Horticulture Techniques - Apprenticeship
Become a journeyperson in the horticultural industry.
- Practice skills in Algonquin College's extensive campus gardens surrounding the Horticulture Centre and within the attached greenhouse complex
- Fulfills the in class requirement for Horticulture apprenticeship and prepares you to work as a skilled technician in the horticulture sector
- Close working relationship with Landscape Ontario
Program Availability and Schedule
Schedule
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Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
This apprenticeship program is designed to provide individuals working in the industry, who want to pursue a career in horticulture, with theoretical principles and practical trade skills developed by industry to become a recognized horticultural technician. The program fulfills the on-the-job and in-school requirements of the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) and supports apprentices in completing their Red Seal Certificate of Qualification exam to become a Landscape Horticulturist.
Applicants to the Horticulture Techniques - Apprenticeship Ontario College Certificate program must:...(read more)
Overview
Become a journeyperson in the horticultural industry.
This apprenticeship program is designed to provide individuals working in the industry, who want to pursue a career in horticulture, with theoretical principles and practical trade skills developed by industry to become a recognized horticultural technician. The program fulfills the on-the-job and in-school requirements of the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) and supports apprentices in completing their Red Seal Certificate of Qualification exam to become a Landscape Horticulturist.
Applicants to the Horticulture Techniques - Apprenticeship Ontario College Certificate program must:
- be currently employed in the trade
- be formally registered as apprentices with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD)
- have a valid Offer of Classroom Training from the MLTSD that includes a Ministry Client ID and approved Class Number
Eligibility is determined by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
If you are considering a future as a Horticultural Technician, you may work with green infrastructure on private, commercial or government properties. Opportunities exist in all parts of the industry from production and maintenance to landscape installation, retail and supply firms. Graduates may also become self-employed.
To learn more about apprenticeships, visit www.ontario.ca/page/skilled-trades for detailed information.
For Registered Apprentices: The in-school portion of the program consists of two 12-week sessions (Basic and Advanced). Students take courses in workplace safety, plant maintenance and identification, landscape construction, quote preparation, equipment maintenance, irrigation and turf management.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Enjoy a hands-on approach to learning about horticulture and the natural environment.
- Are self-motivated.
- Enjoy problem solving and are attentive to details and safety.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
HOR3625
Course Name:
Trade Practices - Safety, Tools and Equipment
Course Description:
On successful completion of this reportable subject, the apprentice is able to describe jurisdictional reguations relevant to the trade, saf... + Read More
Hours:
48.0
Code:
HOR3626
Course Name:
Work and Project Organization
Course Description:
On successful completion of this reportable subject, the apprentice is able to describe the use of trade-related documentation and reference... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
HOR3627
Course Name:
Communication Skills
Course Description:
On successful completion of this reportable subject, the apprentice is able to demonstrate effective communication practices including, list... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
HOR3628
Course Name:
Horticultural Principles-Plant Science
Course Description:
On successful completion of this reportable subject, the apprentice is able to describe plant morphology and characteristics, environmental ... + Read More
Hours:
60.0
Code:
HOR3629
Course Name:
Environmental Principles: Soil-Water Environmental Stewardship
Course Description:
On successful completion of this reportable subject, the apprentice is able to describe the principles of environmental stewardship as it re... + Read More
Hours:
36.0
Code:
HOR3630
Course Name:
Pre-Construction Activities
Course Description:
On successful completion of this reportable subject, the apprentice is able to interpret information from landscape drawings and documentati... + Read More
Hours:
30.0
Code:
HOR3631
Course Name:
Hardscape Installation and Maintenance
Course Description:
On successful completion of this reportable subject, the apprentice is able to demonstrate the installation and maintenance of landscape pav... + Read More
Hours:
48.0
Code:
HOR3632
Course Name:
Softscape Installation and Maintenance - Turf
Course Description:
On successful completion of this reportable subject, the apprentice is able to describe the procedures to install sod and turf from seed and... + Read More
Hours:
30.0
Code:
HOR3633
Course Name:
Softscape Installation and Maintenance
Course Description:
On successful completion of this reportable subject, the apprentice is able to describe the procedures to install and maintain exterior soft... + Read More
Hours:
48.0
Code:
HOR3634
Course Name:
First Aid and CPR Training
Course Description:
On successful completion of the reportable subject, the apprentice is able to demonstrate first aid and CPR techniques to respond to emergen... + Read More
Hours:
12.0
Code:
HOR3635
Course Name:
Site Preparation and Protection
Course Description:
On successful completion of this reportable subject, the apprentice is able to demonstrate procedures used to perform site assessment which ... + Read More
Hours:
48.0
Code:
HOR3636
Course Name:
Project Preparation
Course Description:
On successful completion of this reportable subject, the apprentice is able to explain the planning activities required to prepare for lands... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
HOR3637
Course Name:
Marketing and Sales
Course Description:
On successful completion of this reportable subject, the apprentice is able to describe procedures for controlling inventory, selling servic... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
HOR3638
Course Name:
Plant Identification and Management
Course Description:
Upon successful completion of this reportable subject, the apprentice is able to identify 120 ornamental landscape plants using the required... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HOR3639
Course Name:
Environmental Practices
Course Description:
On successful completion of this reportable subject, the apprentice is able to describe landscaping practices that support environmental ste... + Read More
Hours:
48.0
Code:
HOR3640
Course Name:
Hardscape Structures Installation and Maintenance
Course Description:
On successful completion of this reportable subject, the apprentice is able to demonstrate the installation of landscape structures, irrigat... + Read More
Hours:
48.0
Code:
HOR3641
Course Name:
Plant Health Care-Pest, Diseases and Invasive Species Management
Course Description:
On successful completion of this reportable subject, the apprentice is able to identify nutrient deficiencies, pests, diseases and disorders... + Read More
Hours:
30.0
Code:
HOR3642
Course Name:
Interior Landscape Installation and Maintenance
Course Description:
On successful completion of this reportable subject, the apprentice is able to describe the procedures for installing and maintaining interi... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
HOR3643
Course Name:
Green Infrastructure Installation and Maintenance
Course Description:
On successful completion of this reportable subject, the apprentice is able to describe procedures to install and maintain green infrastruct... + Read More
Hours:
48.0
Code:
HOR3644
Course Name:
Mentoring and Training Techniques
Course Description:
On successful completion of this reportable subject, the apprentice is able to describe communication and mentoring techniques and strategie... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may be employed as horticultural technicians working with green infrastructure on private, commercial or government properties. Opportunities exist in all parts of the industry from production and maintenance to landscape installation, retail and supply firms. Graduates may also become self-employed.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Assist in the application of the basic principles of plant, soil and environmental sciences to complete work in horticulture and landscaping.
- Apply the basic practical horticulture skills to the production of plant materials, including herbaceous plants, woody plants, edibles and turf.
- Apply the basic principles of design and environmental sustainability to horticulture and landscaping.
- Assist in the implementation of basic maintenance procedures for plants, property, and equipment.
- Apply knowledge of plant identification, usage, and maintenance criteria to horticulture and landscaping.
- Assist with the creation of routine horticultural and landscaping plans that promote healthy ecosystems and avoid environmental damage.
- Apply the principles and practical skills of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to indoor and outdoor plants.
- Assist in the effective planning, implementation, and conclusion of horticultural and landscaping projects.
- Apply health and safety standards and best practices to workplaces.
- Act in a professional manner, maintain professional relationships, and communicate effectively with clients, co-workers, supervisors, and others.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2024/2025 Academic Year
Tuition Fees: $600 per level.
Incidental Fee: $150 per level.
Information Technology Fee: $65.79 per level.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program).
Program Eligibility
- Prospective students must be registered apprentices with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development and must be a member in good standing with Skilled Trades Ontario (STO).
- Eligibility is determined by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
Application Information
HORTICULTURE TECHNIQUES - APPRENTICESHIP
Program Code 1411X01FWO
Registration for Apprenticeship programs takes place through the Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development.
For further information, contact:
Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development
347 Preston Street
3rd Floor, Suite 310
Ottawa, ON K1S 3H8
https://www.ontario.ca/page/start-apprenticeship
Telephone: 613-731-7100
Toll-free: 1-877-221-1220
Additional Information
Program Resources
Landscape Ontario offers support and help with registration. Contact info@horticulturetechnician.ca or Sally Harvey at 1-800-265-5656 ext. 315 or sharvey@landscapeontario.com.
Contact
Steve Neumann
Program Coordinator
Tommy Wingreen
Program Coordinator
Tommy Wingreen has spent his entire life in the green industry. He grew up on a traditional farm in rural Denmark and completed his apprenticeship in Greenhouse Production before graduating with a Master Degree in Horticultural Science from the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Copenhagen, Denmark.
His specialties are greenhouse production and floriculture and he gained further experience while working in Malaysia, Japan and California, USA, before coming to Canada. After arriving in Canada, he worked for the National Capital Commission for seven years in a supporting role for various landscape projects and developed maintenance procedures for their urban tree planting and parks. Here, he developed an extensive knowledge of urban tree health problems including pest and disease management.
Tommy began teaching the greenhouse courses at Algonquin in 2007 until the program was revised in 2012. As the new coordinator he headed the implementation of the new program with help from new and existing faculty. He is continuously looking for new ways and projects which will improve the students’ learning experience, while still ensuring a solid foundation in plant knowledge and sciences.