The Horticulture program provides specialized training in preparation for work in garden centres, golf courses, landscaping companies or public works. Prefer to work for yourself? Our program can give you the skills required to start your own business. As society becomes increasingly concerned with environmental issues, food production and the preservation and beautification of nature, horticulturalists will be increasingly in demand. Our hands-on learning trains you on a variety of skill sets, including growing indoor and outdoor plants, discovering and understanding plantscapes, window gardens and hydroponics. Our indoor/outdoor tropical greenhouse environments are the perfect fit for nature lovers and do-it-yourself-ers wanting to get back to the great outdoors. 

The Horticulture and Garden Centre Operations program objectives are to prepare students to practice the occupation of plant care workers. At the end of the program students integrate into the workforce by completing a 105-hour practicum. The objective of the practicum is to enable students to make connections between the knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired throughout their learning with the workplace.

During their practicum and under the guidance of the host supervisor, trainees will observe the work, integrate into the team, and participate in the various tasks depending on the sector they wish to work in. This can include planting and maintaining ornamental plants and / or lawns in the public or private sector; working in the retail sectors organizing merchandise, selling products, and responding to customers’ needs.

Host employers include landscaping companies offering seasonal maintenance of residential, commercial, and public grounds such as parks, floral and green spaces; greenhouse and nursery growers who produce plants for wholesale or the retail sector; garden centers with retail operations; municipalities and public works.

(International candidates: This registration portal is for local students only. International students MUST register through the International Students application process. English language proficiency evaluation may be required upon registration. If the student is unable to communicate in English, the student may be asked to take an English course – at their cost – before being accepted into the program.)

Skills you will learn;

• seasonal maintenance of plants and gardens
• landscape design
• greenhouse operations
• garden centre operations and sales
• pruning, planting and transplanting techniques

Did you know;

• We receive regular employment opportunities for our graduates.
• The skills acquired in the Horticulture program can be easily transferred to landscaping and can help you get your own business off the ground.
• To enroll in the program, you only need to have completed secondary IV
• It’s been shown that people who work with plants are generally happier, more relaxed and less prone to depression.