Production Horticulture: Apprenticeship
Description
Horticulture Apprenticeship links learning and employment by providing apprentices the opportunity to further their education, while maintaining full-time employment in the horticulture industry. An apprenticeship is established when an employer and employee complete, sign and register an apprentice, and sponsor registration form with the Industry Training Authority (ITA, www.itabc.ca). Apprentices may also apply to the ITA for work based training completed before the apprenticeship was established. Refer to http://www.itabc.ca for information. HortEducationBC, the horticulture industry training organization, (www.horteducationbc.com) will sponsor individuals for one year, which allows them to gain credit for technical training completed within the year.
Effective March 31st, 2014, the Industry Training Authority (ITA) launched a modified Production Horticulturist apprenticeship program. A summary of the changes follows:
- Reduction in work-based training hours from 6,480 to 4,860
- Reduction in technical training delivery from 24 weeks to 20 weeks
- Level 3 technical training will be extended from 6 weeks to 8 weeks and will include a Certification of Qualification Exam
- Level 4 technical training will no longer be required
The duration of Level 1 and Level 2 technical training will remain the same (6 weeks each) and will include an ITA Standardized Written Level Exam Levels 1 & 2.
All Production Horticulturist Levels 1& 2 classes completing training sessions after March 31st, 2014 will be scheduled to write an ITA Standardized Level Examination.
The apprentice must complete three technical training levels. The first two levels of the program include fundamental horticulture knowledge and skills. For level one and level two, apprentices attend six-weeks of technical training sessions for theoretical and practical instruction at the Langley Campus of KPU. The instruction in level three focuses on Production Horticulture. During level three, apprentices attend an eight-week technical training session for theoretical and practical instruction at the Langley Campus of KPU. Typically one level is completed each year but the opportunity exists to complete multiple levels in a single year depending on apprentice/student interest and the technical training schedule.
The curriculum used for technical training has been developed and approved by the horticulture industry. It provides relevant, up-to-date information, and is based on recent technological advances in the horticulture field. Typically one level is completed each year but the opportunity exists to complete multiple levels in a single year depending on apprentice/student interest and the technical training schedule.
The proposed technical training schedule can be found on the School of Horticulture website at kpu.ca/registration/timetables/trades/hort. The schedule beyond the current year is subject to change www.tradestrainingbc.ca/apprenticeship.
Journeypersons in production horticulture are in demand. Municipal parks departments and nurseries often list a journeyperson certification as a minimum requirement when hiring horticulturists.
Transfer from Horticulture Foundation Programs
Graduates of Horticulture Foundation programs receive credit for Levels 1 and 2 of the technical training.
Costs
In addition to applicable tuition fees, students require the following:
- textbooks (purchased at the beginning of Level 1 and 3)
- school supplies
- safety footwear
- rain gear
- field trips
- travel
- accommodation and food
Employment Insurance (EI) Eligibility
Provincial program financial supports must be applied for online through the Apprentice Online Portal at www.workbc.ca. Information on EI is available at www.servicecanada.gc.ca. It is recommended that eligible apprentices apply for these supports four weeks in advance of the start of their technical training and application must be made no later than the first day of technical training.
Transfer to a Diploma Program
Horticulture apprentices who complete Levels 1 and 2 will receive some credits if they choose to transfer to our Horticulture diploma program. Horticulture journeypersons (Certificate of Qualification) can continue their education in a Horticulture diploma program. Depending on the diploma specialty selected, journeypersons would receive some credits. Journeypersons or apprentices are required to meet KPU's English entrance requirements to enter the diploma program.
Student Profile
Students interested in the apprenticeship should have a strong desire for hands-on outdoor work, enjoy nature and living things, be concerned about the environment, and have entrepreneurial talents. Individuals with allergies to dust, pollen or plant products, or specific chemicals should be aware of the potential impact on their health. Physical fitness and a healthy back are generally required for a successful career in horticulture. Apprentices may work with plant protection products.
Apprentices in the practical Horticulture Apprenticeship program typically come from a number of horticulture enterprises. For example, they may be working for greenhouse owners, nurseries, municipal parks, or school boards.
General Prerequisites
The following requirements apply:
- A valid Trade Worker Identification number from the Industry Training Authority (ITA-ID). If you do not have an ITA-ID, you will need to complete an apprenticeship registration form through the ITA (www.itabc.ca) prior to registering (Level 1 through to 4). To determine your eligibility please consult with the Industry Training Authority.
Technical training is open to any interested person who meets the admission requirements. A minimum of Grade 10 completion is preferred. HortEducationBC (www.horteducationbc.com), the horticulture industry training organization, will indenture individuals in horticulture for one year.
Note: International student enrolment requires approval of the Dean.
Program Requirements
This program is designed to produce journeypersons with good theoretical and practical training, and experience in the horticulture industry.
Level 1 and Level 2 have the same requirements for both the Landscape Horticulture Apprentice and the Production Horticulture Apprentice. Level 3 is specialized to each apprenticeship.
Horticulture Apprentice Level 1 (AHCC 1010)
- Plant Materials I - A1
- Supervisory Skills - B1
- Equipment Maintenance - C1
- Plant Science - Morphology - D1
- Plant Health - Signs/Symptoms - E1
- Soil Physical Properties - F1
- Horticulture Practices I - H1
- Level I Final Exam
Horticulture Apprentice Level 2 (AHCC 1020)
- Plant Materials II - A2
- Supervisory Skills - B2
- Equipment Maintenance II - C2
- Plant Science - Physiology - D2
- Plant Health - Pests, Diseases - E2
- Soil Chemical Properties - F2
- Horticulture Practices II - H2
- Level II Final Exam
Production Horticulture Apprentice Level 3 (AHPR 1030)
- Manage Growing Facilities - D
- Plant Health - E
- Management of Nursery, Field and Container Crops - F
- Overseeing Nursery Production and System Operations – G
-
Level III Final Exam
Credential Awarded
Upon successful completion of an apprentice level, KPU will report your technical training completion information to the Industry Trade Authority (ITA) in order for the ITA to determine credit towards your designated apprenticeship.
