Horticulture Technician (co-op)

Program Overview

Fanshawe's Horticulture Technician program is designed for those who wish to connect with nature and contribute to the environment. This two-year diploma program equips students with essential skills and knowledge to maintain landscapes, gardens, and indoor spaces. Students will gain hands-on experience through practical training, including work in the exclusive student-run greenhouse and the renowned Fanshawe College Botanical Gardens. The program emphasizes real-world applications, preparing graduates for a fulfilling career in horticulture.

Program Structure

The Horticulture Technician program at Fanshawe College spans a duration of 60 weeks. The program is structured to provide a blend of academic learning and practical experience, ensuring students are well-prepared for the workforce. Key features of the program structure include:

• Two co-op work semesters that offer valuable industry experience.
• Hands-on training in the on-campus greenhouse and botanical gardens.
• Approximately 80% of the second-year class time is spent outside the classroom.
• Optional training in chainsaw use and provincial pesticide licensing.
• Integration of the Certified Landscape Technician (CLT) national standard into the curriculum.

Students will also engage in practical lab sessions, maintaining the campus grounds and participating in national horticultural events, enhancing their learning experience.

Featured Experiences

The Horticulture Technician program offers a variety of unique experiences that enrich the learning journey:

• Participation in national events such as Skills Canada, where students can compete and earn medals.
• Hands-on work in the exclusive student-run greenhouse, providing practical horticultural skills.
• Access to the Fanshawe College Botanical Gardens, a living lab with a diverse collection of plants.
• Opportunities to volunteer at major horticultural events like Canada Blooms in Toronto.
• Networking through membership in the Student Chapter of Landscape Ontario.

These experiences not only enhance students' practical skills but also help them build valuable connections in the horticulture industry.

Career Options

Graduates of the Horticulture Technician program have a wide range of career opportunities available to them in Canada. Here are some potential job roles:

• Horticulturalist: Responsible for developing, growing, and harvesting fruits, vegetables, and decorative plants.
• Landscape Technician: Involved in designing and implementing hardscape and softscape installations for various projects.
• Horticulture Technician: Works in retail environments, transplanting, shipping, potting, and maintaining plants to maximize yield.
• Landscape Gardener: Assists in the design, installation, and maintenance of residential landscaping projects.
• Horticultural Property Maintenance Crew Member: Maintains lawns and gardens, operating various equipment and performing planting tasks.

With a strong demand for horticulture professionals in Ontario, graduates can expect to find ample employment opportunities across various sectors, including landscape construction, plant production, and garden maintenance.

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