Apprenticeship Grounds Person Queens Park Rangers FC

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the QPR Sports Turf Team as an Apprentice Grounds person where you will learn all aspects of turf management in a high-profile sporting venue.

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 17 May 2024

Apprenticeship summary

Annual wage

£13,631.80

£7.49 per hour, equivalent to £13,631.80 p.a. rising with yearly changes in National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage, plus other benefits. The post is paid monthly.
Working week

Monday to Friday 7am to 2.30pm, with a 30 minutes lunch break. Occasionally working during the weekend or very occasional evenings to gain experience and cover match days at both the stadium and training ground for which time off in lieu is given.

Total hours per week: 35
Expected duration

24 Months
Possible start date

31 May 2024
Date posted

14 Feb 2024
Apprenticeship level

Intermediate
Level 2 (GCSE)
Reference number

VAC1000228214
Positions

1 available

What you will do in your working day

The purpose of the Apprentice Groundsman Grounds person is to learn, develop and support the delivery of the ground’s maintenance, services and processes that support the operation of all QPR sites. There will be no supervisory or managerial responsibilities.

Helping to maintain and prepare the playing surfaces to an excellent standard and to ensure that games/training can go ahead on schedule.
To maintain the surrounding areas of the stadium and training pitches to the same high standard.
Assist the grounds team with the maintenance and preparation of sports surfaces and surrounding areas at the training ground and stadium to an excellent standard. Associated tasks including: mowing, aeration, line marking, spraying, divoting, fertilizing, brushing, top dressing, seeding, weeding and watering etc.
Undertaking general maintenance tasks in relation to planted landscaped areas of trees shrubs and ensuring the cleanliness of the car park and communal areas.
To be trained in the use and maintenance of specialist grounds care equipment, ensuring all machinery is prepared for safe use and cleaned and stored after use.
To carry out pre and post use inspections of equipment and report any issues or defects to the line manager or Head Grounds Person.
To adhere to health & safety requirements for each individual task ensuring correct usage of PPE, Machinery prestart checks and following detailed instructions outlined in the department’s safe systems of work procedures.
Undertake other duties as designated by the line manager.

The training you will be getting

Level 2 Sports Turf Operative Apprenticeship
Level 2 Functional Skills in English and maths if required
One day a week for theory and practical in the Berkshire College of Agriculture BCA

What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship

The position may lead to a full-time position at the training ground or stadium following the successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Presentation skills, Number skills, Team working, Initiative, Health & Safety training, Flexibility to working hours, Willingness to work outdoors, Ready to work in all weathers

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent English and maths (Grade A/8-C4) Desired

Things to consider

Additional work location is QPR TSG Training and Performance centre, Crane Lodge Road, Cranford, Middlesex TW5 9PQ. Committed to college attendance to complete the formal training required to gain a recognised industry qualification. Club uniform and PPE will be provided by the Club which must be worn on duty.

About the employer

QPR FC (Queens Park Rangers) is a professional football club with a history dating back to 1882 and currently operating in the Championship league with aspirations of operating in the premier league. With this in mind, QPR have embarked on a considerable investment and development project following the recent purchase of our very own training ground. We are into our second year of a 5-year project that will see a £30m investment into our new training centre incorporating a new state of the art elite and academy building and performance centre along with a new bespoke grounds maintenance building. The project also includes state of the art hybrid Grass pitches made up of 5 new Desso pitches all with automatic watering system and on our showcase pitch, added floodlighting and undersoil heating.

Employer

Queens Park Rangers FC

Address

Loftus Road Stadium

South Africa Road

London

W12 7PJ

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Training

Training provider

THE WINDSOR FOREST COLLEGES GROUP

Adjustments for experience

You could reduce your training time, or finish your apprenticeship faster, if you have relevant prior learning or experience. This could be relevant:

training
qualifications, like an NVQ in a relevant field
industry or sector experience

Contact

malcolm.gardner@qpr.co.uk

Apprenticeship standard

Sports turf operative

Level 2 (GCSE)

Demonstrating experience

If your application is successful, you will have a chance to discuss your relevant prior learning or experience with your training provider and employer. You will all need to agree any adjustments to your training plan.

You should be prepared to show your competence, and evidence of relevant qualifications

Employer's Application Instructions

Please email attaching both your C.V. and a letter outlining your suitability for this vacancy to malcolm.gardner@qpr.co.uk with ‘Apprentice Grounds person Vacancy’ in the subject line.