Sports Turf Operative Apprentice

Summary

This is an exciting opportunity for a smart, ambitious and self-motivated individual to join a friendly environment. To undertake all duties associated with maintaining and renovating sports surfaces in a football environment, ensuring that the facilities are in premium condition and fit for purpose.

Annual wage

£12,480 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

The salary may be higher depending on work experience.

Training course

Sports turf operative (level 2)

Hours

Monday - Sunday. 37.5 hours per week. Shift times to be agreed.

37 hours a week

Possible start date

Monday 7 October

Duration

1 Year 6 Months

Positions available

1

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

The post holder will be required to:

Work as a member of the Grounds team to ensure playing surfaces are consistently well maintained and fit for purpose
Identify and ensure the correct application of materials, tools, equipment and machinery used in maintenance and renovation activities, under the supervision of the Head Groundsman
Identify and understand different grasses, soil types, weeds, pests, diseases, turf disorders, artificial surfacing material, underlays, infill material, turf and soil reinforcement material, and line marking materials
Understand the principles of photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration in the growth and development of plants, and apply this knowledge accordingly
Contribute to monitoring the impact of weather, ground conditions and usage on pitch quality and playing quality, and work with the Grounds team to take appropriate action as necessary
Contribute to minimising waste and reducing environmental impacts
Monitor, record and report basic grounds maintenance findings
Apply knowledge and skills with a logical and systematic approach, also demonstrating a positive work ethic in achieving the desired outcomes from the playing surfaces being maintained
Contribute to maintaining and renovating turf surfaces in a safe and appropriate manner to ensure training and matches can take place in a fair and safe manner
Use a range of equipment and machinery as required, including but not limited to, mowers, scarifiers, aerators and other specialist turf equipment, covering hand tools, as well as pedestrian operated, ride-on and tractor mounted implements
Correctly calibrate equipment for material requirements and apply at the correct rates a range of materials, including grass seed, fertiliser and bulky top-dressing
Use integrated prevention and control methods to reduce the incidence of diseases, disorders, pests and weeds on turf
Set and mark out playing areas in accordance with the Laws of the Governing Bodies of Sport
Maintain tools, equipment and machinery used for maintenance and renovation activities, to ensure their safe and effective use
Maintain and conduct basic routine servicing and repairs to drainage and irrigation systems
Effectively communicate with others and provide an excellent level of customer service
Work safely, efficiently and effectively at all times, whether under supervision, as an individual, or in a team
The post holder will also be required to undertake any other duties as required by the Head Groundsman and/or any other Senior Manager/Director

Where you’ll work

FURTHERWOOD ROAD

OLDHAM

OL1 2PB

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

THE OLDHAM COLLEGE

Your training course

Sports turf operative (level 2)

Equal to GCSE

Course contents

Apply the correct rates and range of materials to sports turf surfaces (e.g. grass seed, granular fertilisers, bulky top-dressing, turf and root zone).

Set and mark out the sports turf surface in accordance with the relevant governing body rules (including line marking, the 3-4-5 squaring technique, and marking arcs and semi-circles).

Prepare machinery and equipment to ensure their safe and effective use when carrying out sport turf tasks.

Maintain levels of soil moisture using either irrigation or drainage systems.

Inspect the condition of sports turf, make observations and communicate findings (e.g. PQS, weeds, pests, diseases, thatch content).

Prepare the ground and established grass areas as part of sports turf renovation tasks (e.g. overseeding, turfing).

Carry out cylinder mowing of sports turf surface(s) in accordance with set requirements.

Carry out repair of sports turf surfaces using relevant equipment and machinery (e.g. divot repair, foot hole repair, animal damage).

Prepare and safely operate a tractor and it's attachments.

Select and use relevant communication styles (e.g. verbal, written, digital) to convey information to different audiences (e.g. clients, staff, suppliers).

Adopts a systematic approach to troubleshooting and solving day-to-day resource or equipment issues.

Identify a range of turf grasses (vegetative and seed). (Including, perennial ryegrass smooth stalk meadow grass, annual meadow grass, fescue grass (fine), bent grass).

Carry out maintenance of sports turf surface using relevant equipment and machinery (including scarification, and aeration).

Dispose of waste in a safe and sustainable manner.

Your training plan

Sports Turf Operative Level 2 qualification
Training schedule has yet to be agreed. Details will be made available at a later date.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade Grade 9-3/A*-D or equivalent)
Maths (grade Grade 9-3/A*-D or equivalent)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Problem solving skills
Presentation skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Creative
Initiative
Non judgemental
Patience
Physical fitness
Reliable
Trustworthy
Diligent
Keen to achieve
Desire to work outdoors
Ability to focus well

Other requirements

You will be expected to be flexible with the working hours. There is a degree of lifting and carrying that you will need to be able to carry out. Applications will only be accepted through the National Apprenticeship Website: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship. 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.

About this company

Oldham Athletic Association Football Club is a professional football club in Oldham, Greater Manchester, England, which competes in the National League, the fifth tier of the English football league system.

https://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Next level apprenticeship.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

THE OLDHAM COLLEGE

Andrea Kearns

andrea.kearns@oldham.ac.uk

0161 785 4072

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000277867.

Apply now

Closes in 14 days (Friday 4 October at 11:59pm)

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

Cookies on Find an apprenticeship

Contents