2013-14 University Calendar
Kwantlen Polytechnic University Calendar  2013-14  Apprenticeship Programs  Production Horticulture: Apprenticeship

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/Page646.aspx 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.

The first two levels of the program include fundamental horticulture knowledge and skills. The instruction in levels three and four focuses on Production Horticulture. 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-sched. The schedule beyond the current year is subject to change.

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:

Employment Insurance (EI) Eligibility

Provincial program financial supports must be applied for online through the Apprentice Online Portal at www.apprenticeonline.gov.bc.ca . Information on EI is available at www.servicecanada.gc.ca .

Transfer to a Diploma Program

Horticulture apprentices who complete Levels 1 and 2 will receive 14 credits if they choose to transfer to the 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 advanced standing for between 25.5 and 29.5 credits. Journeypersons or apprentices are required to meet KPU's English entrance requirements to enter the diploma programs.

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.

Program Admission Requirements

In addition to KPU's General university admission requirements including the vocational-level English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply.

Technical training is open to any interested person who meets the admission requirements. A minimum grade 10 completion is preferred. HortEducationBC (www.horteducationbc.com), the horticulture industry training organization, will indenture individuals in horticulture for one year.

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 and 4 are specialized to each apprenticeship.

Horticulture Apprentice Level 1 (AHCC 1010)

Horticulture Apprentice Level 2 (AHCC 1020)

Production Horticulture Apprentice Level 3 (AHPR 1030)

Production Horticulture Apprentice Level 4 (AHPR 1040)

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.

Last Updated: Sep 16, 2013

This online version of the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Calendar is the official version of the University Calendar. Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, KPU reserves the right to make any corrections in the contents and provisions of this calendar without notice. In addition, the University reserves the right to cancel, add, or revise contents or change fees at any time without notice. To report errors or omissions, or send comments or suggestions, please email Calendar.Editor@kpu.ca.