First ‘Level 5’ apprenticeship is achieved

By Alistair December 31, 2023 09:24

A man has become the first apprentice in the UK to complete the Level 5 Golf Course Manager Apprenticeship standard, as well as becoming the first in the UK to achieve a Level 5 Apprenticeship within the land-based sector.

Paul Selbie, who is the course manager at Hainault Golf Club in Essex, and has been studying at Hadlow College in Kent, undertook three different components as part of his End Point Assessment (EPA).

This included a rigorous three hour recorded golf course walk which included a professional discussion, a presentation delivered to the examiner and a representative panel and an online knowledge examination.

Paul also wrote a Royal and Ancient Golf Course policy document and created an extensive portfolio of evidence to demonstrate his knowledge, skills and behaviours.

Jo-Anne Bryan, head of the EPA team, commented: “As an EPA organisation we’re delighted that Paul is the first apprentice to achieve this, having recently completed his EPA. This validates the importance of having a structured progression pathway with levels 2, 3 and now 5 within the suite of greenkeeping apprenticeships.”

Paul said: “It has been almost 20 years since my last educational milestone and I felt the need to challenge myself further. The new level 5 apprenticeship came along at the right time and allowed me to pull together all my learnt knowledge and experience into a nearly two-year course. A rigorous test of both my managerial and greenkeeping skills, culminating in a tough two-hour exam, a presentation and three-hour professional discussion. Hopefully I can use this qualification as a stepping stone to further my career.”

Anthony Stockwell from Hadlow College commented: “I am delighted with Paul’s achievement. He really deserves this unique success to be the first in the UK as he has shown a driven and determined attitude at all times and I am extremely proud to have had him as a student.”