CNP scholarship offers students incentive for continuing development

For the first time, the industry’s Certified Nursery Professional (CNP) program is offering two lucky horticultural students the chance for an expenses paid trip to attend the Urban GreenScapes Symposium 2009 and the Nursery & Garden Industry National Conference and Exhibition to be held in Canberra from February 17 to19, 2009.

Proudly supported by Australian Horticulture magazine and Ramm Botanicals, this scholarship offers students an early understanding of the benefits of ongoing professional development. Some students may in fact already qualify as a CNP if they have been working and studying simultaneously.

The scholarship program will demonstrate to future leaders the industry’s professionalism and allow students to explore all the potential career paths that are on offer. Further, it provides inspiration to students and exposes them to the benefits of participation in a program such as CNP.

To be eligible for this scholarship the student entering must be in their final year of study, working towards a qualification in horticulture (Certificate III or above). The eligible qualification would specialise in retail nursery, production/wholesale nursery, arboriculture, parks and gardens, or the general horticulture qualification.

All education institutions are encouraged to nominate a student for consideration by Nursery & Garden Industry Australia’s panel of judges. The panel will identify a finalist for both regional and metropolitan areas in each state. From the state finalists, two scholarships will be awarded in a regional and a metropolitan region.

Nominations for this exciting opportunity close September 19, 2009. For eligibility and nomination information visit www.ngia.com.au/cnp or call the CNP coordinator on (02) 9876 5200.