Program Overview
The program is designed for students interested in a career in the greenhouse sector. This is a two-year program where the student learns through a combination of in-class lectures, laboratory work and greenhouse visits. The program is designed with two areas of specialization that students can select in their second year of study. As part of the program, the students will be responsible to complete a capstone course where they will draw from knowledge and experience gained in all courses and their placement.
This program will provide students with the knowledge necessary to work in the greenhouse sector as Greenhouse Technicians. These operations could include vertical or container farms where vegetables, flowers, fruits, microgreens and other crops are grown and harvested. Graduates are expected to find work in greenhouse production, assistant and head growers, pest management specialists, supervisors, or managers as well as opportunities in the logistics team. The graduates may be employed in Ontario’s greenhouse sector or the support services such as suppliers (fertilizers etc.), manufacturers, logistics and government positions (production technicians).
Laddering Opportunities
Although a formal pathway has not been developed yet, students coming from a degree in Biology/Life Sciences or Landscape Horticulture diploma or related field may transfer into this program.
After completing this credential, students could transfer into the Landscape Horticulture diploma program at the College or continue their studies at the university level in fields related to Biology/Life Sciences, Entomology, and Pathology.
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, mature student status.
The majority of courses at the College (C), University (U), University/College (M) or Open (O) level qualify for this program.
International Students: See Admission Policies for details.
Courses
The curriculum below is for incoming students:
Semester 3
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|
There are two streams in the third semester. The Production Stream takes Greenhouse Production IV and Greenhouse Production V. The IPM Stream takes Greenhouse Diseases and Greenhouse Pests.
Program Physical Demands Analysis
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Greenhouse Technician (Ontario College Diploma) (MTCU Code 53902)
The successful completion of this program will enable the graduate to:
- Create an optimal cultural environment by applying plant science to ensure efficient plant growth.
- Perform basic maintenance tasks related to greenhouse systems, by examining the design, structures and components of a greenhouse, in order to ensure proper operation and optimize the environment for maximized productivity.
- Prevent, diagnose, control and treat pest problems utilizing the principles of Integrated Pest Management.
- Apply the principles and regulations embedded in the environment pesticide license to all operations of the greenhouse to maintain a sustainable green and contaminant-free environment.
- Control the greenhouse environment using analogue and computerized controls to optimize conditions required for plant growth and performance.
- Prepare crop schedules for the timely production of edible crops.
- Grow various crops using greenhouse media and hydroponic systems to maximize crop production.
- Use advertising, marketing and sales strategies to promote business growth and success.
- Assist in the management of human and physical resources to optimize production costs, improve labour efficiency and reflect social responsibility.
- Communicate effectively using different modes (written, verbal, electronic) in the running of greenhouse business operations to ensure effective functioning of the team and to meet business goals.
- Collect and analyze the metrics that are necessary to adjust the factors for a successful greenhouse operation.