Checklist: Is greenkeeper for you?

Greenkeeper is a trade with both freedom and demands. Before you apply, it may be worth taking a moment to consider whether everyday life suits you. Use the questions below as a small self-test — the more you can say yes to, the better the trade probably suits you.

§Eight questions to yourself

• 01Do I like working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
• 02Am I comfortable with physical work and using my body?
• 03Am I interested in plants, soil, water and nature?
• 04Do I like working with machines and learning new techniques?
• 05Am I careful when something needs to be completely precise?
• 06Can I work early and adapt to seasons?
• 07Will I like to be skilled in a niche profession?
• 08Am I comfortable following safety and chemical rules?

§Try it out

The best way to find out if the trade is for you is to experience it. Ask a local golf club or sports facility if you can do an internship or follow a groundskeeper for a day. You can also have a chat with a career advisor at one of the schools offering the education.

§Next step

If it feels like the right thing, the next step is to investigate the entry requirements and application deadline. Remember that you can start on the basic course without an apprenticeship, but you will need a training agreement to continue on the main course.