Timberline and DBC Irrigation host high school interns Email

Spring 2018 saw the launch of the first Landscape Career Pathways interns into landscape industry businesses. Colorado Springs area Timberline Landscaping, Inc. and DBC Irrigation Supply, Inc., hosted seven students from Falcon High School, Peyton. The pilot internship offered students a 40-hour program to explore real-world jobs in both a landscape company and a supplier firm.  

On the last day of school, the interns gave presentations during which they shared their experiences and offered suggestions on how to make the program better. All students were positive about the close-up exposure to real-world jobs both in landscaping and on the supplier side. All students said they would have liked more hands-on experience.

Following the presentations which were attended by staff from the host companies, Bob Gemignani, Colorado Springs area District 49 Workplace Learning Manager and Cammie Headrick from Timberline presented certificates of completion and a $150 scholarship sponsored by Timberline to each intern.

During the winter months, staff from DBC and Timberline and Falcon teacher, Dave Kranz, participated in meetings facilitated by Gemignani. Their collaboration resulted in the framework for the 40-hour introductory internship plus a more in-depth 120-hour internship.

These internships provide prototypes other schools may adopt. They have already been shared with several Landscape Career Pathways high schools.

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green NOW:
Heat safety preparedness is critical this year
Efficient landscape irrigation can help ease the pain of drought
New job board offers hiring managers greater reach
Camera phone and some creativity can boost your social media