The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) invites all green industry suppliers, and landscape and lawn care professionals to its 2009 Student Career Days (SCD), March 26–29, at Cal Poly Pomona, Pomona, Calif. The early-bird registration deadline is February 13, 2009.
This annual event draws hundreds of students enrolled in landscape and lawn care programs from more than 50 colleges and universities across the country. Students have the opportunity to attend technical and industry-related workshops, including an industry workshop, led by a panel made up of industry representatives, students, and educators, on recruiting efforts and creating successful internship programs; to network with colleagues and green industry company personnel; and to interview for internships and employment possibilities. They’ll also have the opportunity to take a tour of the Huntington Botanic Gardens, Library, and Art Collection. Its botanic garden covers 120 acres divided into multiple thematic areas, and its art collection is home to the Thomas Gainsborough’s The Blue Boy and Thomas Lawrence’s Pinkie.
There are also 26 competitive events designed to mentally and physically challenge students in a variety of areas — from testing leadership, safety, and pest management skills to skid steer and compact utility loader operation, and turf pest identification and woody ornamental plant identification, to name a few. Each event has a Lead Sponsor who organizes it, and multiple Assistant Sponsors and Donors who assist the Lead Sponsor. Several opportunities still exist for Assistant Sponsors and Donors, and anyone interested in participating at this level can visit the SCD Web site at StudentCareerDays.org or contact Anna Walraven at (800) 395-2522. This year’s major sponsors include STIHL Inc. at the Platinum level; Ariens/Gravely at the Gold level; Caterpillar and John Deere at the Silver level; and BRICKMAN, Husqvarna, and The Toro Company at the Bronze level.
Opportunities also exist for landscape and lawn care companies to promote their company and their employment opportunities during the Career Fair on Friday, March 27, 2009. Each booth will have an adjacent interview area so interviewing can be done right at the booth site. Registration for a Career Fair booth is separate from all other SCD registration and booths are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. So, register now to get the best location.
For more information about PLANET’s 2009 Student Career Days, contact Anna Walraven at 800-395-2522. You may also register online at StudentCareerDays.org.