How Harry turned his passion for sport into a career in Sports Turf Management

Harry has always enjoyed being outdoors and working with his hands. After completing Year 12, he wasn’t sure what path to take, but his interest in landscaping and love of sport led him to explore options that combined both. 

While searching online for jobs, he came across an apprenticeship opportunity at a local golf course. The role included formal training in Sports Turf Management, and the chance to build a long-term career in an area he was already passionate about. 

With his growing interest in the turf industry, Harry chose to study at Melbourne Polytechnic. The course’s strong reputation and the recommendation of colleagues already working in the field gave him confidence in his decision. 

The program’s focus on practical, hands-on learning has been a highlight. Harry was able to take part in real-world sessions across various sites and gain applied experience in turf maintenance, sports field preparation and industry safety standards. 

One of the most valuable aspects of the course has been learning from teachers who bring real industry experience into the classroom. 

“All the teachers, and their life experiences. Their firsthand opinion of the industry, the teacher’s insights into the industry – having people around me who have world experience, they’ve done what we’re learning about. I’ll be able to take away what they’ve told me; I’ll already know things before going to work,” Harry explained. 

Now nearing the end of his apprenticeship, Harry is reflecting on how far he’s come since beginning the course. The combination of structured theory and on-the-job experience has given him both practical skills and a deeper understanding of his field. 

“I learned so much more of the theory than I expected. And I can take that away with me, it's crazy to think I’m almost finished 3 years at Melbourne Polytechnic, and I know so much more now than when I started.” 

As he looks ahead, Harry is keen to keep building his skills in the turf industry. He’s interested in future roles that would allow him to work in larger, high-profile venues, continuing to apply what he’s learned in more complex environments. 

Harry’s journey shows that with the right mix of passion, opportunity, and hands-on experience, it’s possible to turn what you love into a rewarding career. 

If you’re interested in sport, enjoy working outdoors and want a career that keeps you active and engaged, studying Sports Turf Management at Melbourne Polytechnic could be the right step for you. 

Take the next step — explore Sports Turf Management programs at Melbourne Polytechnic and start creating world-class playing environments today.