GLAS Special: Teagasc – Sportsturf apprentices ‘on track’ to make history in 2025
Ireland’s first sportsturf apprentices are set to graduate in 2025, marking a major milestone for the industry
Print17 July 2025
2025 marks an important milestone for the Irish Sportsturf Industry, as the inaugural apprentices from the Higher Certificate in Sportsturf Management (NFQ Level 6) prepare to complete their apprenticeship programme.
This milestone marks the culmination of the sportsturf industry (represented by the Sportsturf Consortium Group) national effort to formalise and elevate sportsturf education in Ireland through the work-based learning model.
“Providing a recognised pathway for qualification within the sportsturf industry is a key step forward,” said Eamon Kealy, sportsturf apprenticeship co-ordinator, Teagasc Kildalton College.
“This is the first time such an in-depth programme is available in Ireland and is designed to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry.”
Ireland’s apprenticeship system has expanded significantly in recent years, especially with the development of consortium led apprenticeship programmes expanding into new land-based industry sectors including sportsturf, horticulture and agriculture.
The sportsturf management apprenticeship represents a successful collaborative effort between industry representatives (Sportsturf Consortium Group), Teagasc Kildalton College, national network of SOLAS Authorising Officers, QQI, the National Apprenticeship Office and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) over many years.
Launched in 2023, it offers a higher level qualification that is both industry led and academically robust. Interest in this apprenticeship programme is strong and increasing year on year, with 50 apprentices currently enrolled in the programme.
As EU regulations tighten around pesticide and fertiliser usage, and water management in addition to the protection of natural habitats, Ireland’s sportsturf professionals are facing a future that demands deeper scientific understanding and greater sustainability.
Kealy added: “This apprenticeship programme aims to meet these demands head on and develop apprentices that are conscious and proactive in managing these issues.”
Apprentices study topics such as plant science, machinery maintenance, turfgrass health and professional pesticide application.
At the heart of the apprenticeship system is the apprentice – learners who, in secure full-time employment with a SOLAS approved employer undertake formal on-the-job and off-the job training over two years. Apprentices are in paid employment for the duration of the apprenticeship. Employers agree to the Apprenticeship Code of Practice for Employers and Apprentices and the Consortium requirements and provide a mentor to the apprentice, ensuring a high standard of training throughout the programme.
Voices from the field
Dan Murphy, a greenkeeper at Portarlington Golf Club is currently completing his second year of the apprenticeship.
Murphy said: “I love the work and feel this qualification will broaden my career prospects. This qualification provides me with the knowledge and qualifications to become a superintendent one day.”
Mark Doyle Rosslare Golf Club explains the management of coarse grasses on links golf courses to apprentices on a field trip
He continued: “The amount of information I have learnt in the last two years is incredible. Not only from the lecturers but from the other apprentices on the programme. I have met apprentices working on racecourses as well as golf courses and sports pitches.
“It has opened my eyes to just how complex turf management is! As part of the programme we visited many high quality sports facilities and spoke to industry experts, everyone really enjoyed this. ”
The Sportsturf Management Apprenticeship is especially notable as it was built from the ground up by the sportsturf sector itself. A National Consortium of turf professionals representing golf clubs, managers, stadiums, local authorities and the racecourse industry helped to define the occupational profile for the programme. This guaranteed that the curriculum was industry relevant and suitable for the industry’s future needs.
For the graduating class of 2025, the journey has been transformative – providing them with the scientific knowledge, practical skills and professional qualifications to build long-lasting careers in sportsturf management. For an industry under increasing pressure to innovate and adapt, these new professionals represent a promising future.
For more information about becoming an apprentice or the employer of an apprentice, contact SOLAS at www.apprenticeship.ie or www.teagasc.ie/education/apprenticeships/
Fans 0
Followers