The Landscaping Technology/Horticulture program

is a Chapter 74 approved program aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Education Vocational Technical Education Frameworks – Agriculture and Natural Resources Cluster – Horticulture that offers a comprehensive competency-based course that explores career areas in landscape maintenance, construction and design, greenhouse production, nursery production, floriculture, and retail garden center operation. The program emphasizes knowledge of plant science as a foundation to all career areas. Students learn while using equipment and materials that represent industry standards. Project-based learning activities, residential landscaping projects, greenhouse sales, and floral projects provide experiences for students to reinforce, and practice skills and knowledge learned in the classroom setting.

The classroom environment is geared towards preparing students for the world of work with respect to a sound work ethic, attitude, professionalism, and teamwork. Leadership and personal development skills are promoted through involvement in the FFA (Future Farmers of America) Student Organization.

Course Objectives:

Using industry standards, students will learn the following competencies:

Integrate academics through project-based learning
Create a portfolio
Recognize career pathway opportunities
Interact safely in a shop environment
Incorporate the use of industry standard technology and software
Read, understand, and communicate in the language of the field
Organize and research information
Develop a professional appearance, exemplary work ethic and superior communication skills
Demonstrate customer service & sales skills and process method of sales transaction
Use resources for research & problem solving
Demonstrate teamwork, customer service & sales skills
Safely operate and maintain tools & equipment
Identify types of plants used in the industry
Design, construct, and maintain landscapes
Grow and care for greenhouse crops
Prepare basic floriculture products

Certifications/Licenses:

BLS CPR w/AED
Heartsaver First Aid
OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry
TCIA Chipper Safety Certification
TCIA Ground Crew Certification
TCIA Chainsaw Operator Certification
Massachusetts Pesticide Applicators Core License
Massachusetts Hoisting License 2a/1c
ICPI Certified Concrete Paver Installer Certification

Looking toward the future:

Take a look around you. Your environment is enhanced by maintained lawns and grounds, gardens, majestic trees, and natural settings. However, nature needs quite a bit of help to maintain and/or create beautiful settings and serene landscapes. The field of landscaping technology and horticulture goes far beyond the lawnmower. Landscapers perform a variety of tasks necessary to achieve a pleasant and functional environment. There is an increase in career opportunities for those in occupations that support the expanding interest in the quality of our global environment. Specialists in areas such as landscape architecture, forestry, agriculture, plant sciences, conservation, and natural resources are in high demand and often work for or with Federal, state, and local governments, extension programs, research facilities, and colleges and universities.

Students successfully completing the Landscaping Technology/Horticulture program have the option of securing gainful employment, continuing formal studies at the post-secondary level, or pursuing a combination of both.

Post-Secondary Options:

Anna Maria College
Green Mountain College
Hampshire College
Johnson State College, VT
Lyndon State College, VT
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Merrimack College
Mitchell College

Mount Wachusett Community College
Springfield Technical Community College
SUNY Cobleskill
SUNY Delhi College of Agriculture
University of Connecticut
University of Mass. College of Natural Resources

University of Mass. Stockbridge School
University of Maine
University of Vermont
University of New Hampshire University of Rhode Island
Vermont Technical College
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Westfield State College

Career Opportunities:

Entry level Jobs – High School Diploma – On-the-Job Training/Apprenticeship

Christmas Tree Grader
Environmental Conservationist
Florist

Garden Center/ Nursery Laborer
Greenhouse Laborer
landscaper/Groundskeeper

Pest Control
Quality Assurance Specialist
Weed Specialist

Skilled Jobs – Technical/Community College/ Associates Degree or Certificate

Floral Designer
Garden Center Supervisor
Greenhouse Manager

Greenskeeper
Hydroponics Grower
Landscape Contractor

Nursery Operator
Orchard Supervisor
Quality Control Supervisor

Professional Careers – BS / MS Degree/Graduate Studies

Agriculturalist
Agricultural/Food Scientist
Agronomist
Arborist/Tree Surgeon
Botanist
Dendrologist
Environmental Scientist/Hydrologist

Forester
Golf Course Superintendent Horticulturist
Landscape Architect
Naturalist
Plant Cytologist
Plant Ecologist

Plant Pathologist
Plant Physiologist
Plant Scientist
Plant Taxonomist
Purchasing Manager
Sales Representative
Turf Manager

Instructors