This program is valuable and needed to provide skills for students interested in starting a landscape business or progressing to higher positions in organizations that provide landscape services. This certificate provides a pathway with stackable credentials. The proposed Landscape Management Certificate is an initial certificate that can be completed, then the credits used toward completing the AAS in Ornamental Horticulture and BS degrees in Horticulture or Residential Landscape Design and Construction. The credits can also be used towards the BS in Plant Science, if the student attends the Logan Campus. Each credential provides additional skills and employment opportunities.
The continued urbanization and population growth of Utah make it highly likely that there will continue to be strong labor market demand for graduates in horticulture focused on urban needs. The Utah Department of Workforce Services describes the positions relating to First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Grounds keeping Workers as having a good employment outlook and relatively high wages. The department also describes the field as having faster than average employment growth with a high volume of annual job openings. Business expansion, as opposed to the need for replacements, will provide the majority of job openings in the coming decade. This is likely due to the expectations of 1.6 million new residents in Utah by 2040 and 80% of these located along the Wasatch Front (Utah Legislature Briefing paper, Feb. 2014). As a result, it is expected that long term trends will be consistent or more likely grow for this degree with the increased demands on urban landscapes.
Estimated student demand for this certificate is based on other related horticulture programs centered at the Salt Lake campus. Over the last five years (FY 2008-2013) the number of graduates through the RCDE program with a Bachelors degree have been 20, 16, 11, 18, and 15 respectively. Expected enrollment in this certificate program will be small in the beginning but will grow in demand as students become aware of the program and the industry increases in size due to increased regional population as described above.
While there are landscape management degrees at other state and regional institutions, none offer similar programs to place-bound students along the Wasatch Front. In addition, this program will solidify the collaboration with Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) maximizing the use of resources and expertise at the two public institutions.
This program, being in cooperation with SLCC will offer additional opportunities to students that were not available previously such as the trade courses in plumbing, electrical, and small engine maintenance.