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

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-31

Program overview

The Horticultural Technician (Co-op) program at Niagara College is designed for those who are passionate about contributing to a sustainable environment. This program focuses on sustainable growing techniques and maintenance practices that enhance biodiversity in urban and suburban landscapes. Students will gain hands-on experience in various horticultural practices, preparing them for a rewarding career in this field. The program is delivered over a period of two years and is offered at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus, which features state-of-the-art facilities including Ontario’s largest training greenhouse. Graduates will receive a diploma and may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, allowing them to gain valuable Canadian work experience.

Program structure

The Horticultural Technician (Co-op) program is structured to provide a comprehensive education in horticulture over a two-year period. Key features of the program structure include:

Hands-on learning experiences in sustainable growth techniques.
Access to a 125-acre campus that serves as a living lab, including a greenhouse nursery and landscape design studio.
Co-op opportunities that allow students to gain practical experience in the field.
Research and study of new technologies for growing flowers, fruits, turf, and trees.

Students will also have the chance to earn a co-op diploma in landscaping or greenhouse fields with an additional year of study. The program begins in September, providing students with ample time to prepare for their academic journey.

Featured Experiences

The Horticultural Technician (Co-op) program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance learning and professional development:

Co-op work terms that provide real-world experience in the horticulture industry.
Hands-on learning in a living lab environment, including a large greenhouse and landscape workshop.
Opportunities to study and implement sustainable growth techniques in campus gardens and landscapes.
Access to advanced technologies for horticultural research and production.
Recognition as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, emphasizing environmental stewardship.

Career Options

Graduates of the Horticultural Technician (Co-op) program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Garden Centre Manager: Oversee operations, manage staff, and ensure customer satisfaction in retail garden centers.
Green Roof/Green Wall Installer: Specialize in the installation and maintenance of green roofs and living walls to enhance urban environments.
Greenhouse/Nursery Production: Manage plant production in greenhouses or nurseries, focusing on plant health and sustainability.
Landscape Designer: Create and implement landscape designs that enhance outdoor spaces while considering environmental impacts.
Parks Maintenance Supervisor: Oversee the maintenance and management of public parks, ensuring they are safe and aesthetically pleasing.
Urban Arborist: Focus on the care and management of trees in urban settings, promoting biodiversity and health.
Urban Food Production Specialist: Work on initiatives that promote local food production in urban areas, contributing to food security.

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

The Academic Requirements for the Horticultural Technician (Co-op) program at Niagara College Canada are as follows:

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)

Selection and Ranking: Applications are evaluated based on the published Academic Requirements. When the applicant provides proof of meeting the requirements, an offer of admission can be issued, provided space is available in the program.

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.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors for support.

Language Requirements

If English is your second language, Niagara College will accept the following language proficiency scores for the Horticultural 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 (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!