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This program combines instruction in high school and at Fanshawe College - AAT School campus and provides a Cooperative Education placement in the landscaping industry. It is offered in Semester 2 and is open to students in their graduating year.

Horticultural Technicians plan, organize, and direct the activities of greenhouses and nurseries that grow and sell a variety of plants. They may grow, cultivate, fertilize, install, maintain, and irrigate trees, shrubs, flowers, and turf grass. Once plants have begun to develop, Horticultural Technicians may prepare plants and materials for shipping.

As well as working with plant life, Horticultural Technicians may interpret and implement landscape drawings. They may install different types of stone, concrete, and wood for residential and commercial landscape projects. Operating common tools and equipment used in horticulture—lawn mowers, leaf blowers and tree trimmers, for example—is often part of the job.

Those working in a retail environment or dealing with the public will need good interpersonal and customer service skills. A safety-conscious approach is important to ensure a safe and secure work site for other employees and the general public.

A horticultural technician can work indoors or outdoors, depending on the season and the type of company he or she works for. Some indoor work environments - particularly those involved in retail sales - can be quiet, adequately ventilated and well lighted. Work will likely be physically demanding, as there is some bending, lifting and moving involved. Outdoor work environments can vary depending upon the size and complexity of the work and the season. Usually, outdoor environments involve a fair degree of physical work and demand a tolerance for insects and varied weather conditions. Working effectively as a member of a work crew is important for those working with others in this environment.

This program provides an opportunity for students to begin “Level One” of their in-school apprenticeship training at the Fanshawe College - AAT School campus and work as apprentices in a variety of high-end properties.

To qualify, YOU must:

• Be at least 16 years of age and in your graduating year
• Have at least 26 credits
• Have a passion for working in landscaping
• Be in good academic standing, including completion of all compulsory courses required for your Ontario Secondary School Diploma
• Have a working knowledge of mathematical concepts and principles
• Be willing to travel to Fanshawe College - AAT School campus and to a Cooperative Education placement
• Be willing to attend Fanshawe College - AAT School campus for 8 weeks to continue your “Level One” apprenticeship training

Candidates will be interviewed by a selection committee which includes industry partners. A limited number of spaces are available.

Program components include:

• One week at your home school in a Cooperative Education pre-placement setting
• 8 weeks at the Fanshawe College - AAT school campus
• 12 weeks at a Cooperative Education placement with a landscaping focus

Program Credits/Certification:

• Earn 4 Cooperative Education credits towards your Ontario Secondary School Diploma
• Successfully introduced to “Level One” apprenticeship training for Horticulural Technician at Fanshawe College