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 ?