How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- specialist courses run by a professional body
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- turfgrass science
- sportsturf management
- horticulture
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You could take a college course to get some of the skills and knowledge needed for this job.
Courses include:
- golf greenkeeping
- horticulture skills
- horticulture
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You could apply for an apprenticeship to become a groundsperson, for example:
- Sports Turf Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Golf Greenkeeper Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Sports Turf Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
These apprenticeships typically take around 2 years to complete and are a mix of on-the-job training and off-site study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
You might be able to find work as an assistant groundsperson, if you can show the right personal qualities and enthusiasm for the career. You could then work your way up by getting experience and studying on the job.
Volunteering
You may be able to find volunteering opportunities with a local sports club, track or golf course. This could help you when you start applying for jobs.
Other Routes
You could do a qualification with the Grounds Management Association. They offer courses at different levels in turf surface maintenance and management.
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Career tips
As a groundsperson, you may work with hybrid or artificial sports surfaces, for example, like those used in tennis, hockey and athletics.
Further information
You can find more advice about working as a groundsperson from the Grounds Management Association.
If you're interested in golf course management, you'll find more information about the career through the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association.