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Horticulture Technician Certificate

Note: The program is currently under review and will not be offered in 2006 – 2007. Please contact the School of Horticulture (604.599.3254 or horticulture@kwantlen.ca) for further information and options.

DESCRIPTION

Kwantlen’s Horticulture Technician Certificate program offers students the basic skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to be successful in production horticulture, landscape maintenance, or retail horticulture industries, depending on the specialization chosen. This demanding training is highly practical, with over fifty percent of the time spent on skill development in a laboratory setting. Through a high level of interaction between industry and faculty, the program offers courses that are relevant to the needs of industry. The Landscape Maintenance and Production Horticulture specializations are supported by the Career Technical Consortium (CTC), and offered in partnership with the Delta, Richmond, Surrey, and Langley school districts to interested Grade 11 and 12 secondary school students. Secondary school students are to contact the Career Education Department in their regions for further details.

  1. Production Horticulture Technician

  2. Landscape Maintenance Technician

The Lower Mainland of BC has some of the best climatic conditions in the world for the production of greenhouse vegetables, flowers and nursery crops. The industry has grown significantly over the last 10 years and sustained growth in the future is expected. BC producers employ state-of-the-art technology, comparable only to the best operations in Europe. The industry is a leader in the use of biological pest controls. This is a vibrant industry in BC with excellent long-term potential.

The landscape maintenance sector contributes $130 million (estimate) annually to the economy of BC. Employment opportunities exist with landscape and lawn care companies, school boards, municipal parks, private garden estates and commercial property management firms. Societal changes in acceptable plant protection practices are expected to raise the demand for qualified landscape maintenance personnel.

Students with a desire to develop hands-on work skills and to learn about the production and management of plants will be the most successful in the program. An interest in entrepreneurship facilitates long-term career success. Individuals with allergies to dust, pollen, plant products or specific chemicals need to assess the potential impact of exposure on their health. Physical fitness and a healthy back are generally required for a successful career in these horticulture disciplines. Students will be required to work with plant protection products.

The following are requirements specific to the Horticulture Technician Certificate for all specializations :

  • English 11 with a C

  • Mathematics 11 with a C (Principles or Applications)

All applicants are invited to arrange an interview with a faculty member to help clarify program demands and career opportunities. Early application is recommended.

Note:

All specializations are also offered to interested Grade 11 and 12 secondary school students enrolled in the Richmond, Delta, Surrey, and Langley school districts. A certain number of seats may be reserved for these students. High school students wishing to take advantage of a University College credential in Horticulture should contact their school’s career advisor for more information on their admission requirements

 

(under review)

Student intake for this specialization is February. This program includes approximately 700 hours of training over two semesters. Students will learn and practice production horticulture skills in the School of Horticulture greenhouses and nursery. The program emphasizes skills required for the greenhouse vegetable production sector. The program also introduces students to nursery and Horiculture production. Classes are scheduled Monday to Friday.

 

(under review)

 

Student intake for this specialization is February. This program includes approximately 700 hours of training over two semesters. Students will learn and practice the maintenance of lawns, gardens, trees, and hard landscape features such as pavers, walls, and ornamental ponds. Skill training will occur primarily at the School of Horticulture field lab ornamental gardens. Industry work experience is required for graduation. Classes are scheduled Monday to Friday.

Students who have completed the Horticulture Technician Certificate and wish to use the credits towards a diploma or a degree will have to meet the general admission requirements for the University College plus the individual entry requirements (including course prerequisites) for the Horticulture Technology Diploma program. The number of advanced credits received will depend on the specialization chosen.

Upon successful completion of this program, including the industry work component, students are awarded a Certificate in Horticulture Technician.