This is an ARCHIVED version of the Kwantlen University College Calendar for 2000-2001 and is provided for historical reference only. See the current version of the Calendar for updated information.

Horticulture Technician

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Offered at Langley

Intake: September start

Graduation

Individuals completing the program with a minimum of 30 credits will receive a provincially recognized Horticulture Technician Certificate.

Description

Kwantlen's Horticulture Technician Certificate program provides students with employment opportunities in the greenhouse vegetable and the landscape maintenance, and retail horticulture industries, depending on the specialization chosen. This demanding training program 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.

Student Profile

Students should have a strong desire for hands-on work. You will be required to work with plant protection products. Individuals with allergies to dust, pollen or plant products, or specific chemicals should be aware of the potential impact to your health.

Admission Requirements

Successful applicants to the selective-entry program, both full and part-time, must meet general Kwantlen admission requirements (see section on General Information - Admission).

The following are additional requirements specific to the Horticulture Technician program:

· English 11 with a C or equivalent
· Math 11 with a C or equivalent

Physical fitness and a healthy back are generally required for a successful career in these horticulture disciplines.

Applicants may arrange an interview with a faculty member to clarify program demands and career opportunities.

Three specializations:

Greenhouse Vegetable Technician

This specialization includes approximately 700 hours of training over a period of three 12- week semesters (fall, spring and summer) and 14 weeks of paid industry work experience. Classes are scheduled Monday to Friday, 1:00 - 5:00p.m. allowing students to pursue part time work in the greenhouse industry throughout the academic year.

Landscape Maintenance Technician

This specialization includes approximately 700 hours of training over a period of two 15-week semesters (fall and spring). Also, 14 weeks of paid industry work experience take place at the end of the program. Classes are scheduled Monday to Friday. Students will be available for part-time employment in late March. Full time employment is possible after the third week of April.

Retail Garden Centre Technician
(subject to approval)

This specialization includes approximately 700 hours of training over a period of three 12 to 15 week semesters (fall, spring, and summer) and 14 weeks of paid industry work experience. Classes are scheduled Monday to Friday in the fall semester, but restricted to Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in the spring and summer semesters to accommodate part-time employment. Part-time employment is also possible for Christmas sales. Full-time employment will be possible during the months of April and May, traditionally the busiest months of the year. By the end of the three semesters, the student will have completed the equivalent of 14 weeks of paid industry work experience (500 hours).

Career Opportunities

Greenhouse Vegetable Industry

After several years of steady expansion of 10% annually, the BC. greenhouse vegetable industry now projects a minimum growth rate of 20 - 25% per year. It is anticipated that the total area under production will increase from a current 120 ha to 300 ha within 5 years. This projected growth is based on new market opportunities for greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers in North America and Japan. The increase in production area in British Columbia will result in the creation of an estimated 180 new entry-level jobs (technician level) and 15 middle management jobs (technology level) annually. These are technical positions that require horticulture training as well as knowledge in staff supervision.

The Horticulture Technician Certificate program responds to this need by offering students the basic skills, associated knowledge and understanding needed to begin a career as a greenhouse technician in hydroponic vegetable production.

Landscape Maintenance Industry

The landscape maintenance sector contributes an estimated $130 million annually to the horticulture industry in BC. Employment opportunities exist with landscape maintenance and lawn care companies, school boards, municipal parks, private garden estates, and commercial property management firms.

The Horticulture Technician Certificate program responds to a need for qualified personnel in this sector by offering students the basic skills, associated knowledge, and understanding needed to begin a career as landscape maintenance technicians.

Retail Garden Centre Technician
(subject to approval)

Graduates of this program will gain knowledge in horticulture, plant identification, plant and turf care, pest management, and basic landscape materials, as well as an understanding of sales, merchandising, and customer service. This combination of skills is what employers in this industry are seeking.

In response to consumer demand, the retail nursery and garden centre industry in BC has increased yearly in size and in sophisticated marketing and merchandising strategies. Store sizes range from small grown-in-the-back family-run businesses to large, highly competitive mass merchandisers and up-scale garden store chains.Employment, although seasonal in nature, is becoming more regular year round with increased sales in Christmas items and giftware.

Content

Core Courses:

(Note: Students must take these required courses regardless of specialization chosen)

CMNS 1105 Introduction to Interactive Communication
BUSI 1204 Supervisory Skills for Technicians and Florists
HRTT 1100 Horticultural Work Experience
HRTT 1102 Botany
HRTT 1103 Basic Pest Management
HRTT 1202 Soils and Growing Media
HRTT 1206 Mechanics and Trouble Shooting

Total number of credits from core courses: 14

Specialization Courses for:

Greenhouse Vegetable Technician:

HRTT 1101 Greenhouse Environment
HRTT 1104 Vegetable Crops - Fall Activities
HRTT 1203 Greenhouse Pests
HRTT 1204 Vegetable Crops - Winter Activities
HRTT 1302 Boiler Operation in Horticulture
HRTT 1304 Vegetable Crops - Spring Activities
HRTT 1305 Ergonomics and Safety
HRTT 1306 Greenhouse Systems

Total number of credits from specialization courses: 17

Landscape Maintenance Technician:

HORT 1145 Introduction to Plant Identification
HORT 1225 Plant Identification II
HORT 1240 Arboriculture I
HORT 2313 Weeds and Weed Control
HORT 2476 Ergonomics and Safety
HRTT 1120 Landscape and Turf Operations
HRTT 1222 Landscape Maintenance & Estimating
HRTT 1331 Irrigation and Drainage Maintenance

Total number of credits from specialization courses: 18

Retail Garden Centre Technician:

*HRTT 1109 Home Garden Plant Care & Quality
*HRTT 1110 Home Garden Turf & Landscape
*HRTT 1112 Sales and Merchandising
HORT 1145 Intro to Plant Identification
HORT 1240 Arboriculture
HORT 2325 Plant Identification III

* subject to approval

Total number of credits from specialization courses: 13.5

More Information

Landscape Maintenance Industry & Retail Garden Centre graduates are eligible to enter the two - year Horticulture Technology program with advance credit. Educational entrance requirements of the Horticulture Technology program must be met prior to entering the Technology Program.