MORGANTOWN — The West Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association (WVNLA) is partnering with Pierpont Community & Technical College to conduct a Landscape Technician Bootcamp from April 17-21 for those interested in updated nursery and landscaping skills.
Michael Biafore, chairman of the WVNLA Workforce Development Committee and president of Biafore’s Landscape Development in Morgantown, said, “The 40-hour course will be taught by expert instructors and is well suited for employers up-skilling their workers or for those interested in a landscaping career.”
Biafore said classroom and hands-on instruction will be offered in a range of skills — power blowers, edge trimmers, hedge clippers, rototillers and mowers. Students will read and install a landscape design onsite and learn about plant identification, installation and maintenance. Participants will also receive OSHA 10 certification.
Julie Robinson, WVNLA executive director, said the community college collaboration is part of a strategy to train nursery and landscape workers, as the industry has grown and will continue to expand through 2026.
“Good-paying jobs in the nursery and landscape industry grew by six percent from 2016 to 2021 and are projected to continuing growing by another four percent between now and 2026, according to federal and state data,” she said.
WVNLA members throughout the Mountain State are instructors and donating equipment, including:
Michael and Pat Biafore, Biafore Landscape Development, Morgantown;
Robert Gompers, Highland Landscaping, Buckhannon;
Justin White, Premier Landscapes, Morgantown;
Betsy Raynes, Riverside Sod Farm, Winfield;
Lisa McDavid, Lisa’s Gardenscapes, Charleston;
Denny Crede, Crede Lawn & Landscaping, Scott Depot.
The course will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 17-21 on the campus of the Pierpont Community & Technical College Advanced Technology Center, 500 Galliher Drive, Fairmont.
Tuition is $598 per person, and scholarship assistance is available. Apply at https://www.pierpont.edu/workforce-continuing-education.
Robinson said the course’s curriculum has been vetted by the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Career pathways in nursery and landscaping will be covered and many employers involved are seeking workers.
West Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc., established in 1939, is a professional trade association dedicated to supporting nursery and landscape businesses and vendors throughout the Mountain State.
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