The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Horticulture program is excited to announce it will offer a new course that includes the Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) certification. QWEL is one of two irrigation auditor certifications recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense organization. Currently, CWI is the only organization in Idaho offering the QWEL program.
Students who enroll in the course and pass the QWEL exam with a score of 75 percent or better will be listed in the QWEL national registry as a Qualified Water-Efficient Landscaper. Not only will this distinction be available for viewing to anyone who visits the QWEL site, but it will provide QWEL graduates with a significant distinction when seeking employment.
“Feedback from our industry partners has been overwhelmingly positive,” says CWI Horticulture Instructor, Dan Schults. “Many industry leaders have mentioned that the QWEL certification would be a significant advantage for those applying for jobs in the horticulture and landscaping industries.”
Started in California, QWEL training and certification is offered through programs across the country with the majority of training opportunities in the west. QWEL training encompasses a large volume of information including in-depth irrigation programming and scheduling, water budgets, hydrozoning, soils, mulches, and plant choice. More information about the Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper program can be found at www.qwel.net.