New horticultural course aims to quell landscapers' fears

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1:A new horticultural qualification has been launched to help Bermudians get jobs in the landscaping trade.

Government hopes the move will quell the concerns of landscaping firms who say the moratorium on employing expat workers threatens their livelihood.

A group of 12 men have already signed up to take the Basic Horticulture programme, which begins next week.

The students will learn about soil science, natural history, bio-diversity and ground preparation during the course that will run until June next year.

Kim Wilson, Minster for Economy, Trade and Industry, told the Bermuda Sun the programme would help address the ongoing concerns raised by landscape gardening firms.

She said: “This programme is something we have been working on for some time.

“But we did try and speed up the process having listened to the views raised by the landscape gardening firms in the wake of the moratorium.”

Minister Wilson added: “With the introduction of this programme, we are not only addressing the need for skilled Bermudian workers in this field — we are also decreasing the need for work permits and sustaining employability to enable businesses to continue with their operations.”

The training programme is open to Bermudians or spouses of Bermudians and does not require prior experience.

All 12 of the first batch of participants either work for the Parks Department or private landscaping firms.

Participants will take 11 modules in 15 core subjects and also enjoy Payroll Tax Relief.

Minister Wilson said: “Participants will attend class at the Bermuda College every Thursday for three semesters.

“The fee for the programme is $1,195 per semester. Employers have agreed to invest in their people by committing to half tuition costs whilst the NTB, in keeping with their mandate, will provide the balance. 

“Graduates will receive a Bermuda College Workforce Development Certificate in Basic Horticulture endorsed by the NTB.”

John Lynch Wade, who is one of the first group of 12, said he had enrolled in the programme to increase his expertise.

The 22-year-old who works for the Parks Department added: “It’s about expanding my horizons and improving my skills.

“I’m looking forward to it and believe it will help me move up in my job.”

Parks employee Odell Furbert, 28, of Pembroke, who has also enrolled in the programme, said: “I find my job interesting and want to better my knowledge of the area in which I work.

“I hope I can use the knowledge I gain doing this programme to move up to a foreman’s position and then pass it on to other workers too.”

Landscape gardening firms welcomed the government initiative, which is being spearheaded by the National Training Board.

Bobby Baron, Landscaping Association president, said he was cautiously optimistic about the move.

He said: “I would really like to see this work and there is an extra incentive now for people to stick with it because there are not a lot of jobs out there.

“It’s still a tough time for landscaping companies at the moment but more skilled Bermudians is a good thing.

“If they can train out as many people as the industry is losing then fantastic — we will be alright.”