The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) has given the green light for the Sports Turf Trailblazer group to develop a new Level 5 Sports Turf Apprenticeship. Whilst in the formative stages of development this is an exciting opportunity to build on the work already done by the group in revision of the Level 2 and development of the new Level 3 apprenticeships. Creation of a Level 5 apprenticeship will provide a recognised educational pathway from entry to degree level whilst benefitting from government funded fee support for employers of 95%-100%. Making education more accessible will help with recruitment, retention and the ongoing professionalisation of the sports turf industry.  

As part of the Level 5 apprenticeship development process the trailblazer wishes to engage with the wider industry. It is important that the apprenticeship that is developed reflects the needs of the industry. There may be an opportunity to integrate the well-established Foundation Degree into the apprenticeship (benefitting from 95%-100% fee support) but this can only be achieved with industry support. The Trailblazer group will be circulating communications in the coming months and arranging various forums to discuss what is proposed. We would encourage sports turf professionals and their employers to engage with these events. Additionally, we would welcome new applications to be involved with the Trailblazer group from individuals who wish to be engaged more directly in the Level 5 apprenticeship development process.  

Please contact Chairperson of the Sports Turf Trailblazer Daniel Ratling for more information d.ratling@whitgift.co.uk