OSTC Sports Turf (Level 3)
Sport & Recreation
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
A practical, hands-on Level 3 course for secondary students interested in managing and maintaining sports turf, including golf courses and sports fields.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Cromwell, Cromwell
Core skills this course teaches
Understand basics of plant biology related to turf
Students will learn the fundamentals of plant growth and biology as applied to sports turf.
Operate and maintain turf machinery and equipment
Students will gain practical experience using and maintaining specialist mowers and turf management equipment.
Apply soil and fertiliser management
Students will understand the principles of soil nutrient testing and use of sports turf fertilisers.
What You're Signing Up For
The OSTC Sports Turf (Level 3) course is designed for secondary school students eager to gain practical skills and a head start in the sports turf and grounds management industry. Students learn about plant biology, turf maintenance tools and machinery, soils and fertiliser, irrigation systems, and health and safety for turf care. The course prepares students for entry-level sports turf roles or further study in the horticulture and sports turf sector.
Course Content
- Plant biology
- Maintenance of sports turf tools, equipment and machinery
- Soils and fertiliser
- Irrigation systems
- Health and safety for turf equipment and chemicals
- Unit standards: mowing turf, maintaining and preparing sports turf surfaces, sports turf fertilisers and soil nutrient testing
What you need to know first
Must be currently attending secondary school
Application must be made through the school's career advisor
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Sports & Recreation
Horticulture
Facilities Management
Future employment opportunities might be
Grounds person for sports fields, stadiums, golf courses, race tracks
Landscaper
Plant nursery worker
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.