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

• turfgrass science
• 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

You could take a college course to get some of the skills and knowledge needed for this job.

Courses include:

• golf greenkeeping
• horticulture skills
• horticulture

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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

These apprenticeships typically take around 2 years to complete and are a mix of on-the-job training and off-site study.

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

You might be able to find work as an assistant groundsperson, if you can show the right personal qualities and enthusiasm for the career. You could then work your way up by getting experience and studying on the job.

You may be able to find volunteering opportunities with a local sports club, track or golf course. This could help you when you start applying for jobs.

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

You'll need:

• the ability to operate and control equipment
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
• the ability to work well with your hands
• customer service skills
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults

You might need a driving licence for some jobs.

As a groundperson you could:

• care for playing surfaces by seeding, fertilizing, watering and mowing
• control weeds, grass diseases and pests
• repair or renovate damaged areas
• operate horticultural equipment and machinery
• maintain racecourse turf, fences and drainage
• mark lines on pitches, cut holes on greens and make sure goalposts, flagpoles and other equipment is in good order

You could work on a sports field, at a sports arena or in a park.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.