New Registered Apprenticeship Program for Golf Course Maintenance
The Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA) announced the signing of Boyne Golf’s Bay Harbor Golf Club and The Highlands at Harbor Springs, Raisin Valley Golf Club, Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center, and The Emerald Golf Course to Registered Apprenticeship Golf Course Maintenance Technician Program. The five courses join Lynx Golf Course who was the first course to sign onto the program, in June 2022.
Through the Registered Apprenticeship program, candidates will further their agronomy education, work alongside field experts to gain on-the-job learning, and gain a national credential. For employers, the Registered Apprenticeship is a proven talent pipeline solution for Michigan’s $4 billion golf industry that includes almost 800 golf courses and 60,000 workers.
“MGCA knows how important golf is to Michiganders and tourists,” said Jada Paisley, Executive Director, Michigan Golf Course Association. “To keep our courses in top-notch condition, we must get more people involved in the art and science of agronomy to consider job opportunities at golf courses.”
Jeff Hoag, General Manager, Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center added, “This is an important beginning to fill our employee needs in the agronomy area.”
Michigan’s State Apprenticeship Expansion efforts are administered by the Office of Employment & Training within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO.)
Benefits for the Apprentices includes:
Provides high quality on-the-job and online career training supported by Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA)
Mentorship led by industry professionals
Gain Maintenance Technician skills and competencies
Earn a progressively increasing wage while training
Opportunities for career advancement
Receive a nationally recognized certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor
