They climb trees in record time, build patios brick-by-brick, dig ditches, identify dozens of horticulture specimens and safely maneuver dangerous machinery through a course while facing fierce competition. All of this to prove they are the best and brightest in their field and to gain scholarships and recognition from some of the country’s top landscape, lawn care, interiorscape and tree care firms and related companies.
This is the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) Student Career Days held each year at a different college or university across the country. Now, in its 31st year, the event is steadily growing and expects nearly 900 college students from more than 53 schools to participate at Michigan State University from March 29 to April 1.
The excitement gets underway rain or shine and includes 24 individual and team competitive events. Events range from personnel management, sales presentation and exterior/interior design to irrigation troubleshooting, wood construction, equipment operation, patio installation, tree climbing and more.
The competitions not only provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills, they also validate what the students have learned in school. Fellow students crowd the events to cheer on their classmates.
PLANET Student Career Days also draws the largest national gathering of landscape, lawn care and interiorscape employment recruiters. Students are serious about this competition and many give up their spring break to participate. This is the best resource for qualified employees in the green industry. A career fair that takes place during the event offers students the opportunity to interview with green industry companies for full-time positions and internships.
For additional information on PLANET’s Student Career Days, visit the Web site at www.StudentCareerDays.org.