This micro certificate provides landscapers and other interested students with the basics skills in design, site preparation, and installation of manufactured, natural stone, and masonry components.  The class is structured with both classroom and hands-on learning for new and seasoned workers.  The course will be held indoors during the off-season and will also cover bidding, estimating, and customer relations.  Experts from the field will lead the instruction related to best practices for enduring installations.

Class Dates: January 6 - February 3, 2027

Days/Times: Wednesdays, from 8:00am - 4:00pm at the NHTI Campus,  Sweeney Hall, Room 311 and Swenson Granite Warehouse for hands-on training.

Topics to be covered will include:

• Intro to Foundations of Hardscape
• Manufacured Materials
• Natural Stone
• Masonry
• Business Relations and Estimating

Student Learning Outcomes: 

Upon completion of this training, students will:

• Evaluate hardscape project sites by identifying soil conditions, drainage requirements, grading considerations, access limitations, and other factors that influence site preparation and construction.
• Select appropriate materials, tools, equipment, and construction methods for common hardscape applications.
• Apply fundamental construction techniques for site preparation, foundations, drainage, compaction, and installation of hardscape features.
• Apply sound business practices to hardscape projects, including cost estimating, preparing proposals, and effective customer communication.

Personal protective equipment: 

You will need to have the following for the hands-on portion of the course:

• Eye protection
• Work gloves
• Safety shoes
• Hearing protection
• Hard hat