TNLA expands workforce pipeline for Texas green industry

The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association is expanding scholarships, certifications and career programs to help Texas green industry employers fill workforce gaps and train future leaders. The effort comes as the industry says it supports nearly 225,000 jobs and faces ongoing labor shortages. Why it matters: - The Texas green industry contributes $34.65 billion to Texas’ economy and supports nearly 225,000 jobs. - Workforce shortages and skill gaps are pressing Texas green industry businesses as technology, automation and customer expectations evolve. - TNLA’s workforce efforts are aimed at helping employers find qualified workers and building a longer-term talent pipeline. What happened: - The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association, its State Board of Directors, the TNLA Foundation and Workforce Development initiatives are investing in programs for students, emerging professionals and employers. - TNLA is using scholarships, certifications, leadership training, networking and career exploration to connect education with industry jobs. - TNLA said workforce development is a central focus for the association and its member companies. - The announcement was issued June 19, 2026, from Cedar Park, Texas. The details: - Since 1966, the TNLA Foundation, Texas Association of Nurserymen and TNLA have awarded 760 scholarships totaling more than $1.14 million to students pursuing green industry careers. - The Foundation awarded $22,250 in scholarships this year to students preparing to enter the workforce. - More than 907 professionals hold TNLA certifications. - TNLA certifications on the Texas Education Agency’s Industry-Based Certification list include Texas Certified Nursery Professional, Texas Certified Landscape Associate, Texas Certified Landscape Professional, Texas Certified Water Smart Professional and Texas Master Certified Nursery Professional. - TNLA will reach more than 16,000 students and educators this summer through the State FFA Convention and the Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas conference. - Those events are designed to introduce students to career opportunities across the Texas green industry. - Texas A&M University horticulture student Lauren Lassus has volunteered at Nursery/Landscape EXPO, helped with educational outreach and secured an internship with a TNLA member company. - Lassus now helps other students learn about industry careers while building her own network and experience. - TNLA Leadership Bootcamp trains emerging professionals in communication, leadership, financial management, human resources and professional development. - Eighty-eight professionals have graduated from Leadership Bootcamp over the past five years. - Leadership Bootcamp graduate Luis Chamorro said the program improved his communication, confidence and mentoring mindset. - TNLA offers employer tools through TNLA HIVE, including hiring and retention resources, job description templates, career fair materials and statewide job opportunities. - More information is available in TNLA’s workforce development resources . Between the lines: - TNLA is pairing immediate hiring support with long-term workforce development, which can help members fill openings now while preparing future managers and business owners. - The emphasis on certifications and leadership training suggests employers want both technical skills and stronger soft skills. - Student outreach through FFA and teacher conferences points to an effort to reach talent earlier, before career choices are locked in. What’s next: - TNLA will spotlight these workforce programs at Nursery/Landscape EXPO 2026 in San Antonio on Aug. 11-13. - New this year, the EXPO will feature a Career Center Tailgate with resume support, interview tips, career resources and networking for students and emerging professionals. - TNLA said it will continue helping employers develop talent and strengthen leadership skills to support the industry’s future growth.