Engagement: Fixed Term - 24 month duration
Contract: Full Time, 42 hours a week
Location: The City Ground, Nottingham, NG2 5FJ & The Nigel Doughty Academy, Nottingham, NG2 7SR
Department: Pitch Performance
Reporting to: Pitch Performance Manager
Closing Date For Applications: 16th May 2025
About the Role:
Nottingham Forest is seeking keen and dedicated Pitch Performance Apprentices to join our Pitch Performance Team. We have 3 roles available to join the team, based at the City Ground, Nigel Doughty Academy, and Holme Road Training Site. The apprentices will work as part of the club’s pitch performance team and help in the preparation and maintenance of playing surfaces which have a direct impact on the player’s performance. Tasks will include pitch cutting, marking, equipment upkeep, general site tasks, working with data testing equipment, and ensuring the highest standards are strived for across all sites.
The apprentices will:
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Be part of a welcoming, inclusive, and forward-thinking team that will put your growth and success first.
- Full assistance in completing the two-year Level 2 Sports Turf Operative apprenticeship standard.
- An opportunity to gain valuable experience in sports turf maintenance within a competitive sporting setting.
- Learn about data-driven approaches to pitch management and player performance.
- Have the ability to learn about the industry from experienced club staff.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities:
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Ensure pitches and playing areas are maintained and prepared to high professional standards, under the direction of the pitch performance team
- Perform pre and post-training and match tasks, including marking and cutting, divoting, light mowing, spraying, and other tasks.
- Undertake minor construction and landscaping tasks.
- Operate and maintain machinery, vehicles, and equipment used for grounds maintenance.
- Adhere to health and safety guidelines, ensuring work areas are clean, organised, and secure.
- Collaborate effectively with colleagues and club staff.
- Maintain flexibility in working hours, including participating in weekend/midweek rota match cover.
What are we looking for:
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A strong work ethic and attention to detail.
- Interest in pitches and the impact they have on the players’ ability to perform.
- A team player attitude with the ability to work independently when needed.
- A commitment to maintaining health and safety standards.
- Examples of working as part of a team successfully.
- GCSE English (Grade 2-9/E-A) essential
- GCSE Maths (Grade 2-9/E-A) essential
- GCSE 2 other subjects (Grade 2-9/E-A) essential
Things to Consider:
Qualifications: Apprentices will achieve the Apprenticeship Sports Turf Operative Level 2 certificate and will then be eligible to join the IOG Register of Turf Management Professionals.
End Point Assessment Components:
The End Point Assessment forms 100% of the assessment of achievement of the apprenticeship standard. The End Point Assessment will contain 2 components:
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A written and online test which will assess knowledge and behaviours and will be assessed by an independent assessment organisation. This will be graded as Fail/Pass/Merit/Distinction weighted by 40%.
- A practical assessment assessing skills, behaviours and knowledge. This will be assessed by an independent assessment organisation. This will be graded Fail/Pass/Merit/Distinction weighted by 60%.
Forest For Everyone
We aim to create a culture which embraces and celebrates our differences, enables individuals to feel comfortable, maximise their potential and eliminate discrimination.
Nottingham Forest Football Club is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marital / civil partnership status, pregnancy / maternity leave, race, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Nottingham Forest Football Club is a signatory of the FA’s Football Leadership Diversity Code. We are committed to developing policies to promote equal opportunities and diversity within our workforce. To monitor our progress against these commitments, we require all applicants to provide accurate diversity data during the application process.
Disability Confident Committed Employer
We are a Disability Confident Committed employer. We encourage applications from people with disabilities and long-term health conditions. If you need disability-related adjustments to the recruitment process, please indicate this in your application.
If you are likely to meet the definition of being a "disabled person" according to the Equality Act 2010, you may be eligible to apply for an interview via the Disability Confident Scheme - please indicate this in your application form below. The information you share with us about your health or disability will not be used in recruitment selections.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
As part of the Club’s commitment to safeguarding, the successful applicant may be required to undergo a Disclosure Barring Service (“DBS”) check or an enhanced DBS check. The results of a DBS check will be considered on an individual basis, and the Club will act in a proportionate manner when deciding whether or not to proceed with the appointment.
An FA Enhanced DBS disclosure is required for all relevant new appointments to the Club. Individuals will be asked to declare any convictions, cautions or reprimands, warnings or bind-overs that may have been incurred. The Club reserves the right to carry out risk assessments where content has been disclosed on a DBS disclosure if it feels that it is relevant to the job requirements. Failure to satisfy the Club and the PL's safeguarding requirements may lead to the job offer being withdrawn or, if they have already started employment, summary termination of the employment.
