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Landscape Ontario’s horticulture technician apprentice program breaks down barriers

Landscape Ontario’s horticulture technician/landscape horticulturist apprenticeship 441-C program is expanding opportunities for the landscape and horticulture industry by breaking barriers and supporting the diverse and growing needs of the profession.

The strategy is being done in terms of workforce and talent through apprentice training.

Since 2016, Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association (LO) has been a Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD)-approved group sponsor, supporting more apprentices and employers in the profession in registering for and accessing the horticulture technician apprenticeship 441-C program. LO received a group sponsor grant from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development in March of 2021. This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario, and LO is looking to build on the current framework and the momentum gained by developing and launching enhanced services and developing new resources.

The new grant allows job seekers and employers to access tools intended to match new workers to more employers with vacancies. There will be expanded registration support for apprentices and employers, and many new resources that includes an orientation toolkit, mentoring services, new training and completion resources for apprentices, including a digital study manual, and on-the-job training log book digital tracker to support apprentice completions and success.

Sally Harvey, director of education and workforce development at Landscape Ontario, said, “We are excited to announce that apprentices will have access to these long-awaited resources to support them in completing their journey to becoming Red Seal Landscape Horticulturists. The apprenticeship program is truly a gift to employers and the development of our future skilled workforce!  This Group Sponsor Grant is enabling LO to develop new apprentice pathway resources and services that will result in more skilled workers employed by more growing businesses, who have the capacity to serve the increased consumer demand.”

“Through this program, Landscape Ontario is helping apprentices and employers in the horticultural trades every step of the way, from orientation to on-the-job training,” Monte McNaughton, minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, said. “Our government will continue to invest in programs that train people for well-paying jobs in their communities and help businesses find the workers they need to grow our local economies for everyone.”

Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association is one of the most vibrant associations of its kind, comprised of more than 3,600 members, representing 10 sector groups and nine local chapters. Its mission is to promote and advance the landscape and horticultural industry in Ontario, and its public mission is to promote the joys and benefits of green spaces.

For more information about the association, visit: www.landscapeontario.com

The horticultural technician/landscape horticulturist apprenticeship 441-C program, is a Red Seal trade. To learn more about the program, visit: https://horticulturetechnician.ca/