Finding community Over the first few days of classes, instructors and job developers emphasize that the GROW program is a safe learning place and try to engage participants who might be shy or lack confidence. ”We want them to overcome those barriers so they can focus on the fun part and the joy of it. We also get such a wide range of people who sometimes have difficult personal lives,” Vanden Enden said, sharing that language, transportation to the training facility and the structure of the day can be difficult for some. “There's all sorts of different challenges that various people face, but we want them to know that it's a safe, inclusive and very supportive environment.” Once participants develop trust — in instructors, their classmates and themselves — Vanden Enden said it’s very rewarding to see friendships and camaraderie develop over the length of the program. By the end, “they're so supportive of each other and they celebrate each other's successes. That's really rewarding for me as a tech instructor to see,” Vanden Enden said. “Almost every class will set up a WhatsApp chat group so they can brainstorm with each other, even after the formal part of the program is over.” Vanden Enden says the most successful GROW participants demonstrate similar characteristics. “People who ask questions, roll up their sleeves, participate and work well in teams are always the most successful,” he said, noting that pre-existing
leadership skills are highly beneficial. “Oftentimes [participants] can fairly quickly get the practical experience and then start to utilize their leadership experience to fast track a career path.” One of Vanden Enden’s favourite moments happens in nearly every cohort — watching those who have never started a two-stroke motorized piece of equipment before. “We show them how to do that, and then they can actually do that,” Vanden Enden shared. “And you see their pride and their faces light up. It's really fun when you see people practice a skill and then do it well.” He also finds it rewarding to ask somebody who didn’t know about different trees and shrubs two weeks earlier: “What is this tree?” and they can answer it. Vanden Enden looks forward to fostering future GROW cohorts and hopes participants take away the value of working together, supporting one another and being good listeners. “Those skills are transferable to any profession,” he said. “We also like to really focus on worker safety, so health and safety, safe practices. Everything along that line is really important.” He also draws on a phrase he borrows from Ted Lasso — be curious . “Curiosity feeds learning. And when people ask good questions, get enthusiastic, that's really fun to see.” More information about Landscape Ontario's GROW program can be found at growtraining.ca.
Vanden Enden said. “I really enjoy giving back to the industry. It’s been really good to me and I had a very rewarding working career. I personally get satisfaction out of seeing new people be receptive and excited about the learning they receive through the GROW program.” Through GROW, Vanden Enden has introduced a wide range of participants to various career paths within the green trades. Some participants have long- term plans to become entrepreneurs and open their own businesses. Taking the GROW program is their first step to getting formal, practical training. Other participants are pivoting from a different career to try something new. And some are attracted to the opportunity to work outdoors. Whatever their career aspirations are, Vanden Enden hopes to set them up for success by giving the proper practical and theoretical guidance. The program often attracts immigrants from India, South America, Ukraine, the Middle East and the Caribbean. Many have already gained horticulture experience in their home countries and are now eager to learn more about working in a colder climate and dealing with winter. Others are brand new to the industry. ”Sometimes there's people who have zero experience and yet they're very much attracted to working outdoors,” Vanden Enden said. “And when I say zero experience, they have never pushed a lawnmower. Never used a wheelbarrow. Don’t know the different types of tools. So it’s very new and revealing to that group.”
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