Course Overview

You need to be employed to start an Apprenticeship. Please visit our vacancy page or if you have an employer, please ensure you add full contact details of your employer within your application. If you are unable to secure employment, you could enrol on a full-time study programme and transfer to an Apprenticeship at a later date. Please apply for a full-time course as your second option.

A Sports Turf Operative is responsible for the maintenance and renovation and overall appearance of one or more sports turf surfaces in accordance with the needs of the particular sport. This including athletics, football, cricket, bowling, horse racing, croquet, rugby and tennis.

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. All the necessary knowledge, skills and behaviors are covered by this Apprenticeship, including mowing activities, pitch preparation, health and safety and plant identification. You will be equipped to work in a global industry which supports the physical and mental well-being of the public, as well as professional sports people.

This qualification is recognised by the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG), the Professional Body for Sports Turf Operatives and others working in the grounds care industry.

Assessment Methods

Teaching is in the workplace through one-to-one sessions, practical assessments and regular employer feedback. You also complete an e-portfolio, written questions and an end-point assessment which includes a personal statement, practical assessment and knowledge paper.

Progression Options

On successful completion, you will be eligible to join the IOG register of Turf Management Professionals and progress to supervisory level employment within the industry. Alternatively, you could find employment as a grounds person or sales representative. Alternatively, you could continue your studies with a Level 3 Apprenticeship.