Apprentice Groundsperson

Newcastle United FC

Newcastle, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne

Closes in 24 days (Sunday 17 August 2025 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 23 July 2025

Print

Contents

Summary

We’re looking for enthusiastic and hard-working individuals to join our Grounds Team. Based across the Club’s key sites, you’ll help maintain and prepare pitches using the latest machinery. You’ll work with a team of people who are passionate about the job they do. You’ll always be on time, ready to face each day with enthusiasm.

Wage

£22,222 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Salary is paid monthly into your nominated bank account and reviewed in line with government updates to the National Minimum Wage.

Training course
Sports turf operative (level 2)
Hours
Due to the nature of this work applicants must be prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions, work weekends/unsociable hours and always maintain confidentiality.

35 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

2 years

Positions available

2

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

Apprentices will achieve the Level 2 Sports Turf Operative Apprenticeship qualification and will then be eligible to join the IOG Register of Turf Management Professionals.

Delivery is work-based using blended learning technologies on the employer’s premises. There is an expectation that 20% of the working week will be off the job training, which is a legal requirement.

Where you'll work

This apprenticeship is available in these locations:

  • Cochrane Park, Newcastle, NE7 7JX
  • Greenlee Drive, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE7 7SF
  • Whitley Road, Longbenton, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE12 9SF
  • St James Park, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE1 4ST

Training

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

Training provider

MYERSCOUGH COLLEGE

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.

Training schedule

The end point assessment will contain 2 components:

  • A Written and Online Test
  • Practical Assessment

There will be 3 levels of achievement: Pass, Merit & Distinction.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • 2 other subjects (grade 4-9/C-A*)
  • English (grade 4-9/C-A*)
  • Maths (grade 4-9/C-A*)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Team working
  • Interest in pitch preparation
  • Willingness to learn
  • Collaboration skills
  • Positive can-do attitude
  • Reliable
  • Resiliant
  • Flexible
  • Adaptable

Other requirements

You will be expected to work outdoors in all weather conditions. To ensure your application has the best chance of being considered for the vacancy you must provide information on all qualifications undertaken stating highest grades achieved in every subject, paying particular attention to maths and English. Along with this you need to state any previous work experience.

About this employer

United since 1892 Newcastle United in its current form was established in 1892 with the unification of Newcastle East End and Newcastle United West End football clubs, with Newcastle East End. Since 1892, we have brought a community together and our magnificent home, St. James' Park, has set the city's heart beating. One city. United. Newcastle upon Tyne is famed for many things. For the warmth of its people, for its industrial heritage, its culture, its nightlife, for the Great North Run, for its favourite sons and daughters of sport, screen and music and much, much more. But it is perhaps known best of all for its beloved football club and the club's incredible supporters the Toon Army. Generations of fans have marched to the stadium affectionately known as 'the Cathedral on the Hill' to catch a glimpse of the privileged few who get to wear our iconic black and white stripes in action. When the team wins, there’s an extra spring in the step of the people of our vibrant city. When the Magpies lose, it's keenly felt from the offices and schools to the factories and pubs across Tyneside. We are now entering a new, exciting era on Tyneside and welcome talented, passionate people who share our values to join us on the journey.

https://careers.newcastleunited.com/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Salary is paid monthly into your nominated bank account and reviewed in line with government updates to the National Minimum Wage.

After this apprenticeship

We aim to support all apprentices to successfully complete their qualification and use the apprenticeship as a pathway into a permanent role within the team. Progression is subject to successfully completing all elements of the apprenticeship and demonstrating strong performance in the role.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

MYERSCOUGH COLLEGE

Employer Services Team

employerenquiries@myerscough.ac.uk

01995 642222

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000332926.

Apply now

Closes in 24 days (Sunday 17 August 2025 at 11:59pm)

Sign in with your GOV.UK One Login to apply.