It’s interesting to interview landscape horticulture apprentices because it gives us insight into the four year apprenticeship program. Prospective apprentices reading this blog post can benefit from the intelligence.
Landscape horticulture is now a Red Seal trade and the program is a win for everybody. Apprentices eventually become Red Seal Journeymen, employers get good workers for at least four years and the government produces qualified tradesmen who will earn better wages and consequently pay taxes.
Poaching third year apprentice Adam Coatta for this interview was easy. I am Adam’s supervisor at Lawn Care Plus Inc.
Vas: How is the apprenticeship set-up?
Adam: My employer sponsored me by paying the $1,250 fee and allowing me to go to school back-to-back for levels 2 and 3. Also, I got EI at 55% of my regular wages.
Each level runs for six weeks and the rest of the season is spent working in the field. In my case this means working under super-professional Red Seal Journeyman Vas Sladek.
V: What did your week look like?
A: Classes were held Monday to Friday, roughly from 8-3. Some days were longer.
I had six different instructors in my third year at Kwantlen. I had to give one presentation on root rot and we had several field sessions where we learned how to use machines.
We had weekly quizzes and weekly plant ID lists to learn. It was intense.
I had to pay for parking on campus; there is a cafeteria but it can be pricey.
V: What was the best part about year 3?
A: Pruning! I learned lots about pruning from my passionate instructor. He would have been horrified by the occasional tree pruning we do with power shears. Never use power shears on trees. Period.
V: What was the worst part about year 3?
A: My soils instructor was marginal. As a result, I struggled with soils. Furthermore, soils can be very technical. The class was full of chemistry. Having a better teacher would have helped me get through the science. Overall, soils are a critical component of landscape horticulture.
V: What advice would you give to people considering level 1 of the apprenticeship program.
A: As much as I enjoyed my year 2 program at Burnaby Continuing Education, I would recommend doing all four levels at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Langley, BC.
V: What is the plan for 2017?
A: I’m planning to get more experience in the field and then register for level four late in 2017. I have a challenging portfolio at work which will keep me busy. Luckily I get great support from my boss and my supervisor.
I will sit the Red Seal examination once I complete the fourth level .
V: Thank you, Adam. Good luck.
I enjoyed reading your blog keep up the great work
Great read and I just wanted to wish you luck in the future.
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