Fifteen (15) young unemployed men and women are undergoing training to become Parks and Recreation Ground Maintenance Technicians at the GARD Center. This is a new course designed by the Center to create a pool of qualified technicians who understand and have the technical know how and practical experience in the management and care of plants; trail blazing techniques; pruning and grafting; minor carpentry skills; composting; pest control; lawn care and operation of landscape equipment.
The GARD Center was contracted by the Labour Department to execute this small works project under their Temporary Employment Program. The trainees are at the Gilbert Agro-heritage Center which will be opening to the general public over the next 5-6 months. The Mill Reef Fund has also contributed monies for this agricultural training course which is greatly appreciated. The Mill Reef Fund has been over the past years a gold sponsor for Camp GROW which is a collaborative effort between the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) and the Center. This camp exposes and provides young people between the ages of 8-11 years with an appreciation for the environment and the importance of agriculture
These future Parks and Recreation Ground Maintenance Technicians will be a great asset to hotel ground maintenance programs, home owners, businesses and other facilities. The GARD Center is very pleased to partner with the Labour Department and the Mill Reef Fund in this effort to offer the unemployed better opportunities through skills training.
