Career path
Careers in greenkeeping and golf course management
There are a variety of ways you can become a greenkeeper. Some take a purely vocational route, others, an academic route, however most use a combined approach to their education and training within the industry. The three main routes into the profession are unqualified entrant, qualified entrant and apprentice.
Unqualified - Join the profession by applying for a job on a golf course as a trainee greenkeeper. Most golf clubs train their staff to National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), as from September 2009 Diploma in Greenkeeping or a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) Level 2 in Sports Turf. Training is workbased and takes place on the golf course and offers the flexibility to earn and learn at the same time. Diploma in Golf Course Supervision/SVQ Level 3 Sports Turf Maintenance is available to those who progress up the career ladder to a supervisory position such as first assistant or deputy head greenkeeper. N/SVQ Level 4 Sports Turf Management is available to those in a management position such as head greenkeeper or course manager.
Qualified - Enter the profession after gaining a college qualification e.g. National Diploma or a Foundation Degree in Sports Turf. Entry for these courses require GCSE’s and perhaps A Levels (Highers in Scotland) depending on the course and the college. Qualified greenkeepers could then enter the profession as first assistants or deputy course managers. There are many further training options open to qualified entrants for example via the N/SVQ Level 3 route or by returning to study part-time or full-time for a Turfgrass Science and Golf Course Management degree or even an MSc in Sports Surface Technology.
Apprentice - Apprenticeships in Sports Turf are being offered in most areas of Britain. Further details can be obtained from the GTC or by contacting the local GTC Approved Centre. The career of an apprentice follows the same pattern as that of an unqualified entrant, however, the main difference is that the training and employment is guaranteed in a contract made between the apprentice, the employer, the training provider and the programme is often funded by the Government through its funding agencies. Information on apprenticeships can be found at www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
NOTE: From September 2009, NVQ's are being replaced by Work based Diploma's
NVQ Level 2 becomes Diploma in Greenkeeping
NVQ Level 3 becomes Diploma in Golf Course Supervision
