THE next generation of greenkeepers have hit the lawns at TAFE NSW Kurri Kurri ready to learn how to prepare world class sporting fields.

Graduates of the TAFE NSW Certificate III in Sports Turf Management are highly sought after by leading sports turf venues throughout the country.

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World-class sporting teams rely on the niche skills that are required to prepare a pitch that will either make or break a game.

50 students descended onto campus last month to commence practical training, with Hawks Nest local Mel Mills amongst the students.

Ms Mills told News Of The Area that she decided to pursue sports turf management to harness a career maintaining golf courses and is now employed at Hawks Nest Golf Club.

“I was attracted to the field because of the outdoor lifestyle,” she said.

“The amount of preparation and work that goes into a field or a golf course before an event would amaze you.

“Getting a green exactly how it needs to be for a competition takes months.”

Ms Mills says that most places these days won’t hire you without a trade certificate.

“TAFE NSW was an essential stepping-stone to learn the skills I needed and get those qualifications,” she said.

Onsite learning facilities include golf greens, bowling greens, a cricket oval with turf wickets and a full-sized tennis court with machinery to provide students industry standard experience.

Stadium Australia’s Graeme Logan says TAFE NSW will play an increasingly critical role in building the pipeline of green keeping professionals through its range of sports turf management and horticulture courses.

“TAFE NSW is equipping students with the experience that they need to pursue some of the best jobs in the country.

“It takes a high level of skills and knowledge to maintain sporting fields at the top level and TAFE NSW graduates have the practical skills and industry knowledge required, which is why Stadium Australia hire them,” Mr Logan said.

The commencing students are hoping to take after graduates like Adam Lewis who is now Sydney Cricket Ground Curator and groundsman and Josh Edwards, who maintains the revered turf of Stadium Australia.

By Tara CAMPBELL