Annual wage £14,560.00 The wage may be higher, depending on work experience Working week Winter & Summer 7am 3pm. However this may have to change occasionally. Total hours per week: 40 Expected duration 24 Months Possible start date 28 May 2024 Date posted 18 Apr 2024 Apprenticeship level Intermediate Level 2 (GCSE) Reference number VAC1000245699 Positions 2 available What you will do in your working day 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 turfgrass areas on a golf course – greens, tees, fairways and 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 as an apprentice on the golf course. By the end of the programme, you will know when, how and why the range of maintenance operations are carried out. A Golf Greenkeeper will be able to: Maintain good standards of health and safety for self and others. Prepare the golf course for play which will include removing early morning dew and debris from the greens, raking bunkers, moving tee markers, cutting new holes on greens Prepare and use equipment and machinery to maintain and renovate all turf surfaces within the golf course, including the use of tractors, ride-on machines, and specialist equipment Apply turf treatments to help produce quality playing surfaces, including fertilisers and top dressing Use a variety of integrated methods to control weeds, fungal diseases, pests and turf disorders Maintain and renovate bunkers and other hazards such as water features Maintain drainage and irrigation systems Prepare ground to establish turf and plants when maintaining, renovating and constructing golf course feature An Apprentice Golf Greenkeeper will develop and learn to understand the following technical knowledge: Identify their role in monitoring and maintaining health and safety within the workplace Identify a number of grasses, weeds, pests, diseases, turf disorders, plants and trees The primary aspects of soil and plant biology to include the process of germination – photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration The principles of mowing and machine maintenance and their operation The need and implications of rolling, verti-cutting, scarification and aeration The strategies for controlling weeds, pests, diseases and turf disorders How fertilisers, top dressing and chemicals affect playing surfaces How course maintenance practices affect the environment Be aware of the importance of the Rules of Golf and golf course etiquette Recognise the importance of environmental and ecological best practice The operation of irrigation, drainage systems and their maintenance The training you will be getting Level 2 Golf Greenkeeping Apprenticeship Standard. You will attend regular training sessions at your workplace, delivered by your Oldham College tutor. What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship This standard aligns with the following professional recognition: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA). Completion of the apprenticeship will enable qualified apprentices to apply for full membership Potential to progress onto the next level Sports Turf Apprenticeship. Requirements and prospects Desired skills and personal qualities Communication skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Logical, Team working, Creative, Initiative, Non judgemental, Patience, Physical fitness, Hardworking and thorough, Reliable, Polite and friendly Qualifications GCSE or equivalent English (Grade 9-4/A-C or equivalent) Essential GCSE or equivalent Maths (Grade 9-4/A-C or equivalent) Essential Things to consider You must have a strong work ethic including pride in work, attention to detail, integrity and time management. Have a flexible positive attitude to work. Ability to work as a lone worker and as a member of a team. A willingness to learn and contribute to their own continuing professional development. Having a safety mindset for self, colleagues and golfers. A clear and effective communicator who can use a variety of communication methods to give/receive information accurately and in a timely and positive manner. Problem solving and effective decision making. Please do not contact the employer direct. If your application is successful, you will be contacted by The Oldham College (normally via email) to invite you to attend a pre-interview and initial assessment.