Students at the farm with equipment

Horticulture

Sports Turf /Golf Greenkeeper Level 2 Apprenticeship

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In Brief

Start Date / Duration

You can start an apprenticeship at any time. You will need an employer to employ you as an apprentice and will have completed your College departmental induction. This course runs for 25 months and one day.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements will be determined by individual employers but typically potential apprentices will have a minimum of five GCSEs at Grades 3/D or above (including maths, English and Science) or other equivalent vocational qualifications. Employers who recruit apprentices without the above levels of qualifications will have to ensure they achieve Level 1 in English and maths as part of their apprenticeship.

  • The functional skills minimum requirement is Level 1 in English and maths and to sit the Level 2 English and maths Functional Skills examinations in order to access the gateway to the end point assessments for your apprenticeship standard.
  • A DBS check may be required by your employer.
  • You will need to find an employer to employ you as an apprentice.

Please see our apprenticeship vacancies to see our current opportunities.

https://www.barnsley.ac.uk/our-departments/apprenticeships/apprenticeship-vacancies

You will achieve

  •  Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard – Sports Turf – Golf Greenkeeper (Pass, Merit or Distinction)
  • City & Guilds Level 2 Horticulture Diploma Sports Turf Greenkeeper (Pass grade only)

Course Code

AFHOR

Course overview

The Sports Turf / Golf Greenkeeper Level 2 Apprenticeship equips apprentices with the skills and knowledge to maintain and enhance golf courses, ensuring high-quality playing surfaces and an enjoyable golfing experience. Through hands-on training, apprentices will learn to manage turf, equipment, and environmental practices while developing expertise in health and safety, plant biology, and the operation of key machinery. Click here for further information regarding the Standard Apprenticeship.

Key topics you will cover:

  • Maintain health and safety standards on the course.
  • Operate and maintain turf machinery, including tractors and ride-on machines.
  • Apply treatments such as fertilisers and top dressing for quality surfaces.
  • Control weeds, pests, diseases, and turf disorders.
  • Maintain bunkers, water features, and hazards.
  • Manage irrigation and drainage systems.
  • Identify grasses, pests, diseases, and plants.
  • Understand plant biology and maintenance practices.
  • Follow environmental best practices and golf etiquette.

 Apprenticeship Standard – Golf Greenkeeper

 The final assessment will contain three components. All components must be passed for the apprentice to be deemed competent. These form 100% of the overall final assessment.

  • A synoptic underpinning knowledge paper (30% of overall grade).
  • A synoptic practical assessment (50% of overall grade).
  • A personal statement (20% of overall grade).

 Level 2 Diploma Horticulture – Sports Turf Greenkeeper

 You will be continually assessed in the workplace of your practical competences. You will produce a written knowledge portfolio to underpin all mandatory units.

All equipment will be provided

You will study within the workplace and attend classes at Barnsley College, Wigfield Farm campus, Haverlands Lane, Worsborough, Barnsley, S70 5NQ.

This standard is recognised by the British and 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.

You may also wish to consider full-time FE and HE studies on completion of the 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.

How much does the course cost?

There is no cost to being an apprentice. All costs associated with your apprenticeship, including the cost of training and your salary, will be paid by your employer.

You may be eligible for assistance with expenses such as travel, books, equipment and childcare. For further information please contact the Student Services Team on 01226 216 267.

Extra information

For further information please contact the team on 01226 216 166 or email: apprenticeships@barnsley.ac.uk

 

 

Barnsley College has a range of sports opportunities for all students to take part in, gain professional training and compete nationally and internationally. We also have a state-of-the-art fitness village, Honeywell Sports Village where students can make use of our fitness suite, spinning studio and classes for competitive rates. You don’t have to be studying sport to get involved in the Sports Academy.

Our Additional Learning Support team can provide you with the support you need. Call 01226 216 769 for further information.

Having good English and Maths qualifications are important for most careers and we want to give you the help you need to succeed.

If you are aged 16 – 19 and don’t hold a grade C/4 or above in GCSE English and Maths, you will automatically be included in your study programme. If you want to work towards achieving a higher grade in English and Maths, we can help you do that too and we offer Level 3 Mathematical Studies (Core Maths) which can be added to your study programme.

If you’re aged 19 or above and don’t hold a a grade C/4 or above in GCSE English and Maths we can help. We offer FREE English and Maths qualifications that can be studied on a part-time basis, subject to eligibility.

If you need any further information, please contact our Information Team by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing info@barnsley.ac.uk

Please note we reserve the right to change details without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Sports Turf /Golf Greenkeeper Level 2 Apprenticeship

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