Whether you are a seasoned turf professional or a volunteer, the Sports Turf Academy is the centre to raise your knowledge and skills in turf maintenance and management. From short training courses, to apprenticeships, higher education; here we have the resources to help all levels explore new areas of knowledge and skills. For the full terms and conditions on STA courses, please click HERE.
Training and education courses include:
- Sports turf maintenance at all levels from basic introduction to degree level
- Short courses e.g. irrigation, turfgrass nutrition, management and coaching skills
- Machinery maintenance and set-up
- Masterclasses (industry expert talks)
- Sports turf construction
- Integrated management of weeds, pests and diseases
The Sports Turf Academy provides the opportunity to not only train at a world-class venue, but learning with us provides access to the latest in Sports Turf technology, access to leading industry professionals and provides all of our students the opportunity to be part of an unrivalled learning experience.
Sports Turf Academy upcoming courses
Safe Storage, Handling & Use Of Pesticides With Boom Sprayers - 7 & 8 January, 2025
Overview
The Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Pesticides (PA1) is nationally recognised and based on National Occupational Standards (NOS). It forms the mandatory unit which is the basis of the Lantra Awards Level 2 qualifications in the Safe Application of Pesticides. Learners have a choice of completing assessment with certification in the safe use and application of either a specific or a range of application equipment.
This qualification has been developed for individuals involved in a variety of roles using pesticides. It provides the opportunity to achieve a recognised qualification which reflects the national standards for the type of role(s) they perform.
The Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pesticides using Boom Sprayer Equipment (PA2) is nationally recognised and based on National Occupational Standards (NOS). Learners can achieve certification in the safe use and application of a range of applicators which include granule applicators and vehicle mounted boom sprayers, as well as Granular.
This qualification has been developed for individuals involved in a variety of roles in the safe use and application of pesticides using Boom Sprayer equipment. It provides an opportunity to achieve a recognised national qualification which reflects the national standards for the type of role(s) they perform.
Cost - £570 + VAT
Apply HERE.
Entry requirements
This qualification will be suitable for those entering work, those who have established themselves in a role and those working at technician/supervisory/management levels.
BASIS FACTS Turf (Golf & Sports Turf) - 29 & 30 January, 2025
Overview
This course is an independent, non-statutory certification scheme for turf professionals development of plant nutrient management technical knowledge in turf.
Most people who take an interest in sports turf, both in its management and production, appreciate that if soil fertility is to be maintained then the nutrients taken off during mowing or lost to air or water must be replaced.
However, many of these people are also concerned about the actual or potential environmental damage that these losses can cause and they look to those involved to do what they can to minimise them.
This is one of the main pressures to which those advising greenkeepers and sports turf operatives on fertiliser use must respond and which was behind the establishment of the FACTS scheme.
Cost - £2,150 + VAT including BASIS exam fees.
Apply HERE.
Course contents
- The soil or playing surface in relation to turfgrass nutrition
- Nature and properties of fertilisers and liming materials
- Plant nutrients and the basis of choice of fertilisers for the main turfgrass utilisation
- The transport, storage, handling and application of fertilisers
- Codes of good practice and legal and other Environmental Protection Measures
Recommended entry requirements
It is strongly recommended that candidates should have at least two years of practical experience in turfgrass and/or at least a Level 2 in sports turf/greenkeeping or equivalent.
Assessment
- Online exam (multiple choice)
- Online viva voca
Duration
- Five days including exams on Wednesday 29 January, Thursday 30 January, Wednesday 26 February, Thursday 13 March.
- Exams online approximately seven days after the last face to face session.
Advanced Cylinder Mower Set Up and Sharpening Course - 4 & 5 February, 2025
Overview
This Lantra approved qualification is aimed at sports turf, ground staff, greenkeeping and lawn care professionals seeking to develop their skills and knowledge in professional mowing machinery set-up and basic skills in fault finding problems.
The course will be delivered in conjunction with mowing machinery expert Neil Hullah from Cut Sharp at LCFC Sports Turf Academy, Seagrave, Leicestershire.
Cost - £278.00 + VAT
Apply HERE.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand principles of working safely while, grinding, mowing and conducting mechanical works
- Understand the importance of the correct bottom blade selection for the ‘actual’ height of cut (HOC). Understand and set up angles/shear point position. Understand clip rate relevant to actual HOC
- Prepare mowing equipment for grinding of cutting blades
- Operate grinding equipment safely
- Prepare mowers for cutting to a high standard
- Understand a range of agronomical benefits of correct mower set-up
- Investigate mowing faults and rectify
Learner Demographics
This new two-day course is designed for sports turf operatives, greenkeepers and grounds care mechanics.
Entry Requirements
There are no entry requirements, however, it is recommended that learners have some prior experience in the basic use of grounds care and mowing equipment. The duration is 12 hours over two days, 9am-4pm.
Groundcare Machinery Maintenance – Electrics - 18 February, 2025
Overview
This Lantra accredited course will show you how to work safely and effectively on the electrical aspects of mowers. You will first cover all the theory to ensure you understand mower electrical circuits.
Following practical demonstrations, you will then progress onto practical sessions to identify electrical components. You will learn about best practice in electrical maintenance and how to locate common faults through testing.
Upon successful completion, you will gain a Certificate of Competence and a Lantra Skills ID card.
Cost - £278.00 + VAT
Apply HERE.
Learning Outcomes
- Produce a site-specific risk assessment (SSRA) for machinery maintenance operations (specific to electric fault finding)
- Identify the required personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Identify the health and safety features required to diagnose and fix groundcare machinery electrical systems
- Identify components within an electrical system
- Know how an electrical system functions
- Identify potential faults on the electrical system
- Correctly carry out electrical maintenance and testing in accordance with the machine manufacturer’s operating manual
- State the possible hazards/risks when carrying out maintenance or repair task Organise the workshop and use a systematic method of working where possible.
Learner Demographics
This training course is ideal for you if you work in horticulture, landscaping and turf maintenance.
Entry Requirements
Important note: The Groundcare Machinery Maintenance Health and Safety E-Learning Course must be completed before commencing this course. Please follow the link - Easy to use online learning from Lantra - 024 7669 6996
This does incur a cost payable to Lantra.
The course is suitable for you whether you’re a novice or more experienced and simply looking to improve your skills and knowledge.
Groundcare Machinery Maintenance - Hydraulics - 19 February, 2025
Overview
This Lantra accredited 1-day Groundcare Machinery Maintenance – Hydraulics course will give you technical information about your mower. We have experienced instructors who will ensure that you use your machine safely and with confidence.
As well as legislation and health and safety, you’ll cover the theory of hydraulics. You’ll have hands-on experience of basic hydraulics’ operation and walk away with a certificate of competence to prove it.
Cost - £278.00 + VAT
Apply HERE.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the health and safety requirements for hydraulic maintenance
- Carry out a risk assessment and implement control measures, including emergency procedures
- Understand hydraulic system functionality and how a hydraulic system works
- Identify key hydraulic components and understand their function in the system
- Understand the role of oil function in a hydraulic system
- Understand the correct adjustment of fittings and hydraulic pipes
- Understand the importance of keeping a hydraulic system clean
- Understand how to prepare a machine for carrying out a hydraulic test
- Understand how to test a hydraulic system for correct pressure
- Restore a hydraulic system, clear the workshop and check the system
- Understand the responsibilities when hydraulic testing
- Operate the equipment in a safe and appropriate manner
Learner Demographic
This training course is ideal for you if you work in horticulture, landscaping and turf maintenance.
Entry Requirements
Important note: The Groundcare Machinery Maintenance Health and Safety E-Learning Course must be completed before commencing this course. Please follow the link - Easy to use online learning from Lantra - 024 7669 6996
This does incur a cost payable to Lantra.
The course is suitable for you whether you’re a novice or more experienced and simply looking to improve your skills and knowledge.
Groundcare Machinery Maintenance - Introduction to Engines - 20 February, 2025
Overview
This one-day course is part of a dedicated suite of Groundcare Machinery Maintenance training courses. It will show you how to work safely and effectively on the engines of mowers.
You will first cover all the theory to ensure you understand mower engines. Following practical demonstrations, you will then progress onto practical sessions to identify engine components.
You will learn about best practice in engine maintenance and how to locate common faults through testing.
Cost - £278.00 + VAT
Apply HERE.
Learner outcomes
- Have safety knowledge when working with engines
- Be able to identify related risks
- Understand and identify the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required
- Be able to identify components within an engine
- Understand engine terminology and how an engine function
- Understand the 4-stroke cycle used in petrol and diesel engines
- Be able to identify the functions of:
Petrol Engines
Diesel Engines
Engine Turbos
Lubrication System
Cooling System
Electrical Charging System
Diesel Engines Euro Stage 3
- Understand diagnostics signs and how to test engines
- Correctly carry out engine maintenance and testing in accordance with the manufacturer's operator's manual (MOM)
- Identify potential defects on an engine which require attention
- State the possible hazards/risks when carrying out maintenance or repair tasks
Learner Demographic
This training course is ideal for you if you work in horticulture, landscaping or turf maintenance.
Entry Requirements
Important note: The Groundcare Machinery Maintenance Health and Safety E-Learning Course must be completed before commencing this course. Please follow the link - Easy to use online learning from Lantra - 024 7669 6996
This does incur a cost payable to Lantra.
The course is suitable for you whether you’re a novice or more experienced and simply looking to improve your skills and knowledge.
Terms & Conditions
For the full terms and conditions on STA courses, please click HERE.
Want to take your career to the next level? Register your interest below or by clicking HERE.