Apprentice Greenkeeper

Summary

You will be working within a small team Greenkeepers initially, be trained by successful Greenkeepers with many years of experience in varied roles within the Greenkeeping industry. You must be prepared for early mornings and working in all weather conditions. The work is physically challenging and a good level of fitness will be advantageous.

Annual wage: £14,976 to £26,769.60 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Golf greenkeeper (level 2)
Hours: Monday to Friday 5:30am to 2:00pm in the summer, hours will vary in the winter e.g. 7:00am-3:30pm in the middle of winter. The greenkeepers operate a rota system for course set up on weekends – approx. 4 hours each day
45 hours a week
Possible start date: Friday 1 November
Duration: 2 years
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

During your time at Billingbear you will be gaining technical knowledge and collating evidence of learning, be observed and receive training as to how the golf course operates.

Your job role will include:

Golf course preparation
A range of mowing
Presenting and maintaining playing surfaces for golf
Using and maintaining handheld / pedestrian / ride - on machinery
Preparing and operating a tractor and attachments
Renovating and repairing sports turf surfaces
Preparing ground for grass / plants
Establishing grass / plants
Monitoring and maintaining health, safety and security
Establishing working relationships
Developing your personal performance

Additional benefits

Free uniform
GTC approved course and BIGGA membership

Where you’ll work

BILLINGBEAR GOLF COURSE

THE STRAIGHT MILE

WOKINGHAM

BERKS

RG40 5SJ

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 WINDSOR FOREST COLLEGES GROUP

Your training course

Golf greenkeeper (level 2)

Equal to GCSE

Course contents

Identify and maintain natural habitats and areas of biodiversity.

Apply irrigation to achieve appropriate soil conditions and golf course playability.

Handle, store and dispose of golf course waste materials in accordance with environmental or waste management policies.

Monitor and maintain standards of health, safety and security for oneself, colleagues, golfers and visitors on the golf course and surrounding areas, in line with legislation and company policy and procedures.

Establish and maintain working relationships with greenkeeping staff, colleagues and others within the golf club environment.

Keep up to date with advances in working practices and technologies to maintain and develop personal performance.

Communicate golf course related information to stakeholders, including greenkeeping staff, colleagues and golfers.

Mark and maintain golf areas in line with the Rules of Golf (including drop zones, hazard/ penalty areas, out of bounds and tee markers).

Measure, record and communicate green speeds applying the United States Golf Association (USGA) Stimpmeter instructions.

Position and change golf holes to the required finish and in accordance with the Rules of Golf.

Set up mowers and mow areas of the golf course in accordance with golf course standards.

Maintain and present bunkers for play.

Switch and brush golf course turf.

Set up equipment and aerate and scarify areas of the golf course.

Repair damaged golf turf in play (for example, by turfing, plugging or patching).

Use a range of integrated methods to control weeds, moss, fungal diseases, pests and turf disorder

Apply top dressing in accordance with golf course requirements.

Apply fertiliser to playing surfaces.

Prepare, set up, operate and store tools, equipment and machinery in line with manufacturers' instructions and to the required specifications, to ensure their safe and effective use on golf turf surfaces and surrounding areas.

Carry out routine maintenance to tools, equipment and machinery used for greenkeeping practices, in line with manufacturers' instructions and company policies and procedures.

Prepare and operate a tractor with attachments in line with manufacturers instructions, legislation and company policies and procedures (including risk assessment, hitching, and safe stop).

Maintain and renovate non-turf areas such as pathways, penalty areas.

Monitor and record soil and plant health data.

Prepare ground and establish turf and seed.

Identification of grass type through seed inspection and physical inspection of the plant using either common or botanical names.