Wildwood High School will offer a training program in landscaping and turf management to prepare students for careers in those fields.

David Williams of the Sumter County School Board asked Wildwood commissioners Monday night for their support of the Wildwood Landscape and Sports Turf Academy.

“I think it’s going to have a lot of opportunities for students who may not choose to go to college,” said Williams, adding that he started his working life cleaning bathrooms and pulling weeds at a country club. “We think it’s an opportunity for the city of Wildwood to partner with our schools and our students.”

Williams didn’t specify what the partnership would involve, but teacher Jerry Lipham said the program already is drawing support.

“We have a lot of businesses behind us,” he said.

Incoming freshman Shelton Weeks said she’s looking forward to enrolling in the academy.

“A lot of creativity goes behind it,” she said.

Mayor Ed Wolf offered strong praise for the academy for focusing on areas where students will be able to find jobs.

“What a great program,” said Wolf, a retired teacher. “The opportunities are out there. Just look at the landscaping The Villages does. I’m glad to see the school teach something where students can make a living.”

Assistant City Administrator Jason McHugh said he will find a role for the city to support the program.

“This is a great opportunity to work with the school board,” he said. “We’ll see what we can do to work up a partnership.”