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:
ENL0562
Course Name:
Workplace Communications
Course Description:
Students describe and demonstrate the oral and written communication skills required to function effectively as part of a crew/team in the w... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
HOR0561
Course Name:
Workplace Safety
Course Description:
Students describe and demonstrate safe workplace practices, including dealing with on-site conditions, emergencies and hazards, according to... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
HOR0563
Course Name:
Plant Science
Course Description:
Students describe plant biology, soil structure and quality, plant-media relationships, nutrient composition and the relationship to plant p... + Read More
Hours:
48.0
Code:
HOR0564
Course Name:
Turf Management 1
Course Description:
Students describe and demonstrate turf grass mowing and fertilizing practices, including monitoring turf grass quality, plant health care, a... + Read More
Hours:
36.0
Code:
HOR0565
Course Name:
Plant Identification 1
Course Description:
Students identify 80 ornamental landscape plants (See Ontario 2009 Plant List), using the required nomenclature, stating the cultural requir... + Read More
Hours:
36.0
Code:
HOR0566
Course Name:
Plant Materials 1
Course Description:
Students describe grounds maintenance practices and procedures, including basic installation and transplanting processes for nursery stock, ... + Read More
Hours:
30.0
Code:
HOR0567
Course Name:
Trade Calculations
Course Description:
Students identify, explain and demonstrate calculations used in the horticulture industry, including the use of standard measuring devices.... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
HOR0568
Course Name:
Landscape Construction 1
Course Description:
Students describe and demonstrate the handling and installation of precast landscape paving, wall units and landscape timber wall components... + Read More
Hours:
52.0
Code:
HOR0569
Course Name:
Integrated Pest Management and Plant Health Care
Course Description:
Students identify and describe management of pests and disorders of plant material (turf, trees, interior plants, greenhouse plants, perenni... + Read More
Hours:
48.0
Code:
HOR0570
Course Name:
Landscape Equipment Maintenance
Course Description:
Students describe and demonstrate basic scheduled, preventative and ongoing maintenance procedures for powered horticultural equipment, acco... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
HOR0571
Course Name:
First Aid and CPR Training
Course Description:
Students describe the application of first aid and CPR techniques for emergencies in the workplace. This unit comprises the standard First A... + Read More
Hours:
14.0
Code:
HOR0572
Course Name:
Plant Propagation
Course Description:
Students describe and demonstrate plant propagation by sexual and asexual methods.... + Read More
Hours:
48.0
Code:
HOR0573
Course Name:
Plant Production
Course Description:
Students describe plant production from growing, potting/lining out to sale/installation on site, according to respective federal, provincia... + Read More
Hours:
48.0
Code:
HOR0574
Course Name:
Irrigation
Course Description:
Students describe water quality, plant water requirements and local conservation standards, water stewardship principles, basic irrigation s... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
HOR0575
Course Name:
Turf Management 2
Course Description:
Students describe turf grass establishment and cultivation practices, including monitoring turf grass quality, plant health care, Integrated... + Read More
Hours:
36.0
Code:
HOR0576
Course Name:
Plant Identification 2
Course Description:
Students identify and describe 120 ornamental landscape plants (See Ontario 2009 Plant List) using the required nomenclature, stating the cu... + Read More
Hours:
36.0
Code:
HOR0577
Course Name:
Plant Materials 2
Course Description:
Students describe and demonstrate field digging and transplanting techniques, including transporting, aftercare and pruning techniques for n... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
HOR0578
Course Name:
Site Layout, Grading and Surveying
Course Description:
Students describe an environmentally-sensitive site layout and drainage, including the placement and use of grading control devices, measuri... + Read More
Hours:
36.0
Code:
HOR0579
Course Name:
Landscape Construction 2
Course Description:
Students describe and demonstrate the handling and installation of precast landscape paving, wall units and landscape timber wall components... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
HOR0580
Course Name:
Plan Reading and Quantity Take-Off, Quote Preparation
Course Description:
Students read and interpret plans, verify plan accuracy and determine equipment, materials and labour requirements to prepare a quote.... + 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.
2023/2024 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
Steve graduated from the Algonquin College Horticulture Technician Program in 1997.
He operated his own small landscape business for 6 years which included landscape design, construction, maintenance, automatic irrigation systems, landscape lighting and snow removal. He has been employed by one of Ottawa’s premiere landscape companies, Abloom Landscape Contractors Ltd., for the last 12 years and started teaching part-time at Algonquin in 1999. He helped develop the current Horticultural Industries program and became a full-time professor at the onset of the new program in 2012.
Steve specializes in Landscape Construction and Maintenance, with a fondness for Water Features and Landscape Lighting, as well as dabbling in Design. He stays current with new materials and technology by remaining active in the Landscape Industry.
He is a member of the Board of Governors for the local Ottawa Chapter of Landscape Ontario.
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.