The Landscaping Certificate of Achievement prepares students to become good horticulturists through the understanding of site-appropriate plant selection, correct plant identification, proper maintenance and pruning techniques, and the relationship between irrigation and the soil. Students will incorporate these skills into developing sustainable and aesthetically pleasing urban spaces, parks, and commercial and residential landscapes.
Students study horticulture and soil science; plant materials; landscape design, construction, installation; pest management; irrigation design and installation; computer-aided design; and industry business practices.
The certificate prepares students for career opportunities in landscape design, construction, installation, and maintenance. Self-employment is a popular option as well as employment with city or county government agencies and water companies.
A total of 25-30 part-time and full-time students are expected to enroll with potential for annual growth. Completion rates of the certificate of achievement are expected to be five to ten per year with a potential for annual growth.
Cabrillo College is seeking approval from the Chancellor’s Office for the new Landscaping Certificate of Achievement in Career Technical Education. The horticulture program is designed to train and educate students to work in the fields of general horticulture, sustainable and organic food production, ornamental and decorative plant production agriculture and soil science, arboriculture, permaculture, greenhouse and nursery management, landscape design, landscape installation, and maintenance.
The need for the Landscaping Certificate of Achievement has been advocated for by local, regional, and national governments and consortiums and supported by current, regional labor market research (TOP 0109.10). The horticulture program is aligned with Cabrillo’s mission, master plan, and statewide community college work in Guided Pathways. Approval of this program will benefit regional employers, fulfill landscaping and agricultural needs of the local community, augment college enrollment, and support non-traditional and underserved minority students in a viable career and academic path. This program would give our students the knowledge and skills they need to work towards additional certificates or a degree and/or excel in the workforce. The goal is for certificate completers to be gainfully employed or continue with an associates degree. Working with employers to identify earning potential is promising, with potential for a starting salary of $39,000-$45,000/yr in jobs such as landscaper, groundskeeper, laborer, irrigation technician, gardener, or grounds maintenance worker.
A labor market analysis indicates there is a large labor market gap in the Bay region with 1,007 annual openings for the Landscape Design and Maintenance occupational cluster and 70 annual (3-year average) awards for an annual undersupply of 5,700 students. In the SC-Monterey Sub-Region, there is also a gap in annual job openings and few annual (3-year average) awards for an annual undersupply of 1,292 students.
22 units of required coursework in the horticulture department leading onward to a higher unit certificate of achievement and/or degree.
Course | Title | Units | Year/Semester (Y1 or S1) |
---|---|---|---|
HORT2 | Soil Science and Management | 4.00 | |
HORT58 | Irrigation Systems | 4.00 | |
HORT62 | Fall Plants | 3.00 | |
HORT63 | Spring Plants | 3.00 | |
HORT65 | CADD Design | 2.00 | |
HORT66 | Landscape Design | 3.00 | |
HORT99 | Horticulture Work Experience | 1.00 | |
HORT164 | California Native Plants | 2.00 |
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