Sports turf professionals are in high demand, both here and overseas, for the management and maintenance of golf courses, cricket wickets, sports fields and artificial turf among others. This is the only full-time Sports Turf programme on offer in New Zealand and provides an even balance of theoretical and practical studies. Benefit from our close proximity to professional sports facilities, as well as the outdoor training area that has been established specifically to cater for this qualification. With motivation and hard work, you will have the opportunity to build important relationships, gain further hands-on experience and participate in a skill development placement at a top sporting venue in New Zealand. Upon successful completion, you will graduate with a New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 4) (Sports Turf). Skills required Physical fitness Planning and organisational skills Good communication skills. You will study The courses within this programme have been designed to ensure you gain the skills to ensure excellent employment outcomes for a range of turf facilities. There are no elective courses. Your workload Theory and practical classes will take up three days a week from 09.00 – 15.00. You will also have two days a week of work experience during the growing season. In Year One there will be a full-time work experience placement in October and November. Year Two begins with a work experience placement from February to April. You will then return to the campus and complete the programme in late June. Generally, these days will reflect industry needs and will therefore run from 08.00 – 17.00. You will also have assessment and study work to complete. Further study options Expand your knowledge further with the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 5) (Sports Turf) (subject to final approval) in 2019 and then the New Zealand Certificate in Sports Turf (Level 6) available through the Primary Industry Training Organisation.