Horticulture Technician (Co-op)
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Program Overview
Are you interested in a career that will take you outside and connect you with the earth we live in and protect? Fanshawe’s two-year Horticulture Technician diploma program will give you the practical skills and knowledge for a career nurturing the natural world around us.
Get hands-on practical and technical experience in this exceptional program through national events and associations, our exclusive student-run greenhouse, and two working co-op semesters.
Program Details
Program Code
HTN1
Credential:
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
60 weeks
Canadian Students
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2026 September
London
Open
2025 September
London
Closed
International Students
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2026 September
London
Open
2025 September
London
Closed
Your Learning Experience
Learn how to build and maintain landscapes, gardens and outdoor spaces. Study arboriculture, landscape design, plant identification, plant production and business management. This program offers a unique emphasis on the practical aspects of horticulture, where you will gain work experiences during two co-op work terms and the on-campus greenhouse designed exclusively for students.
The Horticulture Technician program is well-respected and supported in the industry. Field trips, industry events, and partnerships with top companies allow students access to real-life learning and distinctive experiences. You’ll also have professional opportunities such as attending Landscape Congress in Toronto and building the ‘Live Stage’. This three-day signature event allows students to showcase their skills and bond with teachers and classmates, while attending Canada’s premier green industry event.
The Horticulture Technician diploma program develops students’ academic and practical skill level which allows them to easily match a growing need in the green profession. Career and networking events are ongoing throughout the program. These include job fairs, hiring parties, and networking/mentoring through student membership to Landscape Ontario, and access to industry associations like Women in Landscaping. Fanshawe College supports student success through an imbedded co-op course and our Career Services office. All of your professors are active members of industry and experts in their field of study. Their industry knowledge and connections are leveraged to provide hiring/career opportunities for all students.
The Horticulture/Landscape industry is experiencing a labour shortage in Ontario. A vast range of jobs and career paths are available, and all graduates can be fully employed in their field.
The program is a well-rounded mix of academics and practical learning. The first year of study is approximately 50% academic-centred, while the emphasis in the second year is hands-on practical training. Approximately 75% of the scheduled class time in the senior year is spent outside of the classroom in courses such as Landscape Construction, Greenhouse Plant Production, Arboriculture and Garden and Landscape Maintenance. Students and faculty participate in practical lab sessions while maintaining and redeveloping the grounds of the campus in real-time situations. The Fanshawe College campus is a registered Botanic Garden with 1000’s of common and rare plant specimens. Students will have opportunities to obtain industry certifications including Ontario Pesticide Certification, Greenius safety training, chainsaw safety certification, and First Aid/CPR training.
The Program maintains active industry partnerships with lawn and garden equipment suppliers, greenhouse service suppliers, landscape suppliers and services. We also partner with professional associations such as Landscape Ontario, Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, Botanic Gardens Conservation International, and Skilled Trades Ontario. Student access to awards, scholarships, bursaries, and funding are available through multiple sources. The program is connected with the Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative.
*Many practical labs in the program occur outdoors in all weather and require lifting, bending, climbing and other physical work.
Co-op Opportunities & Career Information
The Horticulture Technician program offers a Cooperative education component, which provides students the opportunity to gain invaluable first-hand workplace experience within their chosen field. Here are some co-op jobs that have kick-started the careers of some Horticulture Technician students before even graduating!
Career Information
Fanshawe's Horticulture Technician program is held in high regard throughout the industry. Demand for graduates of the program is elevated across all facets of the industry including landscape and garden construction and maintenance, plant production in greenhouses and nurseries, golf course maintenance, arboriculture and garden centre and horticulture sales. Some graduates work in emerging fields like Horticulture Therapy and Cannabis Production. Many graduates move forward to become managers, entrepreneurs and business owners.
Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario?
Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of the Horticulture Technician program.
Greenhouse/Nursery/Garden Centre
Assist with greenhouse and nursery operations related to care and maintenance of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials. Retail and wholesale ordering and sales.
Property Maintenance
Maintain lawn and garden landscapes by operating push and riding mowers, trimmers and blowers, mulching, planting, etc.
Landscape Construction
Assist with the design, installation and maintenance of high-end residential projects including natural stone work, deck and wood construction, landscape plantings, concrete & interlocking paver work, and tree planting. Operate compact equipment: skid steers, mini-excavators, loaders, tractors, and trucks/trailers.
Arboriculture & Tree Health Care
Trim, prune and maintain trees in various stages of life. Operate chainsaws, chippers, mini loaders. Plant health care including deep root fertilization and pesticide applications.
Golf Course Maintenance & Operations
Maintain greens and fairways, inspect/repair irrigation systems, maintain gardens, trees, shrubs. Apply pesticides.
Irrigation/Lighting Installation & Maintenance
Install and maintain residential and commercial irrigation systems. Design and install/maintain outdoor lighting systems.
For more information regarding co-op, please check out our co-op site or contact the Co-op Office at coop@fanshawec.ca to connect with a consultant.
Program Progression
Fall intake only
| Fall | Winter | Summer | |
| Year 1 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Work Term 1 |
| Year 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Work Term 2 |
This program is accredited by Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Learning Canada. This accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for co-operative education programs in Canada, and recognizes Fanshawe's commitment to excellence.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
- Prepare soil according to the type of plants, how they interact in a variety of environments, and the maintenance required to ensure the viability of crops.
- Perform maintenance of plant species utilizing economic, social, and environmental horticulture practices.
- Participate in the design, preparation, planting, and maintenance of horticultural displays that meet the project needs.
- Perform installations and constructions according to the horticultural setting and goal.
- Implement proactive and restorative maintenance procedures for plants, property, landscapes, and equipment.
- Identify plants and plant care requirements for a variety of settings and purposes.
- Recognize the potential environmental impacts of projects to prevent environmental damage, promote and maintain healthy interconnected ecosystems.
- Prepare an Integrated Pest Management plan to prevent, monitor and control insect infestation or disease found on the plants.
- Contribute to the effective planning, implementation, and conclusion of horticultural projects and crop production.
- Adhere to Occupational Health and Safety Act and the regulations that apply to this work.
- Manage inventory to ensure products and services are available to meet operational needs.
- Act in a professional manner, maintain professional relationships, and communicate effectively with clients, co-workers, supervisors, and others.
- Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance and career opportunities, and to keep pace with industry changes.
- Act with respect for and reflect on Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing as they relate to horticulture.
Academic School
Program Coordinator:
Matt Hart
Join Us for Open House
Find out if Fanshawe is the right fit for you at Open House. Explore Fanshawe's campuses, meet faculty and current students, and ask your questions about starting college.
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant.
Students who do not have a high school diploma may wish to consider taking the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) grade 12 Equivalency Certificate.
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English by one of the following methods:
- A Grade 12 College Stream or University Stream English credit from an Ontario Secondary School, or equivalent, depending on the program's Admission Requirements
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test with a minimum score of 79 for the Internet-based test (iBT), with test results within the last two years
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test with an overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two years. SDS Program Requirements.
- Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) test with an overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two years
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with a minimum score of 53, with test results within the last two years
- A Cambridge English Test (FCE/CAE/CPE) with an overall score on the Cambridge English Scale of 169 with no language skill less than 162, with test results within the last two years
- An English Language Evaluation (ELE) at Fanshawe College with a minimum score of 70% in all sections of the test, with test results within the last two years
- Fanshawe College ESL4/GAP5 students: Minimum grade of 80% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 8, 75% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 9, or 70% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 10
Recommended Academic Preparation
Recommended Academic Preparation
- Any Grade 11 or Grade 12 Geography (C), (U), or (M)
- Grade 11 Visual Arts (M) or (O) OR Grade 12 Visual Arts (M)
- Grade 11 or Grade 12 Construction Engineering Technology (C)
- Grade 11 or Grade 12 Biology (C) or (U)
- Grade 12 Business and Technological Communication (O)
- Grade 12 Foundations for College Mathematics (C)
- Computer Skills
- Any Horticulture courses
Important - Class 'G' Driver's Licence:
Students entering the 2nd year of the Horticulture Technician
program must be in possession of an Ontario 'G' or 'G2' Driver's
Licence. If a student's driver's licence is suspended at any time
during the program, the student is responsible for notifying the
Program Coordinator immediately. Loss of a driver's licence may
result in delayed progression or inability to complete the program.
Failure to notify the Program Coordinator of the suspended licence
may result in dismissal from the program.
Recommended Personal Preparation
Recommended Personal Preparation
- Industry exposure
Applicant Selection Criteria
Applicant Selection Criteria
Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:- Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
- Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)
- Achievement in the Admission Requirements
Post-Admission Requirements
Post-Admission Requirements
Important - Class 'G' Driver's Licence:
Students entering the 2nd year of the Horticulture Technician
program must be in possession of an Ontario 'G' or 'G2' Driver's
Licence. If a student's driver's licence is suspended at any time
during the program, the student is responsible for notifying the
Program Coordinator immediately. Loss of a driver's licence may
result in delayed progression or inability to complete the program.
Failure to notify the Program Coordinator of the suspended licence
may result in dismissal from the program.
Courses
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| WRIT-1036 | Reason & Writing 1-Art & Design | 3 | ||
| This course introduces students to essential principles of reading, writing, and reasoning at the postsecondary level. Students will identify, summarize, analyze, and evaluate multiple short readings and write persuasive response essays to develop their vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking. | ||||
| LAND-1027 | Landscape & Garden Design | 4 | ||
| This course is designed to provide the student, through a series of projects, the design principles and practical skills necessary to develop a landscape plan. The student will be introduced to the process of assessing a site to determine the various elements that will impact on the development of an effective landscape solution, as well as learn basic drafting and technical skills. Surveying techniques and measuring tools will be used to inventory existing site conditions. | ||||
| MTNC-1031 | Landscape Maintenance 1 | 3 | ||
| Landscape and garden maintenance is a very profitable and often under utilized section of the landscape industry. This course offers an orientation to tools and equipment used in landscape maintenance and examines safety in the workplace of landscape/horticulture. Students will begin exploring practical, hands-on landscape maintenance principles to prepare for more specific training in future classes. | ||||
| HORT-1072 | Horticulture & Soils | 3 | ||
| A foundation course in horticulture in which the basics of plant anatomy, plant physiology, plant propagation, plant growth and production will be studied. In addition, students will develop an understanding of the proper management and sustainable conservation of soils and various media that constitute the root environment essential for the successful cultivation of plants. | ||||
| HORT-1075 | Botanical Garden | 3 | ||
| Students will learn the history of botanical gardens and their importance in conserving and documenting diverse plant species. Students will learn specific record keeping techniques while they explore the Fanshawe College Botanical Gardens. Fanshawe College Botanical Gardens is a living library with an internationally recognized plant collection. The Botanical Gardens are home to over 4,000 plant species. Located at the Oxford St Campus in London and The Mac Cuddy Botanic Garden in Strathroy, Ontario, these unique gardens are part of Botanic Gardens Conservation International and maintain associations with botanic gardens across the globe. | ||||
| HORT-1071 | Woody Deciduous Plant Identification | 3 | ||
| This course will provide the student with an introduction to plant naming systems and taxonomy as an aid in plant identification. Through woody plant walks, plants will be viewed and studied on site, either in a cultured or natural environment. At the conclusion of the course the learner will be able to identify and give basic cultural information on over 150 hardy deciduous trees, shrubs and vines for a USDA Zone 5 landscape. | ||||
| COOP-1020 | Co-operative Education Employment Prep | 1 | ||
| This workshop will provide an overview of the Co-operative Education consultants and students' roles and responsibilities as well as the Co-operative Education Policy. It will provide students with employment preparatory skills specifically related to co-operative education work assignments and will prepare students for their work term. | ||||
Tuition Summary
London
[1] Total program costs are approximate and subject to change. They do not include additional fees such as the health and dental plan, bus pass, or general expenses. Learn more about ancillary and additional fees.