Grow Your Career
OBY LAURA BIGGS, COLLEGE DIRECTOR ften referred to as the“Hidden Gem of Victoria”,the Gardens at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP) boasts nine acres of diverse West Coast demonstration gardens. Nestled in this unique setting is the Pacific Horticulture College (PHC),an institution that has been training landscape horticulturists for 31 years. Established in 1987,the PHC offers full-time and part-time training opportunities in all four levels of the Landscape Horticulturist Apprentice ship. PH C is an Industry Training Authority (ITA) designated training provider.The mission of the PHC is to provide excellence in horticulture training, enabling students to maximize employment opportunities while encouraging environmental stewardship of green space.
Imagine exploring horticulture throughout the growing season in a dynamic learning environment, surrounded by staff, volunteers, industry partners and peers who share your passion for plants.At PHC,you are part of a small group of like-minded students from varying backgrounds and locations, learning about theoretical and practical elements of horticulture from experienced instructors. Together, you accomplish projects and practice maintenance techniques throughout the gardens, building your skill set,knowledge base and confidence along the way.
Courses at PHC encompass a wide range of horticulture topics, including soil science,botany, pest management, plant identification, landscape design, turf grass management, irrigation, per ma culture, and sustainable food production. Courses are supplemented by guest speakers, field trips and work experience placements, thereby creating a well-rounded learning experience while providing opportunities for networking within the gardening community. PHC graduates are employed by landscaping companies, nurseries, garden centres, golf courses and municipalities. Many PHC graduates go on to start their own horticulture business.
Grow your career in 10 months:the next full-time Landscape Horticulture Certificate Program runs from January to November 2019.Application deadline is Nov.1,2018. There are also Level 3 and 4 Apprenticeship programs starting this November, and part-time Level 1 and 2 Apprenticeship programs starting in early 2019.
Contact: collegeadmin@hcp.ca or: 250-479-3210 hcp.ca
Our next information session will be held on on Monday Sept. 24 at 6 p.m., 505 Quayle Rd.