Greenhouse Technician (Co-op) at NC - Niagara College Canada - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-31

Program overview

The Greenhouse Technician (Co-op) program at Niagara College is designed for individuals who are passionate about science, technology, and horticulture. This program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of plant nutrition, pest management, and the effective use of industry-related equipment and software. Graduates will be well-equipped to manage commercial-scale greenhouse or nursery production, making them valuable assets in the expanding greenhouse industry in Canada.

Program structure

The Greenhouse Technician (Co-op) program is structured to provide a robust educational experience over a 2-year period. The program includes:

Hands-on learning experiences in a state-of-the-art greenhouse environment.
Integration of co-op work terms, allowing students to gain practical experience in the field.
Field trips to local greenhouses and industry trade shows to connect with professionals.
Opportunities for further education, such as earning a diploma in horticulture or landscaping with an additional year of study.

This program is delivered at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus, which features Ontario’s largest training greenhouse and various nursery operations, serving as a living lab for students.

Featured Experiences

Co-op work terms that provide paid, hands-on experience in the greenhouse industry.
Access to the 125-acre Daniel J. Patterson Campus, which includes extensive greenhouse facilities.
Practical experience with an integrated pest management system.
Field trips to local ornamental and vegetable greenhouses, enhancing real-world learning.
Participation in industry trade shows to network with greenhouse leaders.
Recognition as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, promoting sustainable practices.

Career Options

Graduates of the Greenhouse Technician (Co-op) program can pursue various career opportunities in Canada, including:

Garden Centre Operator: Manage daily operations of garden centers, including sales and customer service.
Greenhouse Crop Production Specialist: Oversee the cultivation and production of plants in commercial greenhouses.
Greenhouse Manager: Responsible for the overall management of greenhouse operations, including staff supervision and production planning.
Horticultural Journalist: Write and report on horticultural topics, trends, and innovations for various media outlets.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Specialist: Develop and implement pest management strategies to ensure healthy plant growth.
Nursing Management: Oversee nursery operations, including plant care and customer relations.
Technical Sales Representative: Sell horticultural products and services, providing expertise to clients in the industry.

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

Visit NC - Niagara College Canada official website

Last updated on 2025-07-31

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Greenhouse Technician (Co-op) program at Niagara College, applicants must meet the following Academic Requirements:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, including the following required course(s):

English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent

Recommended Courses and/or Skills: These courses and skills may help you succeed academically in this program, but they are not required for admission.

Biology – Grade 11 (C) or (U) or Grade 12 (U)
Chemistry – Grade 11 (U) or Grade 12 (C) or (U)
Mathematics – any Grade 12 (C) or (U)

For international students, it is essential to ensure that all official, translated high school and/or post-secondary transcripts are submitted. Additionally, transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Program Requirements:

Physical Fitness

Students applying to Environment and Horticulture programs are often required to tolerate physical activity such as walking over uneven terrain, standing, bending, lifting, and carrying equipment.
These expectations are reflected in our coursework, and applicants of this program should be highly motivated and have an appropriate level of fitness when entering this program.

Transportation

Students are responsible for their own transportation in order to complete program requirements which may not be readily accessible by public transportation.
Program requirements could include co-ops, placements, volunteer requirements, practical labs, field projects, assignments, clinicals, or any other off-campus visits required as part of the program’s curriculum.

For any clarification and support regarding the admission process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

If English is your second language, Niagara College will accept the following language proficiency scores for the Greenhouse Technician (Co-op) Diploma program:

Cambridge English Exams (B2 First/FCE, C1 Advanced/CAE or C2 Proficiency/CPE): 169 – No skill under 162.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.0 – No individual band under 5.5.
Internet-based (IBT) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): iBT: 80, Minimum: 20 Writing, 20 Speaking.
Pearson Test of English (PTE): 58+, with no individual skill below 53.
Duolingo English Language Test: 105+, with no individual subscore below 95.
Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL): 60 – No individual band under 50.
Completion of Niagara College’s English for Academic Preparation program (EAP) Level 5 with 70% and no individual grade under 50%.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!