Registered Apprenticeship Program

Golf Course Maintenance Technician

The Michigan Golf Course Association, in coordination with the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity and U.S. Department of Labor, are proud to promote our Golf Course Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Program.

The MGCA established the Registered Apprenticeship Golf Course Maintenance Technician Program in 2022. The innovative program enables Registered Apprentices to further their agronomy education, work alongside field experts to gain on-the-job learning, and gain a national credential.

The program is a proven talent pipeline solution to support Michigan's $6 billion golf industry that includes nearly 800 golf courses and 60,000 workers.

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Employers-Build Your Agronomy Pipeline

Learn More About Registered Apprenticeship Program

$747,390 Grant Program for Michigan Golf Courses

In 2023, the MGCA was awarded a $747,390 State Apprenticeship Expansion Grant by Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to expand the Golf Course Maintenance Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program.

Find out how your golf course may be eligible to receive a $4,000 benefit for successfully enrolling an apprentice in the Registered Apprenticeship Program!

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Sign Up as an Employer in Three easy steps!

You’ll be on your way to training and retaining staff as they become  a journey worker with USDOL certification.

Step 1

Contact MGCA at 1-800-860-8575.

Step 2

Review the Occupation Competencies and Standards.

Step 3

Make it official and receive Registered Apprenticeship Program/Grant Funds.

Develop Your Talent Pipeline–Get Started Today!

Contact us for more information on the Registered Apprenticeship Program.

Jada Paisley, CMP
Executive Director, MGCA
jpaisley@michigangca.org
c: 517-285-4195 

Race to Talent™ Event

This event celebrated golf courses, apprentices, and agronomy teams, recognizing their role in elevating talent and sustaining the industry!

Key officials attended from:

  • U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship
  • Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) Office of Apprenticeship
  • Southeast Michigan Works

Key moments included:
Panel Discussions: Employers shared why they embraced the Registered Apprenticeship program, featuring insights from:
  • Jim Szilagyi, LYNX Golf Course
  • Katie Eccleton, The Emerald Golf Course
  • Amanda Bomers & Josh Richter, BOYNE Golf
  • Jason Schwieters, Redwater Golf
Apprentices in the Spotlight:
Current apprentices Trey McLaughlin (LYNX GC) and Logan Meyer (The Highlands at Boyne) shared their experiences and were honored for completing their apprenticeships.
 
Employer Recognition: Scott Jedele, State Administrative Manager, Apprenticeship Expansion, LEO, State of Michigan presented Crystal awards to current employers:
  • LYNX Golf Course
  • The Emerald Golf Course
  • BOYNE Golf
  • Redwater Golf
New Partnership: Gilda Johnson, owner, Lake Forest Golf Club, signed on to MGCA standards, expanding the Registered Apprenticeship reach!
 
After the event, Jada Paisley, Executive Director, MGCA, held an information session covering all the details of signing up as an employer in the Registered Apprenticeship program.
 
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this impactful event! Together, we’re building the talent pipeline for Michigan golf. 
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Make Golf Your Career

“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."

Welcome Apprentices!

The Emerald Golf Course's Registered Apprentices

Mitch Sayers & Bill Walters

GULL LAKE VIEW EAST/WEST

The Emerald Golf Course's Registered Apprentices

Troy Looney With His Apprentices

THE EMERALD GOLF COURSE

Ridge Hahn & Rusty Smascz

THE HIGHLANDS AT HARBOR SPRINGS

Welcome Golf Courses!

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Address

Michigan Golf Course Association 
411 Lake Lansing Rd, Building A
Suite 110
East Lansing, MI 48823

Phone

P: 517-482-4312
F: 517-267-8984

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Call Us

1.800.860.8575

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