Apprenticeships in
Golf Greenkeeping and Groundsmanship
If you work on a golf course or a sports ground and don’t want to stand still, this course is for you! You’ll combine on the job training with studying at Reaseheath for six blocks of three days per month between October and March.
You’ll study modules including maintenance and repair of sports turf surfaces, health and disease of plants and grass and machinery and equipment.
What will I study?
- Maintenance and repair of sports turf surfaces
- Health and disease of plants and grass
- Plant and grass establishment
- Machinery and equipment
- Health and safety
- Opportunity to work towards gaining spraying certificates (additional employer fees may apply)
- Functional Skills or GCSE in English and Maths depending on previous qualifications
- You will have the opportunity to work towards additional qualifications
How long will it take?
- 24 months depending on previous experience
What qualifications do I need to start?
- Preferably GCSEs at grade 2 or above including English and Maths
What qualifications will I gain?
- Level 2 Apprenticeship in Golf Greenkeeping and Groundsmanship
- Additional training is provided in a number of disciplines
- Functional Skills or GCSE in English and Maths depending on previous qualifications
Course options after this programme
- Level 3 Apprenticeship in Golf Greenkeeping and Groundsmanship
Career options
- Greenkeeper or groundsperson
- Assistant head greenkeeper or groundsperson
- Teaching
- Retailing
- Other turf related industries
Student Profile
Joe Lomas
Ambition: Head Greenkeeper
School: St Thomas More Catholic School, Buxton
Age: 22
A trainee greenkeeper for the Chapel-en-le-Frith Golf Club, Derbyshire, Joe comes into college for three days a month between October and March on an apprenticeship programme specially designed to fit in with the golfing calendar.
He’s no stranger to Reaseheath, as he previously completed our Level 3 Extended Diploma in Land Based Technology. But spending his middle year on work placement with Cheshire Turf Machinery gave him specialist skills and experience – and access to opportunities in the sports turf industry.
During the summer Joe mows greens and fairways and ensures that the course is prepared for the club’s 700 members. He’s mentored by Head Greenkeeper Simon Whathall, himself a former sports turf apprentice at Reaseheath.
At college the emphasis is on academic work and Joe learns turf science, pest and diseases, ground preparation and soil analysis.
He says: “The apprenticeship programme is a great way to learn, as you’re doing lots of practical work which is backed up by the academic study. You’re gaining knowledge so you know the reason why you are doing a job. There’s plenty of opportunity for progression too.”