Getting Started

In order to begin training, trainees and employers enter into a Training Agreement with the NZ Sports Turf Industry Training Organisation. This specifies the nature of training to be undertaken and enables the NZ Sports Turf Industry Training Organisation to access subsidies towards the training.Training Agreements and enrolment forms are available from the NZ Sports Turf Industry Training Organisation. For trainees/employers enrolling in Modern Apprenticeships, the Modern Apprenticeship Coordinator will take care of this.

On receipt of enrolment materials and course fees, we will arrange for the training to take place including (where applicable) enrolment with the appropriate training provider.

Competency based achievement

National qualifications in sports turf are 'competency based'. That means that they are achieved by being able to demonstrate competency in a range of skills covering the breadth of knowledge and ability required by managers of sports turf facilities.  These skills reflect nationally recognised turf management standards.

Workplace training and assessment

Combining understanding of turf management technology with skilled hands-on turf care to meet the unique demands of sports surfaces.

The NZ Sports Turf Industry Training Organisation manages workplace-based training towards sports turf qualifications and training packages. This workplace based training typically combines practical 'on-job' learning and achievement with turf management theory (off-job) delivered by leading training providers.

Through 'on-job' learning and workplace assessment trainees gain credit towards National qualifications for the practical skills used on the job. This most often takes place as part of the normal workplace environment under the supervision of a Qualified Turf Manager. The NZ Sports Turf Industry Training Organisation has a range of resources for Workplace Assessors to assist in this process.

On job learning is enhanced and reinforced through block courses with the NZ Sports Turf Institute and correspondence with The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand. The National Certificate in Sports Turf Management (Level 4) is also available as a 2 year full time Polytechnic Course with Otago Polytechnic.

The National Diploma in Sports Turf Management (Level 6) can be completed through training with Massey University and the NZ Sports Turf Institute.

Practice content including link to TIPG website