Military discount offered for turf training

HERNDON, VA.—The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), the national trade association for landscape professionals, and the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education are offering a discount to military members who want to earn PLANET’s Landscape Industry Certified Lawn Care Manager credential.

“We are excited to offer this military discount on our popular, long-running turfgrass management program,” says Amy Skelton, program coordinator, University of Georgia. “Military-friendly pricing is a great incentive for our active military and veterans to consider or enhance their career in the lawn and landscape industry.”

Candidates earn the Landscape Industry Certified Lawn Care Manager (formerly known as CTP) designation by enrolling in the Principles of Turfgrass Management, a distance-based, self-study certificate course offered through the University of Georgia. PLANET members receive a discount, and now, members of the military will also receive that same discount regardless of whether they are members of PLANET.

The course helps candidates become safer and more efficient professionals—whether they are new to the industry or have years of experience. It is designed for all industry professionals, including those affiliated with lawn care companies, golf courses, public parks and recreation areas, school grounds, sod production, landscape management firms, cemeteries, athletic fields, pest control companies, as well as other public and private turf facilities.

“We recognize that there are many talented members of the military returning to the workforce, and we believe that a career in the lawn and landscape industry can be a great fit for them,” said Karen Barnett, PLANET director of certification programs and an army veteran.  “Our organization has a long history of serving military members through community service projects, so we thought this was a natural fit for us.”

To receive the military discount, candidates must be currently serving in, or retired from, a qualifying branch of the Armed Services and have a valid military ID card; be a veteran who receives VA benefits and has a valid Veteran Identification Card (VIC); or be a veteran who served honorably and who presents a valid Form DD214 or other proof of service.