Horticulture : Hort Worker Training Class

Landscape Worker Certification Training Program

A series of Classes for New Workers or those seeking more basic knowledge in the Landscape Industry

Local classes are held bi-annually. The next class is scheduled for early spring of 2007.

For similar classes held in the capital district visit the following website: http://www.cce.cornell.edu/rensselaer/Horticulture/professional_programs.htm

Program Purpose:
The Landscape Worker Certification Training Program is designed to introduce individuals to the basic concepts of landscape maintenance allowing them to compete more effectively in the work force.

Who Should Attend?
· Persons who are seeking employment in a landscape related field but have little or no experience.
· Individuals who have some limited experience, but have little or no formal training in landscape management
· Entrepreneurs who are thinking of starting a landscape maintenance business.
· People who are planning to expand an existing horticulture business to encompass landscape maintenance.
· Employees from a horticulture business who would like to expand their knowledge base.
· Municipal employees whose positions include landscape or turf maintenance.

Certification:
Participants are requested to attend all of the classes. Participants who attend the entire series of classes will receive a certificate indicating their accomplishment and a complete course manual. NYS Pesticide Applicator Re-Certification credits will be available.

Cost and Registration:
The cost for this training is usually $100/person for the entire series of classes. This cost includes materials and snacks for all 6 days. Single day registration is available. The cost for a single day of training is $30/person. If more than one individual from a business or municipality enrolls, the first person is full price, the rest of the enrollees are $75/person. There are no group rates for individual classes. Persons needing financial assistance or special considerations should call for information.

Registration will be accepted for as long as space in the class permits.

The training will pertain to people interested in the following areas:

· Lawn and Landscape Maintenance
· School and Institutional Grounds Maintenance
· Corporate Grounds Maintenance
· Greenhouse and Garden Center Employees

Areas of study and discussion:
The following topics will be discussed as part of a series of classes.

· Turfgrass installation and maintenance
· Planting, Selection and Maintenance of Woody Plants
· Soil assessment
· Weeds, insects and diseases of landscape plants
· Pesticide use and safety
· Overview of hardscapes
· Landscape problem solving
· Equipment maintenance and repair
· Professionalism
· Tractor and Equipment Safety
· Garden design principals
· Customer service