FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
An important new workforce development program designed to train and prepare workers for careers in golf course maintenance has been approved by the United States Department of Labor.
The Greenskeeper II Apprenticeship Program sponsored by Tyler Bloom Consulting and now officially recognized by the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship, establishes national standards for training nationwide and promises to help meet demand for qualified golf/turf managers in the future.
“Our national apprenticeship program will be crucial for the golf course maintenance profession because it will provide standardized training, ensuring that aspiring superintendents receive consistent education and skill development regardless of their location,” said Tyler Bloom. “This new program will elevate the professionalism of the field, attract more talent, and ultimately improve the quality of golf course management nationwide.”
The primary purpose of the program is to establish federally recognized standards for training to ensure that the industry can attract and develop the workforce it needs. The new standards promise to grow the pool of well-trained and qualified candidates for jobs in the industry.
The program will include 4,000 hours of on the job training, and related instruction being delivered online through a number of partnerships with university turf programs nationwide.
Why does it matter? The shortfall of good employees has become a serious issue for the business. According to the 2024 Golf Course Superintendent Employment Trends Survey, 75 percent of respondents reported it was extremely difficult to fill specialized, skilled positions.
“It has been very clear to me and our team through our own consulting and recruitment projects that apprenticeship programs attract more highly engaged and career-minded individuals in combination with being a more sustainable method to train and mentor future employees to fit company culture and needs. This standardized training will help employers benchmark candidates’ capabilities more accurately, leading to better hiring decisions and career progression,” said Bloom.
It also promises to boost employee retention dramatically. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 92 percent of candidates retain employment after completing an apprenticeship program, reducing the costs of turnover.
The official DOL status will also open the door to funding and resources from government agencies, industry associations, and private organizations. “Funding is widely available for additional support for apprenticeship training, equipment, and educational materials, we will methodically work to create a national network of connected businesses, golf industry and workforce development partners.”
The government-approved program also shines a spotlight on golf’s economic importance and its role in communities across the U.S. “This will help our advocacy efforts and, we hope, the wider awareness it creates will increase the number of women and minorities in turf management roles,” said Bloom.
From a candidate’s perspective, a nationally sponsored apprenticeship program for golf course superintendents will be incredibly important. “Standardized training ensures that all candidates, regardless of their background or prior experience, have access to the advanced educational resources and opportunities for skill development, creating a level playing field for all applicants,” said Bloom. “They’ll also have networking opportunities designed to help candidates from diverse backgrounds connect with individuals who can offer guidance, support, and career opportunities.”
Bloom created a similar program as a Golf Course Superintendent during his time at Sparrows Point Country Club in Baltimore, Maryland from 2014-2020, has been working with dozens of employers on an individual basis, and assisted in building a statewide program in New York with the New York State Turfgrass Association.
Several golf course superintendent chapters have already reached out to adopt the program and he expects many more associations and golf facilities to jump on board now that the program is federally recognized. “We’ve been working towards something like this going back to my days as a golf course superintendent in Maryland. This is a very rewarding moment for us and, I hope, an important step forward for the golf course industry.”
If you’d like to learn more about the program, features and benefits, set up a FREE Talent Strategy Call with our team.
About the Author
Tyler Bloom is the founder of Tyler Bloom Consulting. A former golf course superintendent and turf professional, Tyler’s love of all things golf began at the age of six when he stepped onto the course for the first time.
Tyler has an Executive Certifacte in Talent Acquisition fro Cornell University and a degree in Turfgrass Science from Penn State University. With 20 years of experience in the golf and turfgrass industry, Tyler has worked directly with reputable club leaders at some of the most prestigious clubs to place over 300 professionals in executive and management level positions throughout the United States.
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