Approx. duration: 24 Months
Start Date: Anytime
Attendance: All assessment and training is undertaken in the workplace with occasional visits to college
Entry requirements: Entry onto the Apprenticeship is subject to a thorough initial assessment to clarify course suitability. You may be required to come for an interview and assessment. Entry onto the Apprenticeship is subject to 4 GCSE including Maths and English 9-3/A-E or a commitment to undertake Level 2 Maths and English. Apprentices need to be employed for a minimum of 30 hours a week and have a contract of employment.
On-programme learning:
- Golf Greenkeeper Standard
- English and Maths (if required) Level 2
End-point assessment: Delivered by Lantra
Progression: This standard is recognised by the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), the Professional Body for Greenkeepers. At the start of the apprenticeship the apprentice will be registered with BIGGA. Upon completion of this standard the apprentice will be eligible to join BIGGA as a full member and become a BIGGA Accredited Greenkeeper.
The successful Apprentice will have the opportunity to progress on to a higher level apprenticeship standard.
Job opportunities will also be enhanced for those Apprentices who have completed the programme with promotion to more senior positions within a golf club facility or the option to progress by working in other sports facilities such as a Grounds Maintenance Operator/Technician.
Course Summary: Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes designed around the need of both the Apprentice and their employer.
A Golf Greenkeeper is responsible for the maintenance, care and overall appearance of a golf course in line with employer’s requirements. It is their job to maintain a good quality playing surface and ensure the course offers a consistent challenge and an enjoyable experience for golfers.
There are four key turf grass areas on a golf course:
- Greens
- Tees
- Fairways
- Areas of rough
Each of which requires a different type of maintenance. Using a range of equipment and machinery safely and competently will play a major part within an apprentices training programme. Golf Greenkeepers will also be involved in hazard, environmental and ecological operations which may include bunker maintenance, planting turf, trees, shrubs and developing wildlife habitats. The skills required to become a competent greenkeeper will be acquired whilst working on the golf course.
By the end of the programme, the Apprentice will know when, how and why the range of maintenance operations are carried out.
The career as a Golf Greenkeeper can take you wherever the game of golf is played. Working outdoors in a healthy environment and as new countries are embracing the sport and more golf courses are being built, there is no better time to consider joining this great profession.