Level 2 Sports Turf Operative

Overview
Rugby players standing together before match at the park
Realise Your Potential

Cultivate Excellence & Master Your Craft: The Level 2 Sports Turf Operative Apprenticeship

The Level 2 Sports Turf Operative Apprenticeship Standard is tailored to equip future sports turf maintenance experts with the critical skills and comprehensive knowledge required to thrive in the sports turf industry. This programme is perfect for those aiming to launch their careers as Sports Turf Operatives, combining hands-on practical training with in-depth theoretical education to ensure well-rounded and proficient professionals ready to maintain and enhance high-quality sports surfaces across various venues.

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Duration

18-Months

Qualification

Level 2 Sports Turf Operative

Learning Style

Live online training, Face-to-face and Online content 

Modules

The following modules have been meticulously designed to ensure that every learner acquires the knowledge, skills, and behaviours outlined in the apprenticeship standard. The curriculum is strategically sequenced to provide learners with a solid foundation in turf maintenance during the initial stages of the programme, progressing to more technical and advanced concepts as they move forward.

Health & Safety

Communication

Industry Knowledge

Using Equipment Safely

Environmental Protection

Using & Maintaining Heavy Equipment

Maintaining Drainage Systems

Science & Cultivation Systems

Maintain Irrigation Systems

Understanding Plant Growth

Preparing Sports Grounds

Understanding Turf Maintenance

End-Point Assessment

Knowledge Test

Professional Discussion

Observation

Learning Journey

  • Months 1-3: Health & Safety, Communication, Industry Knowledge

    The program begins by establishing core foundational knowledge in Health & Safety, focusing on risk assessments, PPE, and safe working practices. Apprentices will then move on to learn the importance of effective Communication in the workplace, including verbal and non-verbal skills, report writing, and conflict resolution. Finally, the apprentice will gain Industry Knowledge, understanding the sports turf industry, its standards, and key roles by shadowing experienced professionals.

  • Months 4-6: Using Equipment Safely, Environmental Protection, Using & Maintaining Heavy Equipment

    In this phase, apprentices will learn how to Use Equipment Safely, including operational procedures for turf maintenance tools and machinery. Next, the focus will shift to Environmental Protection, teaching them sustainable practices to minimise environmental impact during turf maintenance activities. To round off this period, apprentices will engage in Using & Maintaining Heavy Equipment, learning the basics of handling large machinery such as tractors, as well as performing basic repairs and maintenance.

  • Months 7-9: Maintaining Drainage Systems, Science & Cultivation Systems, Maintain Irrigation Systems

    The following phase introduces Maintaining Drainage Systems, focusing on ensuring proper water flow and preventing waterlogging, essential for maintaining high-quality turf surfaces. Apprentices will also dive into Science & Cultivation Systems, gaining knowledge about soil health, plant biology, and techniques for cultivating healthy turf. This will be followed by a unit on Irrigation Systems, where apprentices will learn to set up, monitor, and maintain irrigation systems to ensure proper hydration for sports surfaces.

  • Months 10-12: Understanding Plant Growth, Preparing Sports Grounds, Understanding Turf Maintenance

    This phase covers Plant Growth, where apprentices will learn about the growth cycles of turfgrass species and how to monitor and maintain plant health. The following unit, Preparing Sports Grounds, focuses on techniques for setting up and maintaining different sports surfaces, such as football or cricket pitches. Apprentices will also cover Turf Maintenance, ensuring they can perform essential tasks like mowing, fertilising, aeration, and weed control to maintain high-quality turf surfaces.

  • Months 13-15: Consolidation, Review, and Practice Assessments

    In the final learning phase, apprentices will consolidate their knowledge from the previous months. They will review all the core units through Practical Application, carrying out tasks more independently. During this time, apprentices will also participate in Mock Assessments to prepare for the End-Point Assessment (EPA). Supervisors will provide feedback, helping apprentices identify any areas for improvement as they transition into professional work.

  • Months 16-18: End-Point Assessment (EPA)

    The final three months are dedicated to the End-Point Assessment (EPA), which includes:

    Knowledge Test: A formal assessment of the theoretical knowledge acquired throughout the apprenticeship.

    Observation: An assessor will observe the apprentice performing various practical tasks on-site to ensure competency in real-world scenarios.

    Professional Discussion: A structured conversation with an assessor, where the apprentice demonstrates their understanding, skills, and knowledge gained throughout the apprenticeship.

Want to find out more

To get detailed information and comprehensive guidance on the Level 2 Sports Turf Operative Standard Apprenticeship, download our full course material.