Some of our most frequently asked questions

Absolutely. Please contact PHC at [email protected] to schedule an appointment to visit the gardens and speak with college staff.

Up to 18 students are accepted to the Level 1 program.

Please review SkilledTradesBC sponsorship information with both SkilledTradesBC and HortEducation BC. The best sponsor is your horticulture employer. If this is not available, both HortEducation BC and HCP are able to provide sponsorship options.

The age range is from 19 and upwards. The average age is early thirties. Most students are already employed in the horticulture industry, while other students have totally different backgrounds in education, service industry, graphic design, business and more.

Unfortunately, PHC does not offer any funding options for Level 1 students.

Accommodations are not available on site. Local housing options can be found on usedvictoria.com or Facebook Marketplace.

Aside from supportive college instructors and staff, PHC is unable to offer additional academic resources. It is the responsibility of the student to communicate their needs to the college staff in a timely manner and ultimately are responsible to locate any outside resources as needed (i.e. tutoring, time management skills, etc.).

Program Comparison

Landscape Horticulture Certificate Program* Level 1 Landscape Horticulturist Training Program
Program Length: 10 months, full-time Program Length: 4-5 month, part-time (two evenings per week plus most Saturdays)
Number of Hours: 1,150 (500 hours credited towards apprenticeship) Number of Hours: 180 per level
Requires a sponsor: No Requires a sponsor: Yes
Courses: core Level 1 and 2 courses plus additional courses (e.g. Landscape Design, Introduction to Food Growing, Irrigation) Courses: core Level 1 courses only
Cost: $6,340 plus application fee, textbooks, practical work gear Cost: $1,500 plus application fee, Level 1 binder, recommended textbooks, practical work gear

* Please note the Landscape Horticulture Certificate Program is not available part-time.

Refund Policy for Level 1 Landscape Horticulturist Apprenticeship Training program: 

The following refund schedule applies to the first tuition installment if the student withdraws from the program:

Notice of withdrawal*    Tuition fee refund
42 days (6 weeks) to 15 days prior to start of program 95%
14 days to 8 days prior to start of program 50%
7 days or less prior to the start of program 30%
Up to 14 days after program start date 30%
15 or more days after program start date 0%

The following refund schedule applies to the second tuition installment if the student withdraws from the program:

Notice of withdrawal*    Tuition fee refund
Up to 14 days after second tuition installment due date 30%
15 or more days after second tuition installment due date 0%

*Notice of withdrawal must be submitted in writing or by email.

Note: PHC reserves the right to cancel this program 1 week prior to the start date should there be insufficient enrolment. In this event, a full refund, including the application fee, will be provided to those who have enrolled in the program.

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