Make Golf Your Career
Golf Course Maintenance Technician ∙ Registered Apprenticeship Program
About Registered Apprenticeship
Through the MGCA Registered Apprenticeship program, interested candidates can further their agronomy education, work alongside field experts to gain on-the-job learning, and gain a national industry recognized credential.
In the Program You Will:
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Receive on-the-job training from experienced managers to advance your career
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Further your agronomy education with industry standard online coursework
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Earn a nationally recognized certification from the US Department of Labor
- Qualify for employment as a skilled golf course maintenance technician–such as spray tech, irrigation tech, second assistant, or assistant superintendent
A Career Pathway in Golf
If you’re an FFA, HTIM, or high school student who enjoys working outdoors, solving problems, and seeing the results of your work, a golf course could be a place to discover what’s next.
You're Invited to our Race to Talent™ Event to Learn More!
We’re excited to invite you to the Race to Talent™ event at the 2026 Michigan Golf Business Conference, taking place Wednesday, December 2 from 8:30-10:30am at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Mt. Pleasant.
About the Event
This special event celebrates current and potential Registered Apprenticeship Employers, recognizing golf courses, apprentices, and agronomy teams participating in the MGCA Registered Apprenticeship Program.
We’ll honor their leadership in elevating talent and enhancing workforce development in Michigan.
Schedule
8:30-8:30am
∙ Full Networking Breakfast
8:30-10:30am
∙ Race to Talent™ Event: Graduation Ceremony
∙ Panel & Closing Discussion with Michigan Golf Alliance: The Next 50 Years
Why Attend?
This is your chance to:
- Showcase your course's commitment to workforce development
- Inspire other Michigan golf employers
- Gain valuable insights into apprenticeship best practices and strategies
Don't miss the opportunity to position your course as a leader in cultivating the next generation of golf industry talent.
You Don't Have to Have Your Career Mapped Out to Start Exploring!
Learn More, Earn More
You’ll be on your way to furthering your agronomy education, working alongside field experts to gain on-the-job learning, and gaining a national USDOL certification.
Sign Up as an Apprentice in Three Easy Steps!
Step 2:
Find out more information from MGCA on how to get experience working at a golf course
With over 800 golf courses in Michigan, golf provides 61,000 jobs and has a $6.1 billion total economic impact on the state.
Step 3:
Begin Your Apprenticeship!
- Work with field experts
- Complete online education
- Earn a national USDOL certification
All without attending college!
Meet Our Registered Apprenticeship Project Manager
Mike Morris
With more than three decades of experience in golf course management and education, Mike Morris leads the continued development and expansion of MGCA’s Golf Course Maintenance Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program.
A retired Certified Golf Course Superintendent, Mike previously served as Director of Golf Course Operations at Crystal Downs Country Club.
“There has arguably never been a better time to get into the golf course management profession. There are opportunities at every level and this apprenticeship is just another example of that. We’re happy to work with the MGCA, MiGCSA and MTF to provide this new resource for our members and provide an additional avenue for individuals to get involved in the industry."
Shelia Finney, Senior Director, Member Programs
GCSAA
Get Started Today!
Contact us for more information on the Registered Apprenticeship Program.
Jada Paisley, CMP
Executive Director, MGCA
jpaisley@michigangca.org
517-285-4195