STMA is Developing an Apprentice Program
Start Preparing for the STMA Student Challenge
Take Advantage of CEUs at STMA Conference
STMA IN ACTION
STMA is Developing an Apprentice Program
The STMA Certification Committee has a new Apprentice Program under development . This program is intended to build on the Sports Field Management 101 online certificate course , which is currently offered by STMA . The goal of the Apprentice Program is to create an on-thejob learning program that combines hands-on experience with mentorship and leadership . At the conclusion of this 480-hour program , students will be well prepared for employment in the sports field management industry . Some current internship programs at sports facilities could qualify toward a portion of the 480-hour minimum requirement .
Apprenticeship came to America from England , where it was created in 1563 and was considered the first step on the road to economic independence . The U . S . Department of Labor ( DOL ) states that 94 % of apprentices who complete an apprenticeship program in other industries retain employment , with an average annual salary of $ 70,000 . The DOL registers these programs and reports that there were nearly 26,000 apprenticeship programs active across the nation in 2020 .
Although the STMA program is still in development , the learning modules have been identified . Apprentices will receive training based on a checklist of skills . Some of the skills include fertilizer spreader calibration , identification of turfgrasses , weeds , insects and diseases , safe equipment operation , field layout , painting techniques and general maintenance practices for healthy , safe fields .
Program participants , no matter their age or employment status , will qualify for STMA student membership , which is $ 30 annually .
The STMA Board of Directors has discussed the labor shortages in the industry , and approved the development of the Sports Field Management 101 course and the Apprentice Program to help with those shortages . There is also recognition that not all students can afford to pursue a college degree . These two programs create an alternate career path into the profession .
The Apprentice Program is planned to be introduced at the 2022 STMA national conference , Jan . 17-20 , in Savannah , Ga .
Start Preparing for the STMA Student Challenge
The STMA Student Challenge is presented in partnership with the SAFE Foundation , founding partner Hunter Industries , and supporting sponsor Ewing . Each year students from 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities across the country compete in an exam that challenges knowledge in the sports field industry . The winning teams receive a cash award , a plaque , and medallions for each team member . The prize money benefits the institution ’ s turfgrass program and creates opportunities for students pursuing a career in sports field management . The Study Guide for the 2022 STMA Student Collegiate Challenge is now available online . Be sure to thoroughly review the Study Guide in preparation for the exam .
The 2022 contest will take place January 19 from 2-4:30 p . m . at the Savannah Convention Center in Savannah , Ga . Registration for the Student Challenge opens on October 15 . A maximum of four undergraduates can compete on a team and must declare if they are representing a two-year or four-year institution . Competitors receive complimentary conference registration . You must be an STMA member to participate . All Student Challenge competitors are required to register online before December 15 . No paper registration forms will be accepted . Contact Kristen Althouse at kalthouse @ stma . org with questions about the Student Challenge .
Take Advantage of CEUs at STMA Conference
Increase your professionalism by taking advantage of the continuing education units ( CEUs ) being offered at the STMA Conference this year . Earn up to 1.5 CEUs through STMA . STMA is seeking approval from the following professional organizations to provide CEUs for attending education sessions at the conference :
• American Sports Builders Association ( ASBA )
• National Recreation and Park Association ( NRPA )
• Golf Course Superintendents Association of America ( GCSAA )
8 SportsField Management | October 2021 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com