Build Your Green Industry Workforce
Two Green Industry Apprenticeship Programs
Each is a one-year program that includes 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of related classroom and online instruction.
Landscape Management Technician
The Michigan landscape apprenticeship helps employees develop the skills and experience needed for a professional career in landscape management.
Nursery Technician
The Michigan nursery apprenticeship prepares employees for skilled work in nursery production and operations.
Build Skills While Working
Registered Apprenticeship combines paid employment, mentorship, progressive wage increases, and job-related instruction.
Apprentices gain practical experience while employers develop a workforce trained around recognized industry standards. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 93% of apprentices retain employment after completing their apprenticeship, a strong return on the investment employers make in training.
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The MNLA Apprenticeship Program gives employers a defined way to:
Train current or new employees
Build consistent skills across the team
Develop future Journeyworkers
Support employee growth and retention
Strengthen the Green Industry workforce
MNLA also guides participating firms through enrollment, progress tracking, reporting, and program completion.
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Apprentices can:
Earn while learning
Receive progressive wage increases
Learn through paid work and related instruction
Build skills under an experienced Journeyworker
Earn a portable, nationally recognized credential
After completing the required hours and passing the final exam, apprentices receive a U.S. Department of Labor Certificate of Completion and Journeyworker status.
MNLA Apprenticeship Program Costs
MNLA Member Firms
There is no enrollment fee for MNLA members. MNLA handles all reporting and communication with the U.S. Department of Labor as a member benefit.
Non-member Firms
The company enrollment fee is $500 per apprentice.
Program Manual
The required Program Manual is $99, plus $11.94 for tax and shipping, for members and non-members.
How the MNLA Apprenticeship Program Works
01
Register Your Company and Apprentice
Complete the required company and participant forms with guidance from MNLA.
02
Complete Training and Track Progress
The apprentice completes on-the-job training and related instruction under a Journeyworker. Training hours and progress are reported to MNLA.
03
Complete the Program
Attend the required sessions, meet the attendance requirement, and receive a certificate of completion to add to your professional record.
What Apprentices Need to Apply
Participating firms must register as host companies and provide one Journeyworker for each apprentice.
Applicants must provide:
Proof of Age
A High School Diploma or Equivalent
A Social Security Card or U.S. Work Authorization Document
A Valid Driver’s License or State Identification
Questions About the MNLA Apprenticeship Program
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The MNLA Apprenticeship Program is a U.S. Department of Labor-registered training pathway for Michigan Green Industry employers and employees. It combines paid work experience, related instruction, mentorship, and progressive wage increases.
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MNLA sponsors the Landscape Management Technician Apprenticeship Program and the Nursery Technician Apprenticeship Program. Each program prepares employees for skilled work in Michigan’s Green Industry.
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Each MNLA apprenticeship is designed as a one-year program. Apprentices must complete 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of related instruction.
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An employer can register a current employee or hire someone new as an apprentice. The company must be registered as a host and meet the program’s Journeyworker requirements.
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Registered Apprenticeship is paid employment. Apprentices receive progressive wage increases as they gain skills and complete program requirements.
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MNLA member firms pay no enrollment fee. Nonmember firms pay $500 per apprentice. All participants must purchase the required Program Manual for $99, plus $11.94 for tax and shipping.
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The MNLA Apprenticeship Program requires one Journeyworker for each apprentice. Companies that register during MNLA's initial enrollment period may grandfather in existing staff as Journeyworkers if they meet set qualifications; after that window, new Journeyworkers must take and pass the Apprentice Exam. MNLA can explain the qualifications and process for establishing Journeyworkers within a participating firm.
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Apprentices who complete the required training hours and pass the final exam receive a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship from the U.S. Department of Labor and Journeyworker status.
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Contact Christian Clark, MNLA's apprenticeship coordinator, at (517) 381-0437 or Christian@MNLA.org to request registration forms and discuss the requirements for your company or apprentice.
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