This is an ARCHIVED version of the Kwantlen University College Calendar for
2003-2004 and is provided for historical reference only. See the current version of the
Calendar for updated information.
The on-line version of the University College Calendar is the Official version. In the event of conflict between the printed version and the online version, the on-line version will prevail.
Effective date of this program calendar information, unless otherwise indicated, is Sept. 1, 2003 to Aug. 31, 2004.
Note: All course changes and updates are shown in blue.
Horticulture Technician
Offered at Langley Campus
Start Date: see individual specializations
Full- and Part-time
Certificate
Description
Kwantlen's Horticulture Technician Certificate program offers students the basic skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to be successful in the production horticulture, landscape maintenance, or retail horticulture industries, depending on the specialization chosen. This demanding training is highly practical, with over fifty per cent 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 Retail Garden Centre specializations are Career Technical Consortium (CTC) supported, 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.
Student intake for this specialization is February. This program includes approximately 700 hours of training over 2 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 floriculture production.
Student intake for this specialization is February. This program includes approximately 700 hours of training over 2 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.
Student intake for this specialization is February. This program includes approximately 700 hours of training over 2 semesters. Students will learn and practice horticultural (plant characteristics and care) and retail operation skills (sales, merchandising, customer service). Skill training will occur primarily at the School of Horticulture field lab, in the greenhouse, nursery, and ornamental gardens. Industry work experience is required for graduation. Classes are scheduled Monday to Friday.
Career Opportunities
Production Horticulture Industry
The Lower Mainland of B.C. 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. B.C. 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.
Landscape Maintenance Industry
The landscape maintenance sector contributes $130 million (estimate) annually to the economy of B.C. 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.
Retail Garden Centre Industry
The retail nursery and garden center industry in BC has increased yearly in size and in its use of sophisticated marketing and merchandising strategies. Store sizes range from small family-run businesses to large, highly competitive mass merchandisers and up-scale garden center chains. Demand for the products and services provided by garden centers are expected to show sustained growth.
Student Profile
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.
Admission Requirements
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.
* The Landscape Maintenance and Retail Garden Centre Technician 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.
Upon successful completion of this program, students are awarded a provincially recognized Horticulture Technician Certificate.
More Information
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 (incl. course prerequisites) for the Horticulture Technology Diploma program. The number of advanced credits received will depend on the specialization chosen.
Horticulture Technician Faculty
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