if an apprentice has already gained prior knowledge and skills working on a golf course or other sports turf facilities.
Entry Requirements
Potential apprentices will have to have a minimum of 5 GCSEs, at grades A-D (including Maths, English and Science) or other equivalent vocational qualifications. In some cases, entry requirements will be determined by individual employers.
Employers who recruit apprentices without any of the above qualifications will have to ensure the apprentice achieves Level 1 in English and Maths by the end of their apprenticeship.
Introduction to the Golf Greenkeeper Apprenticeship
The main responsibility of a Golf Greenkeeper is to oversee the maintenance, care and appearance of a golf course, in line with the expectations of the employer. It is their role to maintain a good quality playing surface and ensure the course is suitable for golfers.
There are 4 turfgrass areas on a golf course – greens, tees, fairways, and areas of rough. Each of these requires a different type of maintenance. It will be your role to manage and use different pieces of equipment competently to ensure the best output for each surface. All training provided.
While on the apprenticeship, you will build up a skills portfolio, which will help you in your mission to become a qualified Golf Greenkeeper. Skills you will learn are, learning to conduct ecological and environmental operations, bunker maintenance, planting turf, and developing wildlife habitats.
By the end of the apprenticeship, you will have experience in all the different aspects of golf ground maintenance and the operations associated with this.
This career can take you wherever the game of golf is played. Meaning you will have a flexible choice in where your career is situated, as well as getting to embrace the sport you love every day.
Cities across the UK and further afield, are actively investing in this sport, so the skills you build during your apprenticeship will never go to waste!
Skills you will acquire:
- Maintain a good level of health and safety for yourself and others
- Prepare the golf course for play, which includes tasks like removing early morning dew and debris from the green, ranking bunkers and moving tee markers
- Prepare and safely use relevant machinery to complete tasks to a high standard
- Apply turf treatments safely and effectively
- Maintain and renovate bunkers and other hazards like water features
- Maintain and improve drainage and irrigation systems
- Use a variety of integrated methods to control weeds, fungal diseases and pests
By the end of the apprenticeship, you will be able to:
- Identify your role in monitoring and maintaining health and safety protocols within the workplace
- Identify several types of grass, weeds, pests and diseases
- Acknowledge the primary aspects of soil and plant biology
- Understand the principles of mowing and machine maintenance and their operation
- Understand and perform strategies for controlling weeds, pests, diseases and turf disorders
- Be able to competently handle machinery and technology
- Understand how fertilisers, top dressing and chemicals affect playing surfaces
- Recognise the importance of environmental and ecological best practise
- Be aware of the importance of the rules of golf and golf etiquette
The Behaviours of a Golf Greenkeeper
Golf club employers are very customer focussed and will require apprenticeships to have a specific set of personal skills and behaviours that will ensure success in delivering excellent customer service and detailed deliverables.
Skills you must have as a Golf Greenkeeper Apprentice:
- High attention to detail
- Flexible, positive attitude to work
- Have the ability to work well on your own or within a team environment
- Ability to learn
- Be a clear and effective communicant who can use a variety of communication methods to give/receive information accurately
- Have a proactive take on problem-solving
What you will get from this apprenticeship:
The standard is recognised by the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), the professional body for Greenkeepers.
By the end of your apprenticeship, you will be eligible to join BIGGA as a full member and become a BIGGA Accredited Golf Greenskeeper. The successful apprentice will have the opportunity to progress to a higher level of the apprenticeship standard.
Apprentices who have completed the programme will have enhanced job opportunities, such as senior positions within golf facilities as well as the option to progress by working in other sports facilities, specifically in roles such as Grounds Maintenance Technician
Conclusion
As you can see, the Level 2 Golf Greenkeeper apprenticeship is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to pursue a career golf maintence. The core skills covered in the apprenticeship will open up a wide range of job opportunities. In addition, you will earn while you learn and excellent progression opportunities exist to advance your career. An example being the Level 3 Golf Greenkeepers Apprenticeship. Employers are keen to use apprenticeship to shape how their employees learn and progress. The type of job roles that will open up over the coming years could be endless for anyone that commits their future to a career in maintenance.
Not what you were looking for? Find other suitable apprenticeships.