Workbased Qualifications
Workbased qualifications, more commonly known as vocational qualifications, indicate that the candidate can do a particular job at a particular level in the workplace. Vocational qualifications awarded in England and Wales are known as Work based Diplomas and those awarded in Scotland are known as Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ’s).
Work based Diplomas and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ’s) are achieved through training and assessment. Assessment is usually carried out through on-the-job observation and questioning. Candidates must produce a portfolio of evidence to show that they are competent to meet the standards. Assessors test the candidates knowledge, understanding and workbased performance to make sure that they can demonstrate competence in the workplace. Assessors ‘sign off’ units when the candidate proves competence to the national occupational standards.
Assessors may be the course manager or a deputy in the workplace or one appointed by an approved Assessment Centre.
Training is provided by a qualified trainer (who may be the course manager) or by a training provider who will also teach the underpinning knowledge required.
Vocational qualifications in greenkeeping are offered at three levels:
Diploma in Greenkeeping/SVQ Level 2 Sports Turf
This shows that the holder can perform a range of greenkeeping tasks, some of which are complex and not routine, and that the holder is capable of working alone or as part of a team.
Craft Level - Diploma in Greenkeeping/SVQ Level 2 is within the Apprenticeship framework and the following skills are included: -
- Maintain good standards of health and safety for self and others.
- Mowing (greens/tees/banks/rough/fairways)
- Aerating turf (slitting/scarifying/verticutting)
- Applying top dressing and if and when appropriate fertiliser and pesticides
- Irrigating turf
- Moving tee markers
- Maintaining bunkers
- Changing holes
- Carrying out routine maintenance to equipment and machinery
- Preparing a tractor with attachments for operation
- Operating a tractor and attachments
- Communication with colleagues and supervisors and others
The knowledge required in addition to the related knowledge required to carry out the above tasks competently include;
- Identification of grasses, plants, trees, diseases, weeds and pests.
Click here to download the Level 2 standards - PDF, 60KB
Diploma in Golf Course Supervision/SVQ Level 3 Sports Turf Maintenance
This shows that the holder can perform a wide range of greenkeeping activities, most of which are complex and not routine. Holders of this award can take on a lot of responsibility, work on their own but may also supervise or guide others.
Supervisory Level - Diploma in Golf Course Supervision/SVQ Level 3 is within the Advanced Apprenticeship framework and the following skills are included:
- Create grassed and planted areas.
- Manage sports turf areas
- Manage drainage and irrigation systems
- Manage information for action
- Estimate and programme work
- Promote, monitor and maintain health, safety and security.
Click here to download the Level 3 standards - PDF, 89KB
It should be noted that individuals at this level are expected to have all the knowledge and competencies within Diploma in Greenkeeping/SVQ Level 2.
N/SVQ Level 4 Sports Turf Management
This shows that the holder can perform a wide range of complicated technical and managerial tasks. Holders of this award can take on a great deal of responsibility for their own work and can take responsibility for the work of others and for sharing resources.
Management Level - N/SVQ Level 4 - This is a management qualification and the following skills are included;
- Determine policies for the development of the golf course
- Manage a budget
- Provide vision and direction to others
- Develop procedures for health and safety in the workplace
- Organise a project or event
- Facilitate meetings
- Recruit, select and keep colleagues
- Manage the use of physical resources
Click here to download the Level 4 standards - PDF, 131KB
NOTE: To gain the FULL WORK BASED DIPLOMA'S/SVQ Certificate, candidates must achieve all the Units, however Unit Certificates are available.
The network of GTC Quality Assured Centres and Quality Assured Training Providers offer some or all of the above qualifications and several delivery methods are available including part-time college (day or block release), 100% on the job with workbook and/or on-line learning.
