As NALP’s Landscape Management Apprenticeship Program™ has continued to gain traction with companies across the country signing on, there has been increased interest in how to choose the right people to participate in the program.

Many companies are starting out with a small number of apprentices—often two or three—to see how it goes but are looking for the best ways to make that selection. They want to know: How do I choose the right apprentice?

We spoke to two companies who are using the program and asked them to share their best tips on how to narrow down the selection.

Choosing a Landscape Apprentice: Make Sure They Qualify

The very first thing you should do in narrowing your pool of candidates for the Landscape Management Apprenticeship Program is to make sure they meet all of the necessary criteria, says Joe Lewis, account manager for Environmental Management Inc. (EMI), based in Plain City, Ohio.

In order to become an eligible apprentice, applicants must be 16 years or older, provide proof of completion of high school (GED or equivalent), be eligible to work in the US, be able to pass substance abuse screening (if required by employer), and be physically able to perform duties of a landscape professional.