What course/training are you doing and how long does it take?
I’ve recently completed the level 5 golf course manager apprenticeship standard, studying at Hadlow College. I’m the first in the UK to achieve a level 5 apprenticeship within the land-based sector.
Can you give an example of some work/studying you are doing now?
I’m course manager at Hainault Golf Club in Essex. As part of my end-point assessment process, I undertook a rigorous three-hour golf course walk, which included a professional discussion, a presentation delivered to the examiner and a representative panel, and an online knowledge examination. I also wrote a Royal & Ancient Golf Club course policy document and created an extensive portfolio of evidence to demonstrate my knowledge, skills and behaviours.
How did you find the course?
It’s been almost 20 years since my last educational milestone, and I felt the need to challenge myself further. The new level 5 apprenticeship came along at the right time and allowed me to pull together all my learnt knowledge and experience into a nearly two-year course. A rigorous test of both my managerial and greenkeeping skills, culminating in a tough two-hour exam, a presentation and three-hour professional discussion. Hopefully, I can use this qualification as a steppingstone to further my career.
What advice would you give others considering this training/course?
It’s great that there’s a structured progression pathway with levels 2, 3 and now 5 in the suite of greenkeeping apprenticeships. Go for it.
