Is your future in flowers?

With numerous national medals awarded to Fanshawe students, it goes without saying that our horticulture technician program is not only the best program of its kind in Ontario, but also in Canada.

In 2003 and 2005, students in this program won the gold medal at the National Skills Competition for landscape construction. In 2007, the horticulture team won silver at the national competition in Calgary.

Students regularly participate at different events, which include the Landscape Congress in Toronto and the Landscape Ontario Student Chapter. These talented students are even building the entrance garden at the college. Fanshawe College has signed a memorandum with Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, giving our students even wider recognition for their professional skills.

The horticultural industry is growing very quickly, and this course is preparing students for a challenging yet rewarding career. A number of related studies include plant identification, plant production, field construction, equipment maintenance, landscape materials, arboriculture (landscape construction) and much more.

During the first year, the horticulture technician program deals with theory, theory and more theory, but the second year offers allimportant field training. Generally, the second year is spent outside of the classroom, and includes plant identification, plant production, arboriculture and landscape maintenance. Students also have an opportunity to gain valuable professional work experience at their own Fanshawe Botanical Gardens, as well as the Cuddy Gardens in Strathroy. Skills Canada programs and the Canada Blooms flower and garden festival are two national opportunities which allow students to demonstrate their expertise on a national scale.

The horticulture technician program at Fanshawe College opens many doors for students upon graduation. A graduate from this course will have opportunities with different organizations including designbuild firms, golf courses, greenhouses, nurseries and much more. Moreover, he or she will be prepared to write the exam to become a certified landscape technician.

The Fanshawe College horticulture technician program is one of the best avenues for going green and preserving nature.