NEW LEVEL 5 APPRENTICESHIP

The Sports Turf apprenticeship trailblazer group have announced that a new Level 5 apprenticeship, with integrated Foundation Degree (FdSc), has been published subject to funding band approval.

The new Level 5 apprenticeship will be titled Sports Turf Technical Manager with delivery proposed for late 2025 or early 2026. The integration of the Foundation Degree in Sports Turf provides a high-quality vehicle for learning and allows the apprentice to achieve an industry leading degree level qualification as part of their apprenticeship.

 As the professional body for grounds management, the Grounds Management Association (GMA) has recently issued a formal letter of recognition to the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) confirming that the qualifications are a suggested requirement for professional recognition at a range of levels of membership across our broad industry.

The sports turf trailblazer view this as a potentially game changing educational development for the Sports Turf Industry, offering a funded educational pathway from initial entry into the industry, to degree level. 

The apprenticeship also aligns directly with the Grounds Management Framework, which brings together a range of training and education opportunities provided by both the GMA and other providers, including apprenticeship providers, to ensure a clear and coherent career pathway for those working, or wishing to work, in sports turf maintenance and management.

Employers are encouraged to check the funding rules for more information and eligibility, but apprenticeship levy payers will receive funds up to the funding band maximum, whilst non-levy payers contribute just 5% towards the cost of training. The funding of the government backed sports turf apprenticeships removes the primary barriers faced by apprentices and employers which in turn should increase uptake of apprenticeships and drive professionalisation at all levels within the industry.

• Level 2 Sports Turf Operative 
• Level 3 Advanced Sports Turf Technician
• Level 5 Sports Turf Technical Manager

The sports turf apprenticeship trailblazer group is a voluntary group consisting of leading industry professionals, education providers and industry bodies. Trailblazer chairperson Daniel Ratling and Facilitator Dr Jonathan Knowles says he would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to the development of apprenticeships over the last eight years. 

Expressions of interest for the new L5 Sports Turf Technical Manager are welcome here 

Trailblazer Group Members (May 2025)

Whitgift School, Leicester City Football Club, STRI Group, Myerscough College, LANTRA, International Greenkeepers for Hire, Ashton Gate Stadium, The GMA, The RFU, Bridgewater and Taunton College, Warwickshire CCC, Warwick Schools, Wiltshire College, Perfect Pitches, York Racecourse.