Growing your Future
Often referred to as the “Hidden Gem of Victoria”, the Gardens at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific is an amazing nine acres of Pacific West Coast demonstration gardens situated within a 109-acre natural setting. These beautiful gardens is home to the Pacific Horticulture College (PHC). The PHC has been training landscape horticulturists for over 30 years, and is accredited by the BC Industry Training Authority as well as the Private College Training Institutions Agency of BC.
Can you imagine preparing for your new career surrounded by people who share your passion in a beautiful natural setting? The gardens are your classroom for 10 months as you learn the theory and practical skills to become a horticulturist. You’ ll learn from expert instructors who provide extensive hands-on training and knowledge to prepare you for a successful career in landscape horticulture. Your class will consist of a small number of students from varying backgrounds and locations, but you’ll share an enthusiasm for plant care and working outdoors. Together, you’ll accomplish projects around the gardens and practice maintenance techniques that you can use in your new career.
This 10-month foundation program includes a range of horticulture topics including soil science, botany, pest management, propagation, plant identification, and landscape design to more niche topics like fruit and vegetable growing and permaculture.To enhance your learning, courses are entwined withjob placementsunique field and trips, hands-ontwo one-weekgarden projects, providing a well-rounded horticulture education where you will get the basics while finding your niche. There are many directions you can take your horticulture education from PHC, including working for a municipality, golf course, landscaping company, or greenhouse, or even starting your own small landscaping business.You can also advance through the apprenticeship levels 3 and 4, and take the national Red Seal exam.At the PHC you will blossom, growing your future toward a rewarding career. PHC’s full-time Landscape Horticulture Certificate Program runs from January to November.The application deadline is October 15, 2016. Contact college adm in@hcp. ca or 250-479-3210 for more information about the program, or check out more details on the website (hcp.ca). Come to the Information Session on Sept. 19, 2016 at 505 Quayle Road. Learn about what the College has to offer and take an informative stroll through the gardens and facilities.
“I don’t think you will find an educational facility that will give you more hands-on experience than PHC.You not only get the academic instruction needed to be successful, you also get the hands on training that will get you better prepared to enter the job market.”