On Dec. 3, 2021, Landscape Ontario hosted a Horticultural Apprenticeship Planning and Strategy Meeting to inform the advancement of the Horticultural Technician 441C Apprenticeship Program.

“The Apprenticeship Program is truly a gift, offering great benefits to both employers and workers, so why aren’t more organizations taking advantage?” asked meeting facilitator Tony DiGiovanni, Landscape Ontario Executive Director.

The apprenticeship team gained valuable intelligence from the group of enthusiastic professionals representing a wide variety of horticulture and landscape sectors that were in attendance.

The planning session also featured a panel of employer sponsors, a Journeyperson, and a new apprentice, as well as break out sessions.

“The feedback gained from this meeting affirms the importance of the Apprenticeship Program to the advancement and future growth of the industry,” noted Sally Harvey, Director of Education and Workforce Development at Landscape Ontario.

The apprenticeship team would like to thank the participants for generously sharing their time and insight and look forward to registering employers and employees this winter.

To register as apprentices or to become an employer sponsor, visit horticulturetechnician.ca.

Free information sessions are also posted at horticulturetechnician.ca/events or contact info@horticulturetechnician.ca.

Thank you to our participants!

Pictured above:

Standing (L-R): Tony DiGiovanni, Landscape Ontario; Kyle Tobin, LawnSavers Plant Health Care Inc.; Randy Tumber, Tumber International Landscape Training (T.I.L.T.); Siamack Bay, Greenbay Northern Ltd.; Nathan VanWoudenberg, CSL Group Ltd.; Liana Desmarais, Plantscape Windsor Inc.; Lindsey Ross, Living Green Landscaping; Charolette Cascioli, Nextra Consulting; Faizal Ramji, Draglam Salt; Peter Bride, Landesign Inc.; Art Vanden Enden, Sheridan Nurseries; Dan Collins, Sheridan Nurseries; Paul deGroot, NVK Nurseries; Kelly Hutchinson, Whispering Pines; Steven Morrissey, Sheridan Nurseries; Matt Robertson, Verdant Landscape and Design Inc.; Morgan Robertson, Verdant Landscape and Design Inc.; Lindsay Drake Nightingale, Yorkshire Garden Services Inc.; Sally Harvey, Landscape Ontario; Miad Marjadian, Greenbay Northern Ltd.; Sarah Rafols, Landscape Ontario; Nolan Bechtel, Landscape Ontario; Joe Salemi, Landscape Ontario.

Kneeling (L-R): Chris Clayton, Christopher Clayton Landscape Architect; Claire Viccari, Strathmore Pro; Cam Hansuld, Nutri-Lawn Mississauga; Haley Bagnato, Infinite Possibilities; Jessica Tucker, Landscape Ontario; Christy Sebastian, Landscape Ontario; Lisa Pascoe, Landscape Ontario.

Facilitator: Tony DiGiovanni, Executive Director Landscape Ontario.

Apprenticeship Panel: Liana Desmarais, Plantscape Windsor Inc.; Cam Hansuld, Nutri-Lawn Mississauga; Matt Robertson, Verdant Landscape and Design Inc.; Morgan Robertson, Verdant Landscape and Design Inc.; Claire Viccari, Strathmore Pro.

Horticultural Technician Apprenticeship Team: Sarah Rafols, Nolan Bechtel, Christy Sebastian, Jessica Tucker, Lisa Pascoe, Sally Harvey