Online Application for GROW

 PLEASE NOTE:

We are giving our garden of learning a short rest and preparing for the soil of new growth. Fresh training sessions will spout in January 2026.

Instructions:

This application is designed to help you learn about the program and decide if it's right for you.

Take your time: 
Click SAVE at the bottom of any page to save your progress and continue later.

Read carefully: 
Throughout the application, we provide information about the program and the landscape and horticulture profession. 
At the end of the application, you may include your questions in the space provided or save your application and contact us directly at grow@landscapeontario.com.

Answer honestly: 
Remember, there's no previous experience required for this program, so there are no wrong answers. 
Questions are designed to help you reflect on how GROW and the industry align with your expectations. Your answers help you decide if GROW is right for you.

Do what's right for you: 
If you decide that GROW isn't right for you, just close the tab or return to our home page. If you change your mind, you are always welcome to come back and restart your application. 

Ready? Let's get started! 
Scroll down to begin

We're here to help: Save your application and contact us directly at: grow@landscapeontario.com

Contact Information

You will only be contacted for the purposes of this application. You will not be added to the regular GROW mailing list.

*By selecting a contact method, you consent to be contacted by Landscape Ontario and its program partners through that method for communication related to your application and participation in the program. Standard message and data rates may apply.

Program Description

In the box below, please read the program description and verify your understanding.

Please note: You must scroll through the entire description before you can click the verification box.

Click NEXT to proceed. Click SAVE to continue later.

Program Eligibility

Click NEXT to proceed. Click SAVE to continue later.

Additional Information: Work Visa/Permit 

To help us serve you better, please provide additional information about your work visa/permit.

If you are unsure of your work status, please provide details in the space below and a GROW representative work with you to confirm your eligibility. 

If you have any questions click SAVE and send us an email at: grow@landscapeontario.com

Click NEXT to proceed. Click SAVE to continue later.

Program Eligibility

Click NEXT to proceed. Click SAVE to continue later.

Program Eligibility

Click NEXT to proceed. Click SAVE to continue later.

Additional Information: Employment Goals

If you're unsure or face barriers to employment, we're here to help! Please provide details of your situation and we will review your concerns during your intake interview. 

If you made your selection by mistake click the BACK button below.

Have questions about the program? Click SAVE and send us an email: grow@landscapeontario.com

Otherwise, click NEXT to proceed with your application. 

Program Suitability

The following pages contain information about GROW and the landscape and horticulture profession. For each section, please remember to: 

• Take your time
• Read carefully
• Answer honestly
• Do what's right for you

If you decide that GROW isn't right for you, just close the tab or return to our home page. If you change your mind, you are always welcome to come back and restart your application. 

When you're ready, scroll down to begin

We're here to help: Save your application and contact us directly at: grow@landscapeontario.com

Representing over 100,000 workers and over 3000 companies across Ontario, Landscape Ontario is  North America’s largest association of industry professionals.

Today, demand for skilled workers in landscape and horticulture is higher than ever. Too few workers often means companies have to turn down work.

So, Landscape Ontario created GROW Training for New Workers to increase the workforce by preparing new workers for in-demand jobs across the province. 

Here's what you need to know about GROW: 

GROW is FREE.

All training and support are fully-funded.

GROW is an Employment Ontario program funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.That’s how we can offer GROW's professional training and support completely free of charge.

*GROW is not a paid training program. Participation in the program does not guarantee subsequent employment* 

No Experience Required.

GROW is designed for workers new to landscape and horticulture. That means there’s no previous experience required.

You'll gain valuable experience as you learn in real-world conditions working with current industry professionals. With small class sizes, GROW's professional instructors can provide hands-on support when and where you need it.  

GROW gets you working!

By combining professional training with Landscape Ontario’s powerful professional network, most program graduates start their careers right after graduation.

Employers love to hire GROW graduates because GROW focuses on the skills and knowledge new workers need to become a positive part of their team right away. 

Up next: GROW Training for New Workers
Click SAVE to continue later.

Below, please tell us about your current availability for training. We're here to help. This information will help us suggest the best training pathway for you. 

 

Up next: GROW Training for New Workers
Click SAVE to continue later.

Up next: On-Site Training
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During your on-site training, you'll gain valuable hands-on experience working in real-world conditions. Instructors will help you learn the safest and most effective way to use some of the industry's most common tools and equipment.

But remember, The GROW Program is designed for workers new to landscape and horticulture. That means there's no experience required. Instructors will work with you to build your confidence and your skills to safely operate these tools on the job site when you graduate. You’ll be surprised of what you can accomplish!

 

Transportation

Many landscape and horticulture careers involve working from various job sites. Job-site transportation depends on the employer and the area where you work. In the question below, please tell us more about your access to transportation.

Training Commute

Your GROW training includes in-person training from designated locations around the province. 

Please tell us about your ability and willingness to travel for these training sessions.

Many participants are willing to travel a longer distance because it's only for a short period of time.

Reflect on your access to transportation and availability and decide what is the longest you'd be willing to travel each day for training.  

Getting to your On-site Training

Access to public transit varies by training location. 

GROW may provide shuttle service to and from a designated location. Shuttles are allocated based on need and are not available for all training dates and locations. 

GROW staff can provide additional information about shuttle availability in your intake interview. 

On-site Training Locations

Based on the information provided above, tell us where you can attend on-site training.

Please note: Training sites and dates are pending. All locations are subject to change. Your answers are used as a guideline. When we review your application with you, you'll be able to select the location that works best for you. 

 

Where are you available to attend on-site training?

Tell us about your access to transportation (Select all that apply)

Your answers are used as a guideline. All shuttle service is subject to availability. 

Work Commute

Calculating the distance and travel time of your daily commute is important before starting any job. You need to consider any factors that may affect your actual travel time (weather conditions, traffic congestion, public transit, construction). 

As landscape and horticulture professionals, you'll also need to consider factors like the size and location of the company's service area, travel between job sites, and the type of work you'll be doing each day.  

Reflect on these factors and decide what is the longest you'd be willing to travel each day for work.  

Job Search Area

Refer to the map below and select all regions where you'll be available to work after completing your training. 

Up next:Work Environment
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Work Environment: Reflect and Rate

Working outdoors can provide challenges and benefits depending on your preferences. Every individual is different. You may love the cold, while others may love the heat. Exposure to the elements varies job to job and sector to sector. That's why it's important to reflect on how you feel about the environmental factors you may face.

Rate your comfort with the following using the drop down menu for each option.

Take a moment to reflect on each condition and remember there are no wrong answers. Your answers help our GROW staff tell you about the opportunities that would suit you best. 

Up next: Physical Activity
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Many of the health benefits associated with landscape and horticulture careers are connected to the average level of daily activity. Although the level of activity varies, working in landscape and horticulture is more active than most careers. On average, landscape and horticulture professionals take 20,000 - 30,000 steps each day.  

This type of activity can take some getting used to. While your on-site training will help you prepare for your new active career, it may still take some getting used to. It's important to listen to your body and observe all safety advice. When you do, you'll grow your strength and your endurance.

But you may be more active than you think!

Take a moment to review the average steps per day results of a variety of occupations according to a small US study and compare it to you typical daily activities.  

Waiter: 22,778 Nurse: 16,390 Retail Work: 14,660 Farmer: 14,037 Stay-at-Home Parent: 13,813

Teacher: 12,564 Tradesperson: 11,585 Hairdresser: 9,209 Office Work: 7,570 Call Center Work: 6,618

Up next: Physical Demands
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Physical Demands: Reflect and Rate

Every individual is different. That's why it's important to reflect on how you feel about the activities you may face in your role.

Rate your comfort with the following using the drop down menu for each option.

Take a moment to reflect on each condition and remember there are no wrong answers. Activities vary based on role and sector. Your answers help our GROW staff tell you about the opportunities that would suit you best. 

Techniques and Best Practices

As you repeat complex movements and use a variety of manual and powered tools and equipment, you'll build functional strength that improves your balance and flexibility. More than the weight of the objects you use, it's about the way you use them. 

By using proper techniques and observing best practices, you'll be surprised by the strength you gain from working in an active career. 

 

Tools and Equipment

Using anything for the first time can be intimidating and improper use of some tools and equipment can be dangerous. Knowing how stressful this can be, we've created a training experience that keeps you safe and provides the individual support you need to build your confidence and your skills. 

You might have more experience than you think.

Reflect on your experience with each of the following tools and equipment. This helps our GROW staff address any concerns you have and explain how we can help you gain the skills and experience you need to launch your new career. 

Up next: Comments and Questions
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Comments and Questions:

Below, you'll find a summary of the GROW New Worker Training Program.

Now that you know more about GROW and the landscape and horticulture profession, this is your chance to tell us a bit more about yourself and submit any questions you have. 

In your own words

Tell us about yourself and why you want to work in landscape and horticulture. Here are some questions to help you get started:

• What hobbies and activities do you enjoy?
• Why are you interested in learning about landscaping?
• What are your career goals?
• If you won the lottery and never had to work again, what would you do? 
• You may also base your answer on your selections above.

Submit your Questions:

Now's your chance to submit any questions or comments you have for us. Your questions will be submitted with your application and discussed during your intake interview.

You're almost done! 

Click NEXT to read about the next step and submit your application.

Click SAVE to continue later.