Graduates from the first year of the National Training Board’s basic horticulture programme received their certificates on Thursday.Patrice Minors, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, presented certificates to the 13 new landscape gardeners at the Bermuda College.The Certificate in Basic Horticulture Programme began last September in light of unemployment caused by the poor economic climate. The programme is intended to teach Bermudians necessary skills for employment areas that are in demand.“We introduced this programme as a way to ensure that Bermudians were afforded an opportunity to “re-invent” themselves by finding employment success in another career field,” Minister Minors said. “Horticulture is a viable field of employment and we are encouraged by the level of interest that we have received from Bermudians seeking to enter this industry.”According to Minister Minors’ speech, landscape gardener is one of the most frequently requested categories for work permit issuance.Of the 16 participants who started with the program, 13 completed the certification process. Minister Minors stated that the graduates will go on to earn internationally recognized horticultural certifications.