Contact:

Tyler Bloom

Apprenticeship Program Administrator

NYS Turfgrass Association

Email: nysta@nysta.org

Albany, NY - The New York State Turfgrass Association’s Registered Apprenticeship Program has been approved by the New York State Department of Labor, following a thorough review on May 9, 2023. There are two programs designed to help train future groundskeepers and equipment technicians. 

The New York State Turfgrass Association's (NYSTA) newest workforce initiative, is a Registered Apprenticeship Program for golf courses, sports turf, and Equipment Technicians in New York. The program is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway designed to help employers develop and prepare their future workforce while providing individuals with paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a nationally recognized credential.

"We're excited to launch this new initiative which offers a unique opportunity for golf courses, sports turf, and turf businesses to develop their workforce while providing individuals a pathway to careers in the turf industry with nationally recognized credentials,” a statement from the NYSTA Board.

The NYSTA Registered Apprenticeship Program will offer a structured training program that combines on-the-job learning with online classroom instruction over a two-year time frame. The program allows individuals to develop the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the turfgrass industry, while also providing employers with a means to develop, promote and retain their workforce.

Upon completion of the groundskeeper program, apprentices will have earned 20 credit hours towards an Associate’s degree in Turfgrass Management from SUNY-Delhi and over 4000 hours of paid, on the job training. They will receive an official certificate from the New York Department of Labor acknowledging their expertise in turf management.

The Equipment Technician program will provide fundamental training in diagnostic, troubleshooting to equipment safety, repair, engine service, metalwork, and fabrication. Upon completion, individuals will earn industry credentials from the New York Department of Labor, and an Automotive Service Excellence Certification.

For more information about NYSTA's Registered Apprenticeship Program, please visit the NYSTA website or contact Tyler Bloom, NYSTA's Apprenticeship Program Administrator at nysta@nysta.org.

NYSTA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the turfgrass industry in New York State. The association delivers turfgrass management and public policy information that cannot be found anywhere else, providing quality continuing education and advocating for science-based regulatory and legislative decisions.

With a mission to promote education, research, workforce development and advocacy for those involved in turfgrass management throughout New York state, NYSTA is committed to providing its members with resources that can help them advance their careers.

Through the Registered Apprenticeship programs, NYSTA provide a direct career pathway while increasing the awareness of the importance of turfgrass management in New York state.