Rain Bird has announced their 2013 – 2014 irrigation training schedule, which will feature more than 90 training events nationwide.

Rain Bird has announced the launch of its 2013 - 2014 training schedule, which will feature more than 90 training events across the United States. All classes are pre-approved for IA continuing education units.

The Rain Bird Factory Trained Program teaches installation, operation and maintenance best practices for Rain Bird systems. Contractors who earn "Installer,' "Operator,' "Technician' and "Expert' designations through this program must re-test every three years to ensure that they are current with new technology and techniques.

''The Rain Bird Factory Trained Program gives Rain Bird contractors a significant advantage over their competition,'' said Paul Lierheimer, Director of Rain Bird's Contractor Division. ''We designed this program to specifically teach the skills required to get the most out of Rain Bird products. The various levels of expertise that contractors can earn through this program can also help them market themselves as leaders within the irrigation industry.''

Rain Bird Academy provides technical, college-level training for green industry professionals of all skill levels, helping them launch new careers or hone their skills in just days instead of weeks or months. Attendees can choose from five preparatory classes that can help them earn the following Irrigation Association certifications:

• Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor
• Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor
• Certified Irrigation Contractor
• Certified Irrigation Designer
• Certified Irrigation Technician