Irrigation training may be available in variety of locations, including technical schools, landscaping crews, and community colleges. To find these classes, start by checking with your local school board or a college that you are interested in attending.
In most areas, irrigation training does not require a college degree. Often, all that is needed is a short-term certification program that will teach you the proper way to install irrigation systems. If you intend to design these systems, further education may be needed. Exactly how much education is needed would depend on the type of system and as well as its complexity. Many times, you can learn to use designing software on your own and progress from there.
To find irrigation training in your area, speak with an advisor at your local technical or community college. Ask about any courses they offer in this field, and then find out additional information about signing up for classes and obtaining financial aid. You should also find out about any necessary scheduling requirements you may need, such as night or weekend classes.
Some areas may not offer irrigation training as a college course or technical program. If this is the case where you live, the next step in finding a training course would be to speak with local irrigation professionals. Many times they will offer training for potential employees, or a non-paid internship. An internship means that you will work alongside professional irrigation installers, with the possibility of employment after completion of training.
If you want to find an internship nearby, search your local phone directory for irrigation specialists. Ask each company about potential internship opportunities and the possibility of employment after completion. Most internships can be completed during one day a week for a specific period of time, but if the company is willing to offer you a non-formal internship agreement, you may be able to negotiate terms.
Irrigation training may not be available in all areas. If your local schools do not offer classes in this field and you cannot find an internship, you may have to learn the skills yourself. Check out books from the library or order them online and practice using the written instructions. This means you will have to buy your own materials for practice, but it also allows you to study in your free time without the constraints of a formal classroom setting.
Remember, if there are any specific certifications for irrigation specialists in your area, you will need to find out what tests or exams are needed in order to obtain them. Operating as a licensed professional without doing so could result in fines or being forbidden from doing business in the area. Check with local government offices to find out about licenses you may need.