A total of 25 new landscapers marked the successful completion of the first level of their national certification at an awards ceremony today,

Students on the parks department horticultural training programme joined instructors and MPs at Bermuda College to receive their national occupational certificates in horticulture.

The students, who all worked in the industry before they started the programme, now meet the government’s new professional standards.

Martin Brown, of the Occupational Advisory Committee, said: “Hopefully this symbolises more progress in the recognition of horticulture and landscaping as a very legitimate profession and career choice.”

The programme trained workers in areas such as environmental sciences, use of equipment, and horticultural management.

The course included classes for deaf student and classes in Portuguese were offered for those who are not proficient in English.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the public works minister, praised the programme for its diversity and inclusion.

He said: “We really have a testament today of the 25 people who are graduating that you’re never to old to learn and there never is an impediment to learning if those who are doing the instruction take the proper steps to make sure that it is impartial to you.”

Diallo Rabain, the education and workforce development minister, added: “We are looking to ensure that anyone that wants to enter this field would have access to the proper training to ensure that they can come out at the other end fully qualified and able to say ‘I have my national certification certificate. I am ready to do the job that you need done’.”