Science & Technology Programs

Horticultural Technician Foundation

• 9–Month Certificate Program
  (1 week Practicum and 12 weeks working in industry)

• Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students

• Apply for Admission

The Program

The curriculum of this one-year horticultural certificate program has been designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of horticultural principles and practices. The program covers a broad spectrum of horticultural practices including plant propagation techniques, greenhouse floriculture production, nursery crop production, landscape design, landscape construction, and plant identification. As well, pest and disease management, pruning techniques, and maintenance practices are investigated. Throughout the program, special emphasis will be placed on many aspects of sustainable horticultural practices, including integrated pest management and environmentally responsible greenhouse, nursery and landscape practices.

The curriculum used in this program meets the provincial standards set for all one-year horticulture certificate programs.

Approximately 50% of the program will be spent in actual “hands-on” training on- and off-campus. This includes a two-month summer practicum spent working in the industry.

The program is taught at the G.R. Paine Horticulture Centre, on a 5-acre site near the Nanaimo campus. The site contains a “Harnoise Nordique” style greenhouse, a headerhouse, a classroom and lab facility, as well as a containerized nursery. Students also practice their skills at the Milner Gardens and Woodland, in Qualicum, a garden estate environment where they participate in the day-to-day, season-to-season operational activities.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program may find employment in the following industries:

• sod farm enterprises;
• landscape maintenance and installation companies;
• landscape design firms;
• garden centres and horticultural retail outlets;
• ornamental and forest seedling nurseries;
• golf courses;
• floriculture and vegetable greenhouse operations;
• horticultural supply companies;
• irrigation design and installation firms;
• municipal and regional Parks Departments.

Successful completion of this program may enable graduates to continue their studies in a two-year Arborist Technician: Apprenticeship program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Langley.

Admission Requirements

• General admission requirements apply.
• English 12 with minimum “C” grade, or equivalent, or successful completion of English assessment test.
• Minimum “C” grade in one of Principles of Mathematics 11, Applications of Mathematics 11, Foundations of Mathematics 11, Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics 11, or successful completion of assessment test.
• Letter, at time of application, indicating reasons for applying to the program and outlining any previous horticultural experience, as well as future career goals.
• Interview.
• Fitness required to participate in physical aspects of the program and industry.

Notes on Admission

• Availability and willingness to participate in plant roster duty on weekends.
• Previous experience in commercial or industrial horticulture is recommended.
• Successful candidates will be selected from qualified applicants on the basis of the personal statement and outcome of the personal interview. Phone interviews may be arranged for out-of-province applicants.

Notes on Certificate Completion

• A Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate must be completed prior to graduation.
• An Occupational Level I First Aid Certificate (which may include the Transportation Endorsement) must be completed prior to graduation.

Start Date and Application Deadline

The program starts in January and ends in December. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. For further information regarding program contacts check the Program Availability List.

Program Outline

Updated February 29, 2012