Make the grass always greener on both sides of the field as a greenkeeper for iconic sporting venues. Gain the skills to construct, maintain, prepare and restore sports turf surfaces while working outdoors, supporting the sports community.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Prepare and apply chemicals for pest, weed, and disease control, ensuring proper transportation and storage
Install and maintain drainage and pressurised irrigation systems, including operation and upkeep
Operate various machinery and equipment required for maintenance tasks
Improve soil quality for gardens and turf, promoting healthy plant nutrition and optimal growth
Control weeds, pests, diseases, and disorders affecting plants and turf areas
Renovate and construct sports turf facilities
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
A nationally accredited Statement of Attainment
The ability to prepare, maintain and repair sports turf surfaces, including installation and operation of irrigation systems
Confidence in work health and safety practices
A qualification to apply for a chemical user's licence
Skills and knowledge to start your own sole trader business
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
Personal protection equipment, such as boots, hat, long-sleeved shirt and long pants
Some knowledge of biological processes, such as plant health, pests and diseases
Basic computer skills to conduct research and use databases
A reasonable level of fitness to use wheelbarrows, do repetitive lifting and be on your feet for long periods
A NSW car driver license and driving experience
Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 10 high school level
TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test.
This skills test helps us to understand your individual study needs, to design an individualised plan that supports your study success and ensures your LLN skills match the demands of the course.
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
Our graduates go onto roles like: golf course superintendent, racecourse track manager, greenkeeper, track curator, cricket curator, turf farm curator and groundsperson for sports fields, parks and gardens.
To successfully work within the sports turf management industry, you will need a Pesticide Licence, to demonstrate you have a safe and ethical understanding of chemical applications, handling and storage. Visit NSW Environmental Protection Agency for licensing requirements and guidelines before you apply.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
The Certificate III in Sports Turf Management does not have any post-graduate courses.
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
The Certificate III in Sports Turf Management does not have any related courses.
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Sports Turf Management qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 23 units of competency, including 18 core and 5 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community