Property management

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• specialist courses run by a professional body

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• sports surface management
• sportsturf management
• horticulture

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

College

You might find it helpful to do a college course before looking for work. Course subjects include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Sports and Amenity Turf Maintenance
• Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture Skills
• Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

Apprenticeship

You could apply for an apprenticeship to become a groundsperson, for example:

• Sports Turf Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Golf Greenkeeper Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Sports Turf Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships take up to 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Work

You might be able to find work as an assistant groundsperson without qualifications. You could then work your way up by getting experience and studying on the job.

Other routes

You could do a qualification with the Grounds Management Association. They offer courses at different levels in turf surface maintenance and management.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• You might need a driving licence for some jobs.
• pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults

More information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Grounds Management Association for professional development and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find more advice about a career as a groundsperson from the Grounds Management Association.

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With experience, you could progress to supervisor, team leader or head of section.