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Business 48 September | 2021 schools' curricula. Yes, the certification does affect the school grade." (Get more information at fngla.org/professional-development/certifications.) Mott says that although students were being successfully taught the intricacies of the horticulture industry, the industry wasn't necessarily successful in getting the students into horticulture jobs. "To counter that, in 2020, the FNGLA began an apprenticeship program to help create a career pathway for students in horticulture, landscape and irrigation," she notes. "It's a brand-new program— up and running—but we did start it in the midst of COVID-19. So far, we have placed three apprentices, which we acknowledge is low, but it's a start." (Visit fngla.org/professional-development/apprenticeship.) e apprenticeship program consists of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training, and it's not just grunt work, Mott explains. "We know those entering the horticulture industry have to experience the grunt work, and most know little about the industry. Via our programs, the FNGLA is trying to introduce the professional side to our segment. We hope that will encourage people to consider our industry as a worthwhile profession." (For more information on all of FNGLA's professional-development programs, visit fngla.org/professional-development/overview.) TIPS FOR ATTRACTING AND RETAINING EMPLOYEES How can we, as an industry, better combat young/new worker disillusionment? Educators are doing their part. Are wages paid to young workers in the floriculture industry really the issue, or is it something else? Teresa Lanker, chair of the Horticultural Technologies Division and coordinator of Floral Design and Marketing Technology at e Ohio State University has an opinion. She notes that student enrollments into university-level floriculture education programs have been on a downward slope in recent years, and there doesn't seem to be an answer for it. But, as to why young worker retention has become a growing concern, Lanker holds nothing back. "If we could do one thing to improve the worker situation in the industry, it would be to increase the pay. It would help florists find and keep quality employees; it's something my students have told me. And they would know best," she opines. "Florists who can set their lowest price-point higher may find this as a way to afford the employees they need to support," she opines. " Young workers want to move out of their parents' basements and earn wages they can live on. As employees, they expect to be paid fairly and want benefits. Young people know this, and as evidenced by the current worker shortage across a whole swath of industries, they are in a position of power." Lanker says that she often receives calls from florists looking for students or graduates for employment, but the well is dry. "It's a tough time, and I really feel for florists looking for employees with floral backgrounds and skills, but they have to pay them," she says, emphatically. She adds that because flowers are a luxury item, those who want them should expect to pay for that luxury. "I think we're making headway with that," she continues. "Florists are presenting products in such a way that if they source beautiful fresh flowers from sustainable sources, have knowledgeable employees waiting on customers and provide well-packaged products, they are adding value to the entire shopping experience. Shops that tick all these boxes can charge more and, in turn, pay their employees well—and that will help keep them in the industry, even when they see a fast-food place paying higher wages." Lanker also advises employers to build a sense of community with their employees. "I've seen places where the employees and employer sit down and eat lunch together at a table every day," she says. "is creates camaraderie and good feelings about the job, which is important, even if the pay isn't exceedingly high. Young workers want to feel they are valued." Should florists look for skilled workers to create those fancy creations their shops offer, or should they simply take someone off the streets to do the simple little jobs that need doing? " You can take someone off the streets with no experience—perhaps someone older—who seems passionate and is looking for a new career, or you can

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