NATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION

The Official Residences of Canada

Connecting Educators – Landscape Ontario

October 22nd 2013

“Mighty Oaks from little acorns grow” Learning the horticulture trade from the ground up

THE OFFICIAL RESIDENCES

National Capital Region

THE OFFICIAL RESIDENCES

National Capital Commission

Rideau Hall 24 Sussex The Farm

7 Rideau Gate Harrington Lake Stornoway

So how does the UK horticultural industry support work place education and training?

• Colleges and Universities

• National Proficiency Testing Council

• City and Guilds Examinations Board

• Royal Horticultural Society and Royal Botanic Gardens

• Arboricultural Association UK / ISA U.K. and Ireland

• The National Trust

• LANTRA

• Royal Parks of London

• Sports turf Institute

• The Forestry Commission

UK Apprenticeship

• An Apprenticeship is a scheme that lets you learn on the job. You learn

first hand, the skills you need to progress in your chosen career while

supporting your training with classroom modules

• Contrary to what you may think, learners of any age can become

apprentices.

• Apprentices earn on average over £100,000 more throughout their lifetime

then other employees

• Last year there were half a million apprentices in England

• All the training is paid for and Apprentices will earn a wage - average

around £170 per week

• Apprenticeships typically come in 2 levels and can take between 1 and 4

years to complete depending on the Apprenticeship.

• There are 12 Apprenticeships in the land-based and environmental sector -

from animals to the environment and farming to sports turf.

• ( * courtesy of Lantra website )

#OfficeVHortiCulture; who is happiest going into

work on the most miserable day of the year?

The City & Guilds research found that 80% of florists and

gardeners feel recognised and appreciated, 89% feel their

work is worthwhile and useful and 87% are happy in their

careers.

Yet a survey* commissioned by the RHS of 1,000 adults

found that 70% of adults didn’t have horticulture

highlighted to them as an opportunity when leaving

education and nearly 80% of under-25-year-olds are not

interested in a career in horticulture.

Our NCC Student Gardeners…

Summer work is dedicated to:

• Providing safe and clean public spaces, so time spent by

visitors in our areas can be enjoyed by all

• Maintaining scenic landscapes for tourists, guests

attending special events, and VIP’s

• Keeping lawns and garden lush and in good order, by

using strict time management, hard work, and dedication

• Interact with curious guests & visitors

.....have a unique work experience

So how does the Canadian horticultural industry compare?

• Horticulture and related industries, Estimated at 66,000 Full time

Ontario and 110,00 in Canada

• Landscape Ontario – Training , certification and industry supporting

programs

• Universities and Colleges - with innovative programs allowing

apprentices with possibly working their way up to a degree

• Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities

• Red Seal Program for Apprentices

• International Society of Arboriculture , Ontario Chapter , certification

• Canadian Nursery and Landscape Association - Training and industry

support throughout Canada

• “For two winters I attended in class training with the University

of Guelph at the Kemptville Campus, and cannot express enough

thanks to the dedicated teachers and staff .

• I left school last March with some great local Horticultural

contacts, with an incredible breadth of knowledge and some great

friends from all over the province”

• “This past August I completed the final exam through the

recently established College of Trades, achieving my certification

as a Red Seal Horticultural Technician. Currently in my fifth

year working with the NCC, now as a Junior Gardener, I am

actively working with all aspects of the Official Residences using

my Floral, Greenhouse Tech, and Horticultural Training.”

Websites

• http: //www.canadascapital.ca

• http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Types-of-

Apprenticeships/Agriculture-Horticulture-and-Animal-

Care.aspx

• http://www.growcareers.info/ask/

• http://www.rhs.org.uk/Courses/Careers

• http://www.lantra.co.uk/Standards-and-

Qualifications/Apprenticeships/All-About-

Apprenticeships-(1).aspx

• http://www.royalparks.org.uk/be-involved/the-royal-parks-

apprenticeship-scheme/meet-a-royal-parks-apprentice

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQaTiJ3m-9g

(Kemptville College Video)

Thank you for listening - Any questions ?