Addressing the skills shortage in greenkeeping and grounds management

We’ve been facing growing challenges for years, but now, more than ever, the cracks are showing. We’re not just struggling to fill roles - we’re also experiencing shifts within the industry that are stretching clubs and professionals to their limits.

The greenkeeping and grounds management industry is at a crossroads. If we don’t take action now, there’s a real risk of long-term damage to the profession and the quality of sports turf across the country.  

The elephant in the room: salaries and working conditions

Anyone working in greenkeeping or grounds maintenance will tell you this isn’t an industry for the faint-hearted.

We work long hours in a physically demanding role, which often includes weekends. That makes recruitment challenging - especially when wages don’t always reflect the level of skill and dedication required.

It’s no surprise that younger generations are looking elsewhere for careers with better pay and a more structured work-life balance. Skilled professionals are also leaving for industries that offer higher salaries and more predictable hours. And that’s where the real issue begins.

More demand, fewer skilled professionals

While we’ve been losing experienced workers, the demand for sports turf professionals has been climbing. More grassroots teams are forming, and public interest in sports continues to grow.

However, as the number of pitches and events increases, we simply don’t have enough skilled professionals to keep up. Clubs are already struggling to maintain surface quality, and without investment in staffing and training, standards will inevitably drop. Some clubs may lose members or be unable to host as many fixtures, impacting revenue and long-term sustainability.

This isn’t just a manpower issue. We’re also facing significant gaps in agronomy expertise, turf science knowledge and machinery maintenance skills. Technology in our industry is advancing rapidly - robotic mowers and sustainable turf management techniques require professionals who understand how

to manage these new systems. Yet, we don’t have the workforce to support these changes. Clubs and venues are investing in modern solutions, but without the right people to oversee them, these tools aren’t being used to their full potential.

The retirement challenge

Another pressing issue is the number of experienced professionals nearing retirement. These individuals have decades of expertise, have trained apprentices and have shaped the profession as we know it.

As they retire, we’re not just losing staff - we’re losing invaluable knowledge. With fewer young people entering the industry, there’s no clear path to replace them. This puts additional strain on volunteers and unqualified staff, who are often left to take on responsibilities they aren’t fully trained for. When that happens, standards slip, increasing the risk of injury, match postponements, and long-term pitch and course damage.

The reality is that most people don’t even know it’s a viable career. There’s a massive lack of awareness, especially in schools, where career discussions rarely, if ever, mention sports turf management. Without that exposure, how can we expect young people to consider it as an option?

Apprenticeships should be a key route into the industry, but training providers have declined over the years, limiting opportunities for structured learning. While numbers are improving slightly, you could argue that the damage has already been done. Fewer providers mean fewer apprentices, creating a pipeline issue we’ll be dealing with for years.

Then there’s the work itself. It’s physically demanding and requires working in all weather conditions, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. There’s real satisfaction in seeing a course or pitch in perfect condition, knowing you played a role in making it happen. The challenge is communicating that to potential newcomers.

What needs to change?

We can’t sit back and hope people will suddenly flood into the industry. Here are some actionable steps we can take to push greenkeeping and grounds maintenance careers further into the limelight:

Invest in education and training

• Expand apprenticeship programmes and get sports turf careers on students’ radar.
• Engage with schools, attend career fairs, and work with educators to highlight this profession.

Stronger industry collaboration

• Clubs, manufacturers, governing bodies, and training providers must form stronger partnerships.
• Creating structured career pathways will help attract and retain talent, offering more than just a paycheck.

Upskilling and knowledge transfer

• Retiring professionals hold decades of knowledge that must be passed down.
• Implement structured mentoring programmess and encourage knowledge-sharing between clubs and professionals.

Better career incentives

• Structured pay rises based on experience and additional qualifications.
• Performance-based bonuses and opportunities to attend international career events.
• Exchange programmes with overseas clubs to keep professionals engaged and motivated.

Securing the future of the industry

If we continue down this path without making changes, we risk seeing a decline in the quality and sustainability of sports turf management.

But there’s good news - we have options. By focusing on education, training, collaboration and career progression, we can attract new talent, retain experienced professionals and ensure that greenkeeping and grounds management remains a respected and sought-after profession.