|
I have thought about it, but haven't started down that road. I think certification is a worthwhile ideal for the landscape industry (and the snowplowing industry too), but I think it should be implemented by the government first.
It's common knowledge that our industry has very few barriers for those that want to hang a sign on their door and call themselves a "Landscaper". On the one hand that's great, because hard-working, honest guys (and gals) have an opportunity to create a career and a niche for themselves. By investing little more than blood, sweat, and tears, a person with an appreciation for hard work and a respect for nature can make a decent living, and help make their little corner of the world look a little nicer for it in the bargain.
On the other hand, without much (if any) regulation, there are always those that are going to be out there cheating people out of deposits, not honoring (or even signing) contracts, and generally putting out shoddy work. That's where certification can help.
But until the public (and not just a percentage of association members) demands that landscapers be certified by a recognizable governing body, I don't think the CHT, CLP,etc...will really catch on. In fact, if the association I belong to made it mandatory that members become certified, I would likely allow my membership to expire.
|