Sports Turf Operative Apprentice

Summary

To undertake all duties associated with maintaining, renovating and constructing sports surfaces, ensuring that the facilities are in premium condition and fit for purpose, while also adhering to all environmental and health and safety law and regulations. This is an excellent opportunity for a smart, ambitious and self-motivated individual.

Wage

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course

Sports turf operative (level 2)

Hours

Monday - Friday, 36 hours per week in winter and 40 - 47 hours per week in summer, with hours to be agreed. The hours you work will be dependent on your age and will meet legal requirements. Your hours across the year will average 40 hours per week.

40 hours a week

Start date

Friday 1 August 2025

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

The post holder will be required to:

Work as a member of the 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 your manager
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
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 and constructed
Contribute to maintaining and renovating turf surfaces in a safe and appropriate 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
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
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 your manager
Working hours are split across the year to allow us to make the most of the weather and day light. The summer hours are hours with paid overtime (if aged 19+). The winter hours are 4 days 36 hours per week with time in lieu given after the 36 hours

Where you'll work

UNIT 4
SANDPITS BUSINESS PARK
MOTTRAM ROAD
HYDE
SK14 3AR

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

THE OLDHAM COLLEGE

Your training course

Sports turf operative (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

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.
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

Level 2 Sports Turf Operative apprenticeship standard
Your training will include regular on the job training sessions and online sessions with your Oldham CollegeTutor
Your employer will fully support you and offer you in house training sessions

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

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

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
Logical
Team working
Creative
Initiative
Patience
Physical fitness
Reliable and punctual
Hard working
Able to follow instructions

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

Bancroft Amenities Ltd are a well established specialist sport ground contracting company in the construction, drainage renovation and maintenance of both natural and artificial sports surfaces. Based in Hyde on the outskirts of Greater Manchester, Bancroft’s were formed in 2001 with the amalgamation of two long established family businesses, Bancroft Turf Services from Hyde and A Wild and Son from Oldham. Prior to this both firms had over 20 years experience in the sports turf industry. We take pride in our services and how we deal with customers. Much of our work is from recommendation, many clients have dealt with us for numerous years.

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

After this apprenticeship

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, depending on the business needs, you can apply for a full time contract with further CPD.

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 VAC1000330532.

Apply now

Closes in 16 days (Friday 25 July 2025 at 11:59pm)

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