Sportsturf Management Apprentice

Sports Turf Management Apprenticeship (Greenkeeping)

Are you interested in working and achieving a recognised level 6 qualification in sports turf management? A great apprenticeship opportunity has arisen at ConcraWood Golf Club. We are excited to offer a full-time, paid apprenticeship in Sports turf Management, where you can earn while you learn.

The National Sports Turf Management Apprenticeship is for anyone who wishes to pursue a career in the sports turf sector or existing personnel employed in a sports turf facility that would like to gain a recognised qualification

Location: ConcraWood Golf Club, Concra, Dundalk Rd, Castleblayney A75 HX98

Duration: 2 years fixed

Certification: Higher Certificate in Sports turf Management Level 6

Awarding Body: Quality and Qualifications Ireland - QQI

Salary: Negotiable with time served and education completed.

Entry requirements

There are three routes available:

Option 1:

Leaving Certificate - Minimum entry requirements are a grade H7/O6 or above in five leaving certificate - or equivalent, subjects. A minimum of grade O6 must be obtained in English. A minimum of grade O6 or a B2 or above in Foundation Level must be obtained in Mathematics.

Option 2:

Holders of a QQI Level 5 - or equivalent, in Horticulture can apply for entry onto the programme.

Option 3:

A candidate, 17 and older who does not hold the Level 5 qualifications as set out in categories 1 or 2 above but who has a minimum of 1 years’ experience working as in sports turf industry and demonstrates the correct attitudes, behaviours and literacy skills, will also be eligible to apply.

Programme Structure

Apprentices will be trained in a progressive manner and will get to put their skills into practice during both on and off the job training stages. On successful completion, the apprentice(s) will obtain a recognised level 6 qualification and be fully competent in the role of a Sports turf technician.

ConcraWood will support the apprentice(s) throughout their learning journey by engaging line managers and facilitating mentor one-to-ones on a regular basis.

The apprentice(s) will complete off site block release training programme carried out by Teagasc. Attendance for this off-site training is compulsory where apprentice(s) will attend classes, practical’s, labs and field trips while off-the-job. Examinations will take place also in this period.

The following stages will be completed as part of the Sports Turf Management Apprenticeship:

Year 1

Autumn/Winter Semester

• September/October - Two weeks off-the-job

• November/December - Two weeks off-the-job

Winter/Spring Semester

• January/March - Two weeks off-the-job

• Blended learning - weekly throughout

Year 2

Autumn/Winter Semester

• September/October - Two weeks off-the-job

• November/December - Two weeks off-the-job

Winter/Spring Semester

• January/March - Two weeks off-the-job

• Blended learning - weekly throughout

Programme Modules

Year 1

• Introduction to Sports Turf Management

• Turfgrass Science & Morphology

• Sports Turf Grasses & Weeds

• Turfgrass & Landscape Management

• Turfgrass Equipment: Set-up, Maintenance & Operation

• Soil & Rootzones for Sports turf Facilities

• Soil Hydrology

Year 2

• Plant Protection

• Artificial Sports Surfaces

• Meteorology, Environmental Sustainability & Ecology

• Sports turf Construction

• Sports turf Facility Set-up

• Apprentice Project

The apprenticeship package is a two-year full time program with paid training to gain qualifications in sports turf management, and the opportunity to work and develop your experience at one of Ireland’s finest Parkland Golf Clubs.

Yearly pay increases as you gain experience and qualifications as well as other benefits. Applicants must have a Provisional or current Driving License