HELP is finally here! What is it? The Horticultural Enhanced Learning Experience is an innovative program to find and hire new employees, and it’s now available for NHLA members. HELP is a cooperative education experience, commonly known as a “co-op,” which may provide academic credit for structured job experience. A co-op is a combination of classroom-based education with practical work experience. Through the HELP program, NHLA members can hire Career and Technical Education (CTE) students, 16 years of age or older, who are enrolled in various CTE programs throughout the state. The goal of this program is to bring young students into the Green Industry and also become the next generation of NHLA Members.

This program provides students with paid experiences, in the real world. Our hope is that this program will provide a new generation of landscapers and a much-needed work force. As an intern, the student must complete certain steps in the program. These steps are known as Educational Learning Objectives or ELOs.

These evaluation forms are simple to use and are based on your student/employee observations. Upon completion of the experience, the school will use the forms to determine high school credits. Students will also receive micro credentials from NHLA in one or more of the following areas: landscape construction, maintenance, fine gardening, landscape architecture, landscape lighting, irrigation and arboriculture.

In order to participate in the HELP program, you must be an NHLA member and registered with the NH Department of Labor. Find out all you need to know to participate on our dedicated HELP Program page.