RADA and Heart Offer Training Course in Gardening Techniques

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) office in Hanover has collaborated with the Heart Trust/NTA to offer a training course in gardening techniques, to satisfy the need for trained gardeners for homes, hotels and other properties.
RADA Parish Manager, Bernard Goffe, told JIS News that the first batch of 12 participants were in training and at the end of the six-week training period, successful candidates would receive a level one certification from the National Council on Technical Vocational Education and Training (NCTVET).
He said that the course, which was open to practising gardeners and beginners, was very intensive and areas offered were: tools and equipment maintenance and usage and care; occupational safety; establishment of lawns, hedges, walkways and their maintenance; pruning, establishment and general care of plants and fruit trees; irrigation techniques; plant propagation; general crop care; pest and pesticide management; and pets and pet care.
There will also be instruction in communication skills, good deportment and other interactive skills.
The RADA parish manager pointed out that the participants were very enthused, and the requests for their services on graduation were increasing.
RADA and Heart Trust/NTA are underwriting the cost of the course, which is being offered at Hanover RADA office in Lucea, and the Sandy Bay HEART Academy.