FILLMORE, CA - Andy Klittich won second place at the 36th annual Professional Landcare Network’s (PLANET) Student Career Days (SCD) at Kansas State University located in Manhattan, Kansas. Klittich attends Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo, located in San Luis Obispo, California.

An annual event, SCD brought together a total of 817 students from 63 colleges and universities across the United States from March 22-25, 2012. Students participated in competitive events, networked with colleagues and green industry company personnel, and interviewed for internships and employment possibilities.

This three-day event for students enrolled in horticulture programs at two-year and four-year colleges and universities features competitions that are directly related to the skills necessary for a career in the green industry. The competitions are designed to challenge students on their knowledge of current industry standards and are judged by green industry companies.

“I would like to thank PLANET for putting on such an excellent event this year. Winning second place is definitely a milestone that I will always remember and I could not of achieved that honor without the help of my advisors at Cal Poly, the help and encouragement that the team gave me, and also the support of my parents,” says Klittich. “This win is even better because Cal Poly took second at this year’s competition.”

In addition to Klittich winning second place overall amongst individual students, the entire team of Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo also earned second place out of a total of 63 schools competing in this event.

Another highlight of the event is the Career Fair, where students have the opportunity to meet prospective employers in the industry and interview for job and internship opportunities. Fifty-seven companies from across the United States participated in this year’s Career Fair.

This year’s major sponsors included STIHL Inc. at the Platinum level; JOHN DEERE at the Gold level; Caterpillar, Gravely-an Ariens Company Brand, and New Holland Construction at the Silver level; and BRICKMAN, Husqvarna, Pavestone, and Oldcastle at the Bronze level.

PLANET is the association of members who create and maintain the QUALITY OF LIFE in communities across America. With more than 3,800 members, these firms and their employees represent more than 100,000 green industry professionals. Some of these professionals have taken the extra step of becoming certified through PLANET and bear the distinction of being known as Landscape Industry Certified.