Aug. 4, 2026
On July 30, 2026, the first cohort of landscaping apprentices at Grand Rapids Community College celebrated a major achievement: graduation. After two years of paid training the students gathered at Lyon Square, one of their more notable landscaping projects, to walk across the stage and receive their certificates.
Building Impact From the Ground Up
The program began as a partnership between local business Rockwell Earthworks, Grand Rapids Community College’s School of Workforce Training, West Michigan Works! And Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. Participants learn not only the ins and outs of landscaping, but also career readiness and environmental knowledge needed to stand out in the industry.
For the past two years, the Rockwells and GRCC Program Manager, Haley Kozal have worked closely together, shaping the program from the ground up.
“We’re teaching apprentices to leave places better than we found them for the environment and the greater public,” said Jina Rockwell, co-owner of Rockwell Earthworks.
Kozal shared that many students were new to landscaping and hesitated to speak up or ask questions. By graduation, those same students were taking initiative, seeking additional certifications on their own and approaching projects with poise. “They’ve really grown in confidence,” said Kozal.
Throughout the program, the apprentices developed various skills including blueprint reading, retaining walls and green infrastructure. They also gained exposure to various specialized career pathways in landscaping, including irrigation systems and hydroseeding, allowing them to explore areas that matched their interests with nationally recognized certifications.
Students worked on major Grand Rapids projects, including improvements at Lyon Square and work associated with the Restore the Rapids initiative at Fish Ladder Park.
“We’re at a very important time in Grand Rapids development.” said Rockwell. The coursework developed by GRCC and Rockwell proved essential, especially the program’s Green Infrastructure course. “If you don’t take green infrastructure into account, it could affect people for generations, both environmentally and financially,” Kozal added. “This knowledge gives graduates the additional perspective needed to have a lasting impact on West Michigan.”
Partnered for Success
During the program, students worked alongside industry professionals on large-scale projects that newcomers may not typically get to experience early in their careers. “Working alongside general contractors and industry professionals on projects of this scale has been huge for their development,” said Kozal.
Rockford Construction, one of the project’s general contractors, embraced the landscaping apprentices on the job site from the beginning. “They took a vested interest in the apprentices,“ said Kozal. “They went out of their way to get students the right boots, hard hats and safety equipment because they understood they were investing in the future workforce”.
Other partners were also eager to support the success of the group. West Michigan Works! and Steepletown Neighborhood Services provided additional funding and support. Understanding barriers students may face outside of the classroom, GRCC and Rockwell Earthworks provided wraparound support by addressing transportation challenges, offering financial literacy workshops and more.
“Not everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” said Rockwell. “Success is something that isn’t always afforded to everyone. There are many unseen barriers students have to overcome. It takes a strong individual to come back every week; every day. I’m especially proud of the students in this cohort and seeing them walk across the stage.”
The Beginning of the Future
Despite the many obstacles, the landscaping apprentices took the stage on July 30, 2026 with multiple certifications under their belts, plus the remarkable opportunity to begin their career with Rockwell Earthworks. “We’re proud. We know that they have the knowledge and skill that they can grow wherever they go. We want them to continue to grow with us at Rockwell Earthworks or succeed wherever their next step takes them. They can put Rockwell Earthworks on their resume and we can boldly speak to their ability.”
With one graduating class complete and a second cohort in the works, the program is set to expand further. “We’re looking to add more employers and are excited to expand our impact in West Michigan,” said Kozal.
For others looking to pursue a career in landscaping, visit the Apprenticeship Programs web page to learn more about the Landscaping Apprenticeship program, as well as our other opportunities.
Photos courtesy of Carbon Stories.