Agriculture - Groundkeepers and Greenkeepers
Agriculture - Groundkeepers and greenkeepers
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Groundkeepers and greenkeepers cut and lay turf and maintain areas for golf courses and other sports grounds. Many groundskeepers look after grass and other surfaces that are used for sport. It is important to keep the surfaces in good condition. They must be smooth so that they do not affect the game or trip people up. The grass needs special care to protect it from being worn away.
- prepare land for laying grass turf
- roll and mow grass
- mark lines on pitches or greens, cut holes and move markers
- remove water and rake ground
- apply turf treatments to control weeds, fungal diseases, and pests
- operate equipment like Strimmers and ride-on mowers
Most of this work is outdoors in all weathers.
Typical working hours are 36 plus hours a week including evenings and weekends.
Starting salary: 拢13,500
Experienced salary: up to 拢35,000
Most people employed in this role will hold an intermediate apprenticeship or GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A to C). There are various ways to become greenkeeper/ groundsperson . It is important to have a good general education as this will help you in competing for jobs and apprenticeships.
Some employers will expect you to have GCSEs, or equivalent qualifications, especially in maths and English, although others may except with no formal qualifications, and you could train on the job. Horticulture qualifications are available starting at Levels 1 to help you gain access to this role. You could also apply for an apprenticeship.
If you have an EHCP you may be able to apply under the DfE exemption which allows the apprentice to use Entry level 3 English and Maths qualifications. The apprentice would have to be component enough to successfully achieve all other aspects of the apprenticeship requirements, become occupationally competent and achieve Entry Level 3 in English and Maths before the end of their apprenticeship.