Horticultural Industries (co-op)

Program overview

Transform your appreciation for landscape design into a career in the ever-evolving horticultural industry. In the two-year Horticultural Industries Ontario College Diploma program, you learn how to create landscapes from design to implementation. By offering a condensed format over 16 months, the Horticultural Industries program allows you to fast track your career. You will explore key aspects of this dynamic industry, including urban and rural landscape design, nursery production and management, sustainable urban agriculture, and green roof and living wall technology.

Program structure

The Horticultural Industries program is structured to provide a comprehensive education in horticulture over a two-year period, delivered in a condensed format of 16 months. This allows students to complete their studies more quickly and enter the workforce sooner. Key features of the program structure include:

• Hands-on learning experiences during the industry's prime production period in Spring, Summer, and Fall.
• Active participation in maintaining and developing the campus gardens and greenhouse complex.
• Real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term(s), subject to availability and academic eligibility.

Students will engage in practical skills development in various plant collections and vegetable gardens, simulating real industry conditions. The program also emphasizes teamwork and collaboration through smaller work-groups.

Featured Experiences

The Horticultural Industries program offers several unique experiences that enhance learning and professional development:

• Paid co-operative education (co-op) work term(s) that provide real-world industry experience.
• Hands-on practice in Algonquin College's extensive campus gardens and greenhouse complex.
• Opportunities to study plant identification, selection, and ideal growing conditions.
• Industry connections through co-op placements, field trips, volunteer work, seminars, and guest speakers.
• Guided learning in urban and rural landscape design, nursery production, and sustainable urban agriculture.

These experiences are designed to prepare students for successful careers in the horticultural field.

Career Options

Graduates of the Horticultural Industries program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

• Landscape Designer: Create and plan outdoor spaces, focusing on aesthetics and functionality.
• Nursery Manager: Oversee operations in nurseries, including plant production and sales.
• Urban Agriculture Specialist: Work on sustainable food production initiatives in urban settings.
• Tree Care Technician: Provide care and maintenance for trees in urban and rural environments.
• Park Systems Manager: Manage and maintain public parks and recreational areas.

Many of these positions are seasonal, typically from April to November, but opportunities may exist for year-round employment in nurseries and related fields. Graduates may also choose to continue their education in related degree programs.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.