What is Apprenticeship?

The Horticulture Apprenticeship Program links learning and employment by providing Apprentices the opportunity to continue their education, while at the same time allowing them to maintain full-time employment in the Horticulture Industry. Apprentices sign a registered agreement with an employer in the horticulture field who is committed to providing practical on-the-job training. During the Apprenticeship, students attend four six-week-long technical training periods for theoretical and practical instruction.

The first two years of the program teach general horticulture knowledge and skills. Years 3 and 4 focus on either Landscape or Nursery Production Horticulture. The curriculum used for the technical training has been developed and approved by industry. It provides relevant, up-to-date information and is based on recent technological advances in horticulture.

Upon the successful completion of the in-school training periods, the required workplace hours (6480 hours), and the Employer's confirmation of the prescribed workplace training, the apprentice is awarded a Journeyperson Horticulturalist Certification.

The Important Stuff

Apprenticeship is a good option for people who want to get out and work, but still keep their career options open and flexible. In BC, graduates of the 4 year apprenticeship program can move up the ladder even further to diploma or degree, by taking additional courses when and if they want to. No limits! No time frames!

Apprenticeship Costs

These costs are based on the present apprenticeship program being offered at Kwantlen University College. Similar costs will be set by other organizations offering apprenticeship courses.

• Application Fees: The Indentureship agreement is provided free of charge by the Apprenticeship Branch. The Kwantlen University College application fee is $40 and the re-application fee for previous Kwantlen students is $20.
  

• Tuition: The current tuition fees (Fall 2007) are $110 per week (approximately $660 per six-week session). Tuition costs are subject to change annually.

• Required Texts: The cost of the required texts for the program total approximately $1000 for the four levels. Texts purchased at the beginning of level 1 are used for levels 1 and 2. Most texts purchased prior to level 3 are used for levels 3 and 4. Note: These costs are subject to change without notice.

• Additional Costs: Students are responsible for field trip costs, CSA safety footwear, rain gear, accommodations, basic school supplies, and study materials.

• Employment Insurance Eligibility: The Horticulture Apprenticeship Program is an approved Technical Training Program. Most Apprentices are eligible to collect Employment Insurance benefits during their in-school sessions and may be eligible for additional benefits such as travel or lodging allowances. These details can be verified by contacting your local Human Resources and Skills Development Center at www.hrsdc.gc.ca.

Form Quicklinks & Additonal Information

Visit the Industry Training Authority Website to learn more about Apprenticeship, or visit the Apprenticeship Forms Page to download the most frequently requested web pages, forms and guides.