HortEducationBC's Mandate
Sanctioned by the provincial government’s Industry
Training Authority (ITA), HortEducationBC (HEBC) is the new industry
training organization (ITO) that will serve the ornamental horticulture
industry in BC. This new model for industry training seeks to put
into effect the best practices gleaned from other jurisdictions which
have proven that putting industry in a leadership role results in
expansion in trainee numbers and an increase in the general skill
level within the workforce.
HEBC aims to provide service to the horticulture
industry by coordinating the skill needs of employers, workers and
trainees in horticulture with training and education programs and
services delivered by training providers. By working closely with
industry HEBC seeks to improve apprenticeship programs at both the
high school and post secondary school level and extend learning through
on-the-job training resulting in increased knowledge and skills for
the current and future workforce. Having the capacity to incorporate
practical skills “certification” programs
into most institutional, apprenticeship and on-the-job training will
allow training providers to provide more authentic skills evaluation.
In other words, HEBC has the mandate to cover the full spectrum of industry
training required to run successful ornamental horticulture businesses – a
phenomenal achievement made possible because industry is playing the
lead role.
The Board & Staff
The launch of HEBC has been facilitated by the guidance
of the industry training authority (ITA) and by the work of a dedicated
board of directors.
Working under the direction of the board of directors,
acting HEBC CEO Anne Kadwell, along
with administrative assistantants, provide
staff resources to carry out the HEBC mandate. To that end, Anne would
like to hear from industry members, training providers and trainees
to discuss your questions and concerns regarding our new training model
and encourages the industry to support HEBC by sponsoring trainees
and providing mentors that can facilitate professional on-the-job training.
Bruce
McTavish, Treasurer
Kwantlen University College & McTavish Resource & Management
Consultants Ltd.
