Groundsperson

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• specialist courses run by a professional body

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• turfgrass science
• sportsturf management
• horticulture

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could take a college course to get some of the skills and knowledge needed for this job.

Courses include:

• golf greenkeeping
• horticulture skills
• horticulture

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could apply for an apprenticeship to become a groundsperson, for example:

• Sports Turf Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Golf Greenkeeper Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Sports Turf Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

These apprenticeships typically take around 2 years to complete and are a mix of on-the-job training and off-site study.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You might be able to find work as an assistant groundsperson, if you can show the right personal qualities and enthusiasm for the career. You could then work your way up by getting experience and studying on the job.

Volunteering

You may be able to find volunteering opportunities with a local sports club, track or golf course. This could help you when you start applying for jobs.

OtherRoutes

You could do a qualification with the Grounds Management Association . They offer courses at different levels in turf surface maintenance and management.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• the ability to operate and control equipment
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
• the ability to work well with your hands
• customer service skills
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• sensitivity and understanding
• knowledge of English language
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of maths
• concentration skills
• physical fitness and endurance
• leadership skills
• active listening skills
• observation and recording skills

What you'll do:

A groundsperson looks after the pitches, tracks and courses used in sports like golf, cricket, football and racing.

As a groundperson you could:

• care for playing surfaces by seeding, fertilizing, watering and mowing
• control weeds, grass diseases and pests
• repair or renovate damaged areas
• operate horticultural equipment and machinery
• maintain racecourse turf, fences and drainage
• mark lines on pitches, cut holes on greens and make sure goalposts, flagpoles and other equipment is in good order

Location : You could work on a sports field, at a sports arena or in a park.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

Salary:

Starter : £19,000
Experienced : £28,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 42 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends flexibly

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a supervisor, head groundsperson or headkeeper at a sports ground or course.

You might also find opportunities in:

• landscaping
• horticultural management
• mobile machinery servicing and repairs
• equipment sales
• course or sports facility management