Equipment Certification
During the intensive orientation program, the first year students receive training on the safe operation and use of equipment used at the Botanical Gardens. Under supervision, each student is required to successfully complete proficiency standards on general equipment and the required number of practical proficiency hours and testing on large equipment, before receiving certification. By law, this program is mandatory.
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS) Training
Each year every student attends a WHMIS training workshop to increase their understanding and awareness of the WHMIS-controlled products they may work with or around during the program.
First Aid Training
Students must have a valid first aid/C.P.R. certification for the duration of the Program. Students who do not have certification will take a 1-day first aid training session during orientation, at a cost outlined in FEES AND DEPOSITS in this Prospectus.
“The Art and Culture of Customer Service” and “Wonders” Training
These two programs have been developed and are delivered by The Niagara Parks Commission. During orientation first year students will receive an information session on The Niagara Parks Commission and working with the public. On a daily basis, students will be interacting with the general public, fellow students and staff. This program will enhance their public relations skills and prepare them to present a well-informed professional image.
Other Horticultural Experiences
The students are given the opportunity to take one conference day each year to attend a horticulturally related seminar, symposium or conference. School trips for the entire student group, to such horticultural events as Landscape Ontario Congress or Canada Blooms for example, are in addition to the one conference day, at the discretion of the Superintendents. On occasion the School is invited to participate in these events and others such as the award winning “Canadian Garden” at Japan Flora, Japan, in 2000.
The students will be involved in these endeavours at the discretion of the Senior Director of Parks and the Botanical Gardens Superintendent. Students may be asked, or given the opportunity, to volunteer to conduct tours of the School and the Botanical Gardens to prospective students or horticultural groups. As speaking opportunities arise from garden interest groups, students will be asked to volunteer as a guest speaker, as appropriate. The School has successfully participated in the Mid-Atlantic Horticulture/Landscape Field Day over the last few years. It is a horticulture competition for universities and colleges testing the students’ skills in: landscape design, construction and cost estimation; arboriculture climbing skills and pruning; identification of insects, diseases and herbaceous, woody and tropical plants; botany; equipment handling and patio construction, just to name a few. This competition is held in the spring and is open to second, third and graduating students.
