Level 2 Sports Turf Operative Apprenticeship

– Maintain and renovate turf surfaces in a safe and appropriate way.
– Correctly calibrate equipment for material requirements and apply at the correct rates a range of materials, including grass seed, fertiliser and bulky top-dressing.
– Use integrated prevention and control methods to reduce the incidence of diseases, disorders, pests and weeds on turf.
– Set and mark out sports areas in accordance with the Laws of the Governing Bodies of Sport.
– Maintain tools, equipment and machinery used for maintenance and renovation activities to ensure their safe and effective use.
– Maintain and conduct basic routine servicing and repairs to drainage and irrigation systems
– Effectively communicate with others and provide an excellent level of customer service
– Work safely, efficiently and effectively at all times, whether under supervision as an individual or in a team.
– Compliance with policies and procedures – company, client, health and safety risk assessments, rules of the
game from the different Governing Bodies of Sport.
– The identification and correct application of materials, tools, equipment and machinery used in maintenance and renovation activities.
– Identification and understanding of different grasses, soil types, weeds, pests, diseases, turf disorders, artificial surfacing material, underlays, infill material, turf and soil reinforcement material, line marking materials.
– The principles of photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration in the growth and development of plants.
– The impact of weather, ground conditions and usage on pitch quality and playing quality.
– The different Performance Quality Standards for a range of different sports turf surfaces
– How to minimise waste and reduce environmental impacts.
– How to monitor, record and report basic grounds maintenance findings.

18 Months

This programme will be delivered through a combination of online webiners and bespoke practical training on site at the workplace.
With all apprenticeships there is a requirement to record off-the-job activities and this will be achieved through the use of a dedicated electronic on-line portfolio which the apprentice, the employer and the college delivery team will all have access to.

The apprentice will be assigned a dedicated Assessor Trainer, who will undertake regular workplace progress reviews with both the apprentice and
an assigned workplace mentor, as well as supporting all aspects of the apprentices ongoing development.

Furthermore, this approach ensures any additional support requirements or interventions can be implemented in a timely manner as required.

A Virtual Learning Environment ensures all learning, development and support material can be easily accessed, further supporting the blended learning and development approach to apprenticeship delivery. This ensures flexible and responsive training at all times, through a combination of on-line and face-to-face activities delivered by industry experts, using our high quality, industry recognised resources and equipment.

Assessment overview –
Skills, knowledge and behaviours are assessed by competencies being displayed in the workplace, observations, employer feedback, assessor progress reviews, evidence collating and the employer enabling you to fulfil the requirements of your Apprenticeship.

On programme assessment will include various coaching and mentoring assessment methods. These assessments are designed to review the behaviours, knowledge and skills against set gateway criteria.

In addition you, your employer and the college are required to maintain an off the job training log evidencing new skills and knowledge being learnt over the duration of the apprenticeship.

The final grading of the apprenticeship will be carried out through an End Point Assessment, by an independent assessor.

A Graded Apprenticehip Certificate
This standard is recognised by the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG), the Professional Body for Sports Turf Operatives and others working in the grounds care industry.
Upon achievement of this standard the apprentice will be eligible to join the IOG register of Turf Management Professionals.

This standard is recognised by the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG), the Professional Body for Sports Turf Operatives and others
working in the grounds care industry. Upon achievement of this standard the apprentice will be eligible to join the IOG register of Turf
Management Professionals.

Progression could be to supervisory roles.

Level 2

– Safety orientation
– Positive work ethic
– Quality focused
– Team player
– Contributor to sustainability