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Landscape horticulture is the art of selecting, handling and utilizing ornamental trees, shrubs, and turf grass for the design, development and maintenance of public and private landscape spaces. A landscape horticulturist prepares soil and cultivates, prunes, and irrigates plants to maintain plant health. They also control plant pests using integrated pest management techniques.
Landscape Horticulture Technical Training
All NIC training programs follow the criteria set by the Industry Training Authority (ITA) to ensure your trade qualification meet industry standards.
LHA 100, Level 1, 12 weeks - Comox Valley
LHA 200, Level 2, 12 weeks - Comox Valley
This apprenticeship program is designed for those currently working and those planning to work in landscaping. Level 1 will be of interest whether you are a recreational gardener, looking for a career change or starting out in your career. It is designed for those currently working and those planning to work in landscaping. No experience? No problem. HortEducation.ca will sponsor you so you can register with the Industry Training Authority (ITA) as an apprentice. Potential employers include landscape companies, municipal parks, golf courses, garden centres, nurseries and horticulture-related businesses. Study part time during the evening and weekends, allowing you to further your education while maintaining employment. Please note that no work experience in landscaping is required to apply to this program.
An apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and classroom learning that leads to a trade credential - or “ticket”. An apprenticeship is established when an employer agrees to sponsor an employee, and both employer and employee register with the Industry Training Authority (ITA). If you are already working in the field, you and your employer can register with the ITA to get your ID# and start tracking your work hours. Those who do not already have an employer or experience in the industry may use HortEducation BC as their sponsor for this first level of training.
NIC works closely with industry to ensure your apprenticeship training is of the highest quality, including an enriched curriculum with additional topics on landscape maintenance and design, giving you value-added skills attractive to employers.
For upcoming training schedules view the Schedules tab.
For more information on apprenticeships visit the ITA website, or HortEducation.ca.
Upon completion, you will be prepared to write your Industry Training Authority Level 1 and Level 2 exam toward your Interprovincial Red Seal.
Grants and Tax Credits
You may be eligible for federal grants and provincial tax credits of $1,000 or more after completing each level of technical training and the accompanying work-based hours. A completion grant is also available on certification. Visit the ITA website for additional information.
Supply List
- CSA-approved, steel-toed footwear
- Calculator
- Safety Glasses
- Secateurs
- Work gloves
- Rainwear
- Notebook, paper, pen and ruler
- Binder for course materials
- Beginner drafting kit - Staedtler 10-piece set or similar
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