Golf Course Maintenance Apprenticeship

A unique opportunity exists for passionate individuals to participate in a formalized Registered Apprenticeship program, pairing driven job seekers with top employers throughout the country in the golf course management industry.

Whether you are new to the industry, looking to change careers or accelerate your growth in a proven process, our Registered Apprenticeship program can accommodate diverse backgrounds to upskill and provide industry-recognized credentials. 

If you are looking to reduce education debt, advance your career in a structured program with designated mentors, and excel in the turf industry, this program may be for you.  Graduates of the Registered Apprenticeship will qualify for assistant manager-level opportunities and also qualify for our Golf Industry Fellowship Program for advanced education and leadership training. 

Our statewide initiative will bring on multiple cohorts per year, building towards a continuous pipeline of talent for turf industry employers.

Why Choose Us:

• Vetted process to ensure you work with true mentors committed to your success.
• Learn alongside industry experts from around the country and get competency-based training.
• Placement success - our team has helped place over 200+ individuals in the turf industry since 2020 ranging from golf course, sports turf, landscape and recreation/park roles. Over 90% are still employed in higher level roles.
• Diverse Exposure: Explore various aspects of turf care, from golf courses to sports fields, manufacturers, technology, various grass types and environments.
• Cutting-Edge Techniques: Stay up-to-date with the latest turf management technologies and practices.
• Networking Opportunities: Build connections in the turf industry unmatched by any single organization in the United States.
• Earn industry and national credentials to signify your accomplishment via online education, while staying gainfully employed.

Who We're Looking For:

• Individuals looking to advance their careers in Turf Management with or without a degree.
• Employers who want to enroll a dedicated team member through a proven and structured training program.
• Passionate about the turf or golf industry, and desire to maximize their career potential.
• Desires 1:1 professional development coaching with leading industry experts.
• Willingness to learn and work in a team environment.
• Strong work ethic, exemplary employability skills, and attention to detail.
• A love for the outdoors and dedication to environmental stewardship.

What you will learn:

• Construction management - understanding proper methods and materials in various use cases.
• Cultivation practices including timing, equipment, proper settings and theory.
• Playing surface management including moisture, mowing, rolling, top dressing, fertility and pest controls.
• Irrigation maintenance and scheduling
• Golf course or game day set up
• Plant, disease, weed and tree identification
• Equipment service including mower set up, preventative maintenance, inventory management and budgeting.
• Pesticide/fertilizer application, methodology, best practices and safety.
• Personnel development including scheduling, training, performance management and goal setting.
• Administrative skills including labor tracking, inventory systems, chemical/fertilizer record keeping, and daily course condition reports.
• Tournament preparation
• Communications - participate in monthly reporting through various platforms including digital media and leadership meetings.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting wage: $17.00 - $21.00 per hour
• Will adjust compensation dependent on experience
• Overtime is expected between 10-15 hours during peak periods of the growing season.
• Structured pay increases every 90-days based upon performance and achieving benchmarks
• Housing assistance (location specific)
• Tuition assistance - up to $5,000 per year in program (1-year minimum requirement)
• Monthly industry networking sessions
• Dale Carnegie leadership training
• Uniforms
• Personally branded career materials and website
• Attendance to GCSAA National Conference
• GCSAA Chapter event attendance

Preferred Qualifications:

• A passion for golf, and desire to accelerate their career in the golf course industry.
• No experience is required, but will cater Registered Apprenticeship program based upon individuals skills, background and education.
• Minimum of high school degree or GED
• Open to work with individuals from any location in the United States.
• Our Registered Apprenticeship program has national certification from the US Department of Labor.