Apprentice Groundsperson

Introduction

Step onto the pitch at Allianz Stadium as an Apprentice Groundsperson and learn from an elite Grounds team, maintaining one of rugby’s most famous playing surfaces. This two-year apprenticeship offers hands-on turf management and event experience, plus online study for a Level 2 Sports Turf Operative certificate with manager support.

About the Employer

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is the national governing body for rugby union in England, responsible for growing and supporting the game from grassroots clubs through to the national teams, including England Men and the Red Roses. Our Purpose is simple: Enrich lives and grow the sport for future generations. It's to represent something bigger than ourselves - the game, each other, and the communities we're part of. Through rugby, we aim to inspire pride, create belonging, and ensure the sport continues to thrive for everyone, on and off the pitch.

What You'll Do

• Help prepare and maintain the Allianz Stadium pitch to elite standards for international rugby, Premiership fixtures and other major events
• Work alongside the Grounds team and pitch contractors to support matchday and event preparations, including pitch reinstatement and site logistics
• Learn to safely operate specialist grounds machinery, including mowers, tractors, buggies, line markers and fertiliser spreaders
• Support wider stadium grounds maintenance, including artificial surrounds, green areas, trees, hedges, car parks and other site areas
• Complete apprenticeship learning activities, including keeping a training log and working towards a Level 2 Sports Turf Operative certificate

Training Outcome

On completion of the apprenticeship and Level 2 Sports Turf Operative certificate, the apprentice will have gained practical experience in elite sports turf management, pitch preparation, grounds machinery and event support at a world-class venue. This could support progression into roles such as Assistant Groundsperson, Groundsperson, Sports Turf Operative or Grounds Maintenance Technician, with longer-term opportunities to develop towards Deputy Grounds Manager, Grounds Manager or specialist sports turf roles across stadiums, training grounds, clubs or wider sports venues.

Skills Required

• Attention to detail
• Problem solving skills
• Team working
• Initiative
• Physical fitness
• Time management
• Passion for learning
• Collaboration skills

Qualifications

• Essential - GCSE - 2 other subjects - 2-9/E-A*
• Essential - GCSE - English - 2-9/E-A*
• Essential - GCSE - Maths - 2-9/E-A*

Course Information

Course: Sports turf operative (level 2)

Level: 2

Route: Agriculture, environmental and animal care

Apprenticeship Level: Intermediate

Working Arrangements

Working Week: This is a fulltime role, covering 35hrs per week (Monday- Friday, with a one-hour unpaid lunch break per day) with some weekend work expected to support events.

Expected Duration: 2 Years

Training Provider: MYERSCOUGH COLLEGE