The four year apprenticeship program in landscape horticulture is a win, win proposition. Employees get six weeks of full-time schooling once a year and train with their sponsoring company for the rest of the year. Employers get decent workers for four years and governments count on new Red Seal Journeymen to earn loads of taxable income.
Lynda used to be a professional cook but after years of grinding in hot kitchens on weekends and late into evenings, she’s re-inventing herself. She has kindly agreed to answer my questions. I’m hoping the answers will help green workers considering entry into the four year apprenticeship program.
Vas: What motivated you to take year one of the apprenticeship program?
Lynda: I honestly just love plants. They are the most amazing thing to me. I was already looking at online courses that I could take from home while I was cooking. Then I decided one day that I would start looking for a job in the field of landscaping to start myself out.
When Kyler [Lawn Care Plus Inc owner-V] emailed me, wanting to set up an interview, I was so excited! Finally someone wanted to meet me! When he told me that if I kicked butt and took names, he would send me to school, I almost felt as if this could be too true to be real. I felt beyond lucky to get this job, so I made sure that kicked butt and took names, so I could really start living the dream I had started to envision for myself. I couldn’t help but think that it was some sort of destiny that made this possible to, all of a sudden, happen so fast.
V: What was the best part about year one?
L: I enjoyed Botany the most. I just found the way the plant grows, and fertilizes, and all the different functions of all the different parts of the plant was just fascinating. I think we had the most discussions in botany class. Everyone was very engaged in the lectures.
I also really enjoyed our field trip to Net Zero Waste, with Catherine Dale. It was really interesting to learn about this certain way to make compost. The tour was very informative and very interesting.
V: What was the worst part about year one?
L: The worst part for me would have been the equipment part of the course. I am not really an equipment person; I’m interested in them and want to learn more, but I would much rather be working in the beds.
I found the content of it to be sort of boring. When we were working hands on with stuff, like taking apart a lawn mower motor, was interesting. I was able to actually see what we were talking about, and point it out on the machine, which helped me learn a lot easier.
V: Is there one plant that stands out from your plant ID training?
L: Sequoiadendron giganteum – Sierra Redwood.
They are some of the largest trees out there. They are huge, and kind of have a spongy feeling bark. I find them majestic and wonderful to be around.
V: What advice would you give to someone considering the year one program?
L: Don’t plan anything. Concentrate on school, and studying. It will help you on the long run. And make sure to take breaks. I went out every Friday night just to clear my head and take a break so I would have a fresh mind for the weekend studying I would do.
Also, don’t cram. It doesn’t work.
Flashcards. They’re good too.
V: What are your future plans?
L: Eventually I would like to move to Quesnel, BC and take over my grandparent’s flower nursery. Working with plants runs in my blood. For now, I plan on staying with the company I’m with and finishing the apprenticeship.
Way to kick ass Lynda ! We all knew you had greatness in you. Keep it killer and make your boss proud!