Description of Program

The Horticulture Technician Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program for Women prepares women who have a keen interest in the skilled trades for employment in the landscape sector. Typical jobs in this industry include landscape construction, grounds and golf course maintenance, parks operations and gardens care.

Number of Workshops and Events

• Self-Confidence & Efficacy

• Careers in Horticulture and Landscaping

• Job Search & Branding Yourself

• Visited Humber College: delivered safety equipment, training manuals in person to students

• Resume' & Cover Letter

• Workplace Readiness: Health & Safety

• Urban Agriculture & Edible plants

• Self-Care

• Interviewing with confidence & Negotiating salary

• Low Impact Development & Native Plants

• Laws & Practices Governing the Workplace

• Job Fair

• Apprenticeship Pathway

• Fundamentals of Horticulture Therapy

• Workplace culture that attracts, retains and promotes women.

• Training Standards (Manual)

• Money Management & Budgeting

• Arborist Training

• CPR/First Aid/ Lifesaver 101 Training

• Mentoring event

• The City: Informational Session in preparation for the Job Fair

Client Testimonials

Student: Claire Viccari

I am so happy to have found out about the women's pre apprenticeship program. Last summer I attended an online lecture about racial bias in the workplace that was facilitated by Skills For Change. After interacting with their social media profiles a post popped up on my feed for an info session about the women's pre-app program which I forwarded to a friend who I thought would be interested in it. Following up with this friend a week later revealed she did not open the link, but I got curious. After reading through the information I thought it sounded like a great opportunity and attended a session. Everything moved quickly after that, I decided to apply and was accepted! I had been struggling to figure out a career move for a few years and with the sudden, drastic changes of the last year it forced me to consider what I wanted my work to look like and more importantly what I wanted my work to align with. I wanted to work outside, be more mobile but still interact with people and work as part of a team. I also wanted to position myself in a field that helps me to create a greener, more sustainable and more enjoyable future for myself and my community. This program has opened the door for that and working in landscaping this summer has been exactly what I was hoping for. This opportunity has also helped me look farther forward in my working career and I am exploring the possibility of pursuing an ecological restoration diploma. The women's horticultural technician pre-apprenticeship is an excellent springboard for this. I'm so grateful for the chance to be involved with something like this, and am grateful for all the help SKills For Change ( especially from Tania Lewis!) provided.

Student: Patricia Metivier,

After completing my Pre-Apprenticeship training for women in the trade of Horticulture Technician in December 2021, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to participate in such a wonderful program. From the very first information session I was excited to learn that this type of skills-based education in this field even existed for women. I was impressed by the good fortune of being given the academic instruction, tools and supplies and experience to begin my career in this sector. Without this program, I am certain that I would have never been able to pursue this career using my own resources. Tania, you were very professional and worked tirelessly in facilitating my pursuit. You consistently answered all of my questions in an upmost timely manner and frequently “checked in '' with me to see how I was making out. You always provided encouragement and helpful feedback. Our Skills for Change Monday afternoon workshops were informative and engaging. Through your guidance (as well as Terrie Greco’s), I was able to secure a great placement with a Landscape Ontario member company, Groundhog Landscaping Ltd, where I experienced excellent hands-on experience with patient and knowledgeable owners as well as a cohesive team. Our instructors were also outstanding. All of our teachers cared about our progress and mentored us in so many ways well beyond the curriculum. In particular, Paul Ronan and his assistant, Tom, gave us the confidence to complete so many projects with skill and precision. They really pushed us to be our very best. Paul and Tom truly changed our mindsets allowing us to become skilled workers in many areas of this industry. Every single one of my classmates would agree that we flourished under their tutelage. I have many videos and pictures to give you a sense of what a positive experience this was for all of us. (I have received permission from all of those featured). The other instructors were also extremely effective through their great lessons and resources and by adding interesting personal experiences to all of our courses. This unique women only learning environment provided me with an extraordinary opportunity to prepare myself to take the next steps in my career. I continue to work for my placement employer and know that this is only the beginning. I would like to thank you for your hard work in making this a reality for myself as well as my classmates. I truly hope that this Horticultural Technician Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Women continues in the future so that it can offer the same great benefits

Key Successes/Outcomes

14 women completed level 1 and can pursue apprenticeship

Over enrolled 3 extra applicants

Funders for the Program

Sponsors and Community Partners