The horticulture industry is thriving. Advance your career and stand out with VIU’s Level 3 Landscape Horticulture Apprenticeship Program. The program consists of:
- 3 levels of technical training
- 5280 work-based training hours
- writing the Interprovincial (Red Seal) examination for journeyperson-certification. Learn more about the application process for apprenticeship technical training.
Level 1
Level 1 is covered in VIU’s Horticulture Technician certificate program. VIU does not offer Level 1 as a stand-alone program.
Level 2
Level 2 is covered in VIU’s Horticulture Technician certificate program. VIU does not offer Level 2 as a stand-alone program.
Level 3 (6 weeks)
Level 3 gives you advanced techniques through hands-on learning and is the next step in advancing to your Red Seal designation. The program includes mentorship from our experienced instructors to help you grow in the industry. It is held at the G.R. Paine Horticultural Training Centre as well as Milner Gardens and Woodlands.
In Level 3 you will master advanced skills in:
- plant health and care
- specialized horticulture practices
- hardscape installation and maintenance
- softscape installation and maintenance
- business management
Why get your Red Seal certification?
National recognition
- shows that you have reached a consistent standard and competence
- you can work in any province or territory which makes it easier to move and find jobs anywhere in the country
Personal achievement
- it’s a significant professional milestone and gives you a sense of pride in your success
- shows your dedication to keeping high standards in your career
- makes you more trusted as a professional landscape horticulturalist
Professional credibility
- helps you get advanced jobs like a school educator
- promotes high training and assessment standards which raises the overall quality in the horticulture industry
- leads to better service and happier clients
Admission Information
- successfully completed the previous apprenticeship level
- registered as an apprentice with SkilledTradesBC
- have an employer sponsor
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees include supply fees, student activity fee, student services fee and VIU Students’ Union fee.
Costs are for budgeting purposes only and will be confirmed when you register for the course.
| Apprenticeship Level | Tuition | Additional mandatory student fees | Domestic Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 | 705.18 | 122.64 | 827.82 |
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Start dates for all apprenticeship training in BC can be found on Trades Training BC. Apprenticeship training classes at Vancouver Island University fill on a first-come, first-registered basis. There are waiting lists for many trades and apprenticeship levels.
Please contact the Apprenticeship Admissions and Registration Assistant for seat availability and waitlist information:
Email: apprentice@viu.ca
Phone: 250.740.6227
An Apprenticeship Admissions and Registration Assistant can help with your questions:
- email apprentice@viu.ca
- call us at 250-740-6227.
- visit the Trades and Applied Technology office in Building 180, Room 110
- open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm
Financial help for apprentices
There is WorkBC, Employment Insurance, Canada Apprentice Loans and tax credits to help
Financial Aid & Awards
The Financial Aid & Awards office can direct you to grants, student loans and more
