Horticultural Technician Apprenticeship

Course Code: HCAP 110

This is a thorough study of 80 to 100 ornamental plants commonly used in the landscape industry in Ontario. The student is required to learn proper nomenclature, individual and group plant characteristics, cultural requirements and potential landscape use, through studies in the classroom and in the Humber Arboretum.

Course Code: HCAP 116

Plant pest and disorder identification covering a variety of plant material categories (both woody and herbaceous), utilizing plant health-care and integrated pest management principles. Control measure selection to reflect current legislation, application methods and equipment selection, treatment preparation, equipment calibration, treatment application, equipment maintenance, materials disposal and record keeping are all integral components of this course. Upon successful completion, the students may choose to write the Ontario Provincial Pesticide Exterminator licensing examination.

Course Code: HCAP 119

This course presents basic maintenance practices required for turf grass care in Ontario. Turf grass identification, fertilizing procedures, quality monitoring and record keeping are important components. Also detailed turf mowing practices, including equipment selection, calibration and usage, are covered. Integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, according to government legal requirements will be introduced.

Course Code: HCAP 120

An introductory course in plant biology, soils and the plant-soil relationship; the structure and function of the main plant organs, the impact of environmental change on plant growth and health, the assessment of soil and soilless media quality for optimal plant growth, the determination of nutrient deficiencies and complete transplanting procedures for woody and herbaceous plants are all course components.

Course Code: HCAP 121

This practical course exposes the student to the handling and installation of modular precast concrete landscape paving and wall units, and landscape timber wall components according to pertinent safety legislation and safe workplace practices, municipal standards and codes. The selection, care and use of the required tools, materials identification and selection, sub-grade and base preparation, and installation procedures are all completed in an outdoor lab environment.

Course Code: HCAP 123

This practical course presents scheduled and non-scheduled maintenance procedures for powered equipment typically used in the landscape industry. Upon completion, students will describe and demonstrate basic scheduled, preventative and on-going maintenance procedures for powered horticultural equipment, according to respective federal, provincial and municipal legal requirements and current safety procedures.

Course Code: HCAP 126

Job site safety is the main theme throughout this course. Students are presented with the requirements of all governing legislation and regulations, including the use of all mandatory personal protection equipment. Vehicular and pedestrian traffic control, the impact of environmental extremes and emergency remedial actions are all included areas of study.

Course Code: HCAP 127

Garden and grounds maintenance procedures are the main components of this course. The on-site storage, installation and care of annuals, perennials, groundcovers and woody nursery stock are also covered in detail. The care of the required tools and equipment, and recycling/disposal methods are also included.

Course Code: HCAP 152

Basic land surveying and measuring procedures employed in the landscape industry are introduced. This includes all aspects of site interpretation, measurement and layout. Mathematic methods and calculations typically used in the industry, in both systems of measurement, are studied in detail. The use of appropriate survey and measuring equipment is practiced outdoors and in laboratory classes.

Course Code: HCAP 161

Today, proper, safe job performance depends heavily upon accurate, concise and clear job-site communications. This course helps students improve their oral, written, hand and listening communication skills so they may function more effectively as part of a job crew/team. Problem solving, personal development and taking responsibility are also topics of discussion.

Course Code: HCAP 318

This course deals with the selection, installation, operation and maintenance of irrigation systems necessary to promote vigorous and healthy plant and turf grass growth.

Course Code: HCAP 324

This course is a continuation of HCAP 121 Landscape Construction 1. This is a practical study of the uses of natural stone in the landscape industry. Also, all typical landscape applications of lumber and timber are presented along with the interpretation of the appropriate plans and specifications.

Course Code: HCAP 331

This course is a continuation of HCAP 110 Plant Identification 1, and consists of further study of landscape plants commonly used in the landscape industry in Ontario. The student is required to learn proper nomenclature, individual and group plant characteristics, cultural requirements and potential landscape use, through studies in the classroom and in the Humber Arboretum.

Course Code: HCAP 332

This course covers the installation of landscape plant materials in unique situations such as in sidewalks, planters and on roof-top gardens, including post-planting aftercare. A practical study of complete pruning procedures typically employed in the landscape industry, including the care and maintenance of pruning tools and equipment. The need for and provision of winter care is also studied.

Course Code: HCAP 333

This course is a continuation of HCAP119 Turf Management 1. Students develop a working knowledge of turf grass establishment and cultivation practices including monitoring turf grass quality, plant health care, and integrated pest management (IPM) techniques used in landscape construction (Softscape installation), and grounds/golf course maintenance operations, according to respective federal, provincial, and municipal legal requirements.

Course Code: HCAP 334

This is a practical course covering typical methods of propagation employed in the landscape nursery industry. Students receive hands-on practice in Humber's greenhouse in propagation by seeding, cuttings, grafting, layering and division.

Course Code: HCAP 335

This course covers the operation of a production nursery. The daily operational procedures necessary to meet the cultural requirements for all stages of plant development, after propagation and installation, are included.

Course Code: HCAP 336

This course deals with site layout processes for all typical landscape construction features. Environmentally sensitive site layout and drainage, including the placement and control of grading control devices and elevation change is covered in detail, along with the interpretation of pertinent plans and specifications. The use of measuring devices and surveying equipment commonly used in the industry will also be discussed.

Course Code: HCAP 337

This course covers the interpretation of all components of landscape construction plans and specifications typically found in the industry. Also, upon completion, the apprentice will be able to establish accurate quantities of materials and estimate labour and equipment time required to complete residential landscape jobs of basic to medium complexity.