BUSINESS
Landscape management apprenticeship
NALP launches program through the U.S. Department of Labor The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) announced
in February 2019 the creation of the Landscape Management Apprenticeship Program. The program, which is registered by the U.S. Department of Labor, offers job seekers a path to a new career in the industry through a paid apprenticeship with a professional landscape company. With the formalization of the official apprenticeship program, the landscape profession is now considered a skilled trade, opening new doors for recruitment through school counselors, veterans groups and community workforce boards.
UAC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2019
Professional landscape companies are encouraged to participate. This program is expected to be a gamechanger for workforce development.
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“Apprenticeships are a known solution for attracting and developing highly-skilled employees in industries ranging from construction and plumbing to automotive, mechanical and more. The establishment of this program helps our industry to level the playing field when it comes to finding workers and building a pipeline of future employees. As an association, we are putting great emphasis into promoting this program through advertising and outreach to schools, guidance counselors and veterans to help landscape contractors find quality apprenticeship candidates.” ~ Missy Henriksen Vice President of Public Affairs, NALP
“Apprenticeship programs are the golden ticket to recruiting and retaining top-tier talent,” says Henriksen. “Offering an apprenticeship program gives companies a competitive edge
and allows the landscape profession to be more competitive with other industries struggling for entry-level talent.” There is significant federal and state funding available for companies interested in starting an apprenticeship program, including grants for training and equipment. To be eligible to enroll in the apprenticeship program, companies must be in business for at least one year and will be responsible for:
new workers or selecting current 4 Hiring employees to be apprentices that the apprentices are trained in 4 Ensuring the core competencies an experienced mentor to work 4 Identifying with each apprentice apprentices progressively higher 4 Paying wages as skills increase necessary participant information 4 Providing to NALP participants and invest in the 4 Enrolling necessary required online training A full list of requirements and other information can be found in the NALP’s Landscape Management Apprenticeship Handbook. Interested companies can visit NALP’s website to register for the Landscape Management Apprenticeship Program: landscapeprofessionals.org /Apprenticeship
About NALP
The National Association of Landscape Professionals represents an industry of approximately 1 million landscape, lawn care, irrigation, and tree care professionals. Through national advocacy campaigns, the association is growing the industry and its workforce. NALP offers its members professional development through education, networking, and training, and increases the professionalism of the industry through certification and accreditation programs. For more information about NALP, visit www.landscapeprofessionals.org. Also, visit Loveyourlandscape.org for landscape information or visit LandscapeIndustryCareers.org to explore career opportunities.
