A pitch perfect move: from corporate career to turf management

At 30, Matthew Reinhard made a decision many people only contemplate - he walked away from a stable corporate career to start again. 

After completing a Bachelor of Business and spending 5 years in finance, he realised he’d made his original career choice too early and it wasn’t delivering the sense of purpose he was looking for. 

“Straight out of school, you don’t always know what you actually want,” Matthew says. “I just wanted something more hands-on - where I could see the results of my work.”

Today, Matthew is a qualified Groundsman at Melbourne Grammar School, managing high-performance sporting surfaces and building a long-term career in sports turf management - supported by Melbourne Polytechnic.

A bold career move
For Matthew’s manager, John, who previously taught turf management at Melbourne Polytechnic (then NMIT), it was that decision to change careers that stood out from the beginning.

“If someone’s prepared to make that big, brave step at 30, it says a lot about their attitude,” John says. “That takes courage, discipline and effort - and if you’ve got that, you’re halfway there.”

When Matthew first started, he had no experience in turf. But what Matthew lacked in experience, he made up for in mindset. He brought maturity, strong organisational skills and a willingness to learn - qualities that quickly set him apart.

Hands-on training that translates to real work
Matthew completed his Certificate III in Sports Turf Management AHC31324 (Apprenticeship) with Melbourne Polytechnic. He is now completing the Diploma of Sports Turf Management AHC51024 while continuing to work full time. 

The structure of learning one day a week at TAFE and four days on the job proved critical to his development.

“He was learning theory and practical skills at Melbourne Polytechnic that directly matched what he needed at work,” John explains.

“This partnership between training and workplace meant Matthew could immediately apply what he learned.

“You’re not just sitting in a classroom reading textbooks,” he says. “You’re out doing site visits, practical work and applying that knowledge straight away at work.”

Industry exposure that sets students apart
A standout feature of Matthew’s Melbourne Polytechnic experience was the level of industry exposure. Melbourne Polytechnic’s strong industry connections gave Matthew direct exposure to the turf sector.

Through site visits and guest speakers, he gained access to elite venues and professionals across the sector, including the MCG, AAMI Park, Victoria Golf Club and Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.

“These are places you wouldn’t normally get into,” Matthew says. “It gives you a real understanding of the industry and opens your eyes to what’s possible.”

Guest speakers, workshops and industry networking opportunities further enriched the learning experience, allowing Matthew to build valuable connections in the “close-knit” industry.  

John agrees this exposure is critical. “The training’s been really good,” he says. “It builds their skills progressively - from safety and fundamentals through to managing surfaces. By the end, they’re not just doing tasks - they’re managing turf.”  

From apprentice to turf manager
Now having completed his apprenticeship, Matthew has stepped into a fully qualified Groundsman role - and with it, more responsibility.

“He’s the full package now,” John says. “He’s not just working in turf - he’s managing it.” Matthew is responsible for maintaining key areas at Melbourne Grammar’s South Yarra campus, including the main oval and cricket wickets.

His rapid progression and talent has been recognised outside of his employer. Matthew has already won 2 major awards, including the Victorian Sports Turf Association Apprentice of the Year and a Melbourne Polytechnic Outstanding Student of the Year award - highlighting both his technical skill and leadership potential.

Skills beyond the trade
Matthew’s previous career has also played a role in his success. “He already had strong organisation and time management skills,” John explains. “Those are things we didn’t have to teach. He brought them with him.”

Combined with the technical skills gained through Melbourne Polytechnic, this has accelerated his progression.

The experience has also built his confidence - not just in technical ability, but in leadership.

“Matthew is now mentoring a Vocational Major (VCE VM) student, which really shows how far he’s come.”

A supportive learning environment
Both Matthew and John emphasise the value of being supported in both study and work.

“The teachers at Melbourne Polytechnic have real industry experience,” Matthew says. “They’re relatable and everything you learn is current and practical.”

Advice for future students
For anyone considering a career change or vocational pathway, Matthew’s message is simple:
“Don’t feel like it’s too late,” he says. “If you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, it’s worth making a change.”

John agrees - and believes career changers often bring added value. “They come with life skills, maturity and a strong work ethic,” he says. “When you combine that with quality training, you get great outcomes.”

Matthew also encourages students to fully embrace the opportunities available through study: “Ask questions, stay curious and take every chance to learn - especially when you’re at TAFE. And don’t be afraid to push yourself outside your comfort zone.”

Looking ahead
As Matthew continues his Diploma at Melbourne Polytechnic, he’s focused on building his career and taking on greater responsibility.

Long term, he hopes to step into a leadership role as a head groundsman. For now, he’s exactly where he wants to be - working outdoors, seeing the results of his efforts every day. “I wanted to feel connected to my work,” he says. “Now I do.”