2008 CENTS Show in Columbus, Ohio (5)

Just got back from the job fair and it was very similar to last years numbers. By this, I mean those looking for jobs and companies with booths.

After spending some time talking to companies looking(some of them seem near desperate) . . . we do not have enough good young people coming into this industry. They/we need you!

I; of course, did my usual cherry picking . . . looking for a few contractors who could use my services*. It is completely impossible to tell what may come form this search. I can say that in past years close to nothing much(but someday will) has come from spending time with these folks at the job fair.

Most want full-time people and I understand completely. Anyway . . .

Young people are needed, they are needed badly, and they are not showing up.

If you like working outside, don’t mind getting dirty, and want to make the World a better place to live there is a lot of great opportunity out there . . . literally, just reach out and grab it. This industry needs people, and needs them now.

The educational stuff this AM

There’s only one way to say it, the landscape design track today stunk, I mean stunk up the joint. There was no reason for me, or several other long-time designers to go to anything on the landscape design track.

Another year and the powers at hand simply ignore experienced professional designers. Maybe when we all stop coming they’ll take notice.

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*My long time readers know that I am always looking for some challenging design work, or graphic work. With the right opportunity I would go just about anywhere for the challenge.

By Rick Anderson

The Whispering Crane Institute was originally formed to act as the umbrella organization for the Philosophy of Design Symposium, and other seminars and workshops given by Rick Anderson and Richard L. Dube’. In the year 2000 WCI became a sole proprietorship owned by Rick Anderson. Today the WCI provides design and consultation services for Landscape Contractors, acts as a Green Industry think tank, and provides training for others in the form of workshops, seminars, and individual consulting. The WCI also provides written material, opinions, case-studies and how-to articles for industry trade magazines.

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1 comment

”
Young people are needed, they are needed badly, and they are not showing up.
”

Could you clarify this a little more?

‘This industry’ – design work, or landscaping in general?

Designers are needed at all levels, skill sets, experience, and the ability to sell their work. it’s a very demanding challenging job requiring all types of skills, knowledge, and field experience. the more time spen hands on, the better the designer.

Landscaping in general . . . yes, very much so. Nurseries, wholesalers, all growers, retailers, installers, and maintenance all levels of experience. The only reason a lot of companies are held back is(not the economy) is because the do not have enough good people to grow the company.

As a recent grad (a.k.a. ‘young person’) who is starting to think her chosen profession keeps her indoors too much, I’m intrigued.

Would others be interested in a post expounding on this topic?

The educational stuff this AM

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By Rick Anderson

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