Dunbar, W.Va. (Hinton News) – The West Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association (WVNLA) announced today its second Lawn and Landscape Technician Certification Course from May 15-19 in Dunbar in partnership with the West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) through the Jobs & Hope program.
Michael Biafore, chairman of WVNLA’s workforce development committee and president of Biafore Landscape Development in Morgantown, said he sees this collaboration as a way to train more West Virginia and regional participants to work in the growing nursery and landscape industry. “Our members throughout the state are thriving and we are only limited by the talented workforce we can attract and maintain,” he said.
Cindy Bailey, director of economic development for the WVNG, manages the training program, which is taught by Scott Byars, Agricultural Specialist for the WVNG program Patriot Guardens, former WVU Extension Service agent and owner of Blue Barn Landscaping in Red House. Byars said the course includes both classroom instruction and hands-on demonstrations. The goal of the curriculum is to provide a solid background in landscape basics, insect and disease management, pruning, lawn care, correct tool use, trees and shrubs and industry professionalism.
Attendees who completed the March training were issued a certificate of completion and are eligible for employment. A job fair was held at the end of the course that allowed participants to meet with nursery and landscape employers.
Adam Holtzclaw of The Grounds Guys in Charleston attended the job fair and spoke with those looking for jobs about opportunities at his company. He subsequently made an employment offer to one of the course participants. “I loved this training,” said Holtzclaw. “I think it’s a great thing, and I would absolutely recommend it as excellent preparation for potential employees.”
Bailey said Jobs & Hope West Virginia and Patriot Guardens programs support a healthy lifestyle and grow the workforce for the green industry sector in West Virginia. “We are proud to be part of the Jobs & Hope West Virginia team and are thankful for the partnership of the nursery and landscape industry to both improve the courses we instruct and assist in employment opportunities,” she said.
Employers who hire Jobs & Hope WV program participants are eligible for benefits through the WorkForce WV Employment Program of up to 1,040 hours or $25,000 of salary reimbursement, per employee. To register for the May 15-19 Lawn and Landscape Technician Certification Course, visit https://wvnla.org/category/wvnla-events/.
