Level 2 Golf Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Standard

Golf greenkeepers spend most of their time working outdoors. They work in all seasons and can work in a variety of settings. They may be employed on golf courses such as a links golf course along the coast, or they may work inland on a parkland, down land or a heathland course. All golf courses have an outdoor space environment which will support health and wellbeing. 

Golf courses throughout the country can be members clubs, often run and owned by the members or committees.  Alternatively, they can be, private, public or municipal courses, owned and/or managed by individuals, companies or a local authority. 

Golf clubs can range in size and stature, from championship courses and venues that host large tournaments through to smaller, local courses serving the local community.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to improve and maintain good quality playing surfaces and ensure the golf course offers a consistent challenge and an enjoyable experience for golfers.

Golf greenkeepers typically begin work early in the morning and are responsible for the overall preparation, maintenance and management of the golf course. The greenkeeping team will maintain the course 365 days a year and whilst golfers are at play and members of the public are on the golf course.

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. Golf greenkeepers also manage habitats and areas of biodiversity found on golf courses.

On a day to day basis, they will prepare and maintain the golf course ready for play, to the highest possible standard. They will be responsible for marking out areas and setting out equipment as well as maintaining golf course hazards, in line with the Rules of Golf and the employer’s requirements.

You must be employed within – and be committed to a career in – the horticulture/green keeping industry. You will undergo an initial assessment before starting the programme to ensure that you are capable of achieving the outcomes and have an interest in this area of work.

You will need to have industry experience alongside either

FS English and Maths – both at L1

Or GCSE English and Maths at Grade D/3

NB. If you do not currently have employment in the horticulture industry, we can help you with this too. Please look at our website for current vacancies.

The apprenticeship includes:

• Level 2 Golf Greenkeeper
• Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
• Functional Skills: English and Maths Level 1 and/or Level 2 depending on GCSE results

The apprenticeship will be delivered in the workplace and on-site at Broomfield Hall one day per week 

You will need safety boots, overalls, waterproofs and writing materials.

For apprentices over the age of 19, an employer contribution is required towards the cost of training.

On-programme assessment includes:

• Apprentice journal: the apprentice should record experiences gained through the learning
• Portfolio of evidence to demonstrate practical ability and theoretical understanding
• Written and practical tests: designed to prepare the apprentice for the end-point assessment and test seasonal elements
• Employer appraisals: to monitor performance

The End-point Assessment consists of:

• A synoptic practical assessment containing a range of practical activities at your employment
• Professional discussion
• Online multiple-choice test of knowledge

You may consider taking your qualifications to the next level with an advanced apprenticeship or the Diploma in Work-based Horticulture Level 3.

This course is designed to give you a sound base of different horticultural skills and knowledge, enabling you to progress in your chosen career area or to move to other areas within the horticultural industry, after your training has finished.

For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk