Apprentice - Level 2 Sports Turf Operative

UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER

Leicester (2 available locations)

Closes in 11 days (Monday 21 September 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 9 September 2026

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Summary

As a Sports Turf Apprentice, you will help maintain and enhance the University of Leicester’s sports pitches and grounds, ensuring they are safe, high quality and ready for use. Working alongside experienced professionals, you’ll gain hands-on experience and complete a Level 2 Sports Turf Operative Apprenticeship.  

Wage

£14,560 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage - £8 p/h for first year, then National Minimum Wage thereafter.

Training course
Sports turf operative (level 2)
Hours
Monday, 7:30am -3:30pm. Tuesday, 7:30am - 3:30pm. Wednesday, 7:30am - 4:00pm. Thursday, 7:30am - 4:00pm. Friday, 7:30am - 12:00pm. Half an hour unpaid leave for lunch on each day.

35 hours a week

Start date

Wednesday 21 October 2026

Duration

2 years

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

1. Undertake a structured programme of practical sports turf maintenance and grounds management activities across the University's sports facilities, under the guidance of qualified staff.

Duties will include: 

  • Preparing, maintaining and renovating natural sports turf surfaces to meet performance and presentation standards
  • Operating and assisting with the use of sports turf machinery and equipment including mowers, aerators and associated attachments in accordance with training received
  • Carrying out routine turf maintenance activities including mowing, line marking, aeration, scarification, top dressing, overseeding, weed control, irrigation and litter removal. Assisting with the preparation of sports pitches and playing surfaces for training, fixtures and events
  • Monitoring turf condition and reporting issues relating to playing quality, pest, disease, weed or drainage concerns
  • Undertaking routine machinery cleaning, inspection and basic maintenance activities to ensure equipment remains safe and operational
  • Contributing to the maintenance of surrounding landscape areas, hedges, pathways and associated grounds where required
  • Maintaining accurate records of work undertaken and participating in the planning of maintenance activities

2. Work safely and responsibly at all times by complying with University policies, health and safety legislation, safe systems of work and environmental sustainability requirements. Ensure appropriate use of personal protective equipment and contribute to a safe environment for colleagues, students, visitors and sports participants. 
 
3. Participate in team meetings and briefings, communicate effectively with colleagues and facility users, and undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required by the senior manager. 
 
4. Apprenticeship Completion   

  • Complete the Level 2, Sports Turf Operative Apprenticeship. 
  • Off-the-job training will follow the time allocations outlined in the Occupational Standard
  • In addition to this, you will also complete all University of Leicester mandatory training, as and when required

Where you'll work

You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship is available in these locations:

  • University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH
  • Stoughton Road Playing Fields, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 4FS

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

  • 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. Off-the-job training will follow the time allocations outlined in the Occupational Standard.

More training information

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:

  • English (grade 2-9/E-A*)
  • Maths (grade 2-9/E-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
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative
  • Physical fitness
  • Sports pitch preparation

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

The University of Leicester is a leading UK university with a proud history of innovation, discovery and positive social impact. Founded in 1921, the University is renowned for world-changing research, including the invention of genetic fingerprinting and the discovery of King Richard III. Today, it is home to a diverse community of students and staff who are passionate about making a difference locally, nationally and globally.  
 
Set within a vibrant, green campus close to Leicester city centre, the University is committed to creating an inspiring environment for learning, working and personal development. As an Apprentice Sports Turf Operative, you will play an important role in maintaining and developing the University's sports pitches, playing surfaces and outdoor sporting environments, helping to provide safe, high-quality facilities for students, staff and visitors. 
 
Joining the University of Leicester means becoming part of an inclusive organisation that invests in its people, values continuous learning and supports employees to develop the skills and experience needed for a successful career.  
 

https://le.ac.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

As a University of Leicester employee, you can access a range of staff benefits and discounts designed to support your wellbeing, finances and work-life balance. These include discounts on shopping, travel, leisure and entertainment, as well as health and wellbeing offers and other exclusive staff deals.

Employees can view the full range of current benefits and discounts through the University’s staff benefits and discounts page. 

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

Successful completion of the apprenticeship will provide a strong foundation for a career in sports turf management and grounds maintenance. You will develop practical skills and industry knowledge that could lead to opportunities such as: 

  • Sports Turf Operative 
  • Grounds Maintenance Operative 
  • Senior Sports Turf Operative 
  • Grounds Person

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 VAC2000052187.

Apply now

Closes in 11 days (Monday 21 September 2026 at 11:59pm)