• Online Application for GROW

    New Entrant Program

  • Welcome to the GROW New Entrant application process!

    The information you provide in your application helps us learn about your goals, experience and availability. Don’t worry, previous landscape and horticulture experience is not required.

     

    Training dates and locations

    Choose from the 2027 cohort dates listed in this application. Guelph training is based at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute; venues for the other cohorts will be confirmed. Submitting your application does not guarantee or reserve you a place in the program.

    The GROW team will review your application and contact you about next steps as appropriate.

     

    Before you begin

    Please read each section carefully and answer as accurately as you can. You can select SAVE to continue later. If you have questions while completing the application, you can add them in the space near the end of the form or contact grow@landscapeontario.com for help.

    When you reach the final page, select COMPLETE to submit your application. Please submit only one application. If your information changes after submission, contact grow@landscapeontario.com to update your application instead of applying again.

  • Contact Information

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

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • What's the best way for us to contact you?*

  • *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.

  • Up next: Work Eligibility
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  • Work Eligibility

  • Are you legally permitted to work in Canada? *

  • Up next: Other Programs Enrollment
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  • 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 will work with you to confirm your eligibility. 

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

  • What is the expiry date of your current work visa/permit?*
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
  • Does your work visa/permit allow Vocational Training?

  • Up next: Other Programs Enrollment
    Click Next to go to the next page. Click Save to continue later.

  • Other Programs Enrollment

  • Are you enrolled in or returning to a Government Funded Employment Program, Educational Programs or other training programs?*

  • Up next: Experience & Goals
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  • Experience & Goals

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  • What best describes your current work situation?*
  • Do you have working experience in Landscaping/Horticulture?*
  • What best describes your goal after training is complete?*
  • Is it your goal to leave your current job for a job in landscape and horticulture?*

  • Click Next to go to the next page. Click Save to continue later.

  • Employment Situation

    If you're unsure or face barriers to employment, we're here to help. Tell us about your current job and your plans. The GROW team will review this with your application.

  • Up next: About GROW
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  • 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

    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.

  • Program Details

  • Landscape Ontario's GROW New Entrant Program helps people prepare for work in landscape and horticulture. The program combines online and in-person training with job-search support to help participants explore opportunities in the industry and secure employment.

  • 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 by 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: Training Availability
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  • Training Availability

  • The New Entrant Program combines online learning with in-person, hands-on training. The training schedule is still being finalized. The GROW team will confirm the dates and daily hours before you need to commit. Please tell us about any scheduling commitments that may affect your participation.

  • Do you have any scheduling commitments that may affect your participation?*

  • Up next: Computer Skills
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  • Computer Skills

  • How comfortable are you with using a computer or other online devices?*
  • Please describe your online access (Select all that apply)*

  • Up next: On-Site Training, Location & Transportation
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  • On-Site Training, Location & Transportation

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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 by 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.

  • What best describes your access to transportation for training and work? (Select all that apply)*

  • 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. 

  • Choose your preferred training cohort

    Guelph training is based at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute. Venues for Hamilton, Toronto and Ottawa will be confirmed. The two Toronto cohorts are identified by their dates. London is pending a program decision.

    Your choices help the GROW team review your availability. They do not reserve a seat or confirm admission. If none fits, select that option and tell us below.

  • Select all locations that apply:

  • No locations in your area? Select None of the Above and continue below to suggest alternative training locations in your area.

  • 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. 

  • Barrie, Ontario
  • Hamilton, Ontario
  • Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario
  • London, Ontario
  • Milton, Ontario
  • Ottawa, Ontario
  • Toronto, Ontario
  • Durham/Whitby, Ontario
  • Windsor, Ontario
  • Brantford, Niagara (Greater Golden Horseshoe)

  • Where would you be available to attend training? 

    We're sorry that our current locations are not in your area, but we're always looking to expand our training. 

  • 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. 

  • Job Search Regions (Select all that apply)*
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  • Up next: Work Environment

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  • 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 Demands
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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

  • Are you ready for an active career?

    Based on the information above, please tell us more about your experience and why are interested in an active career. 

  • Up next: Physical Demands
    Click SAVE to continue later.

  • 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. 

  • Up next: Equipment Experience
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  • Equipment Experience

    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: Resume Submission
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  • Resume Submission

    The goal of this program is to find you employment in the industry. In the interest of this, it is incredibly helpful to have the most recent copy of your resume provided. Please provide your resume below.

  • Are you able to provide a resume today?*
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  • Up next: Comments and Questions
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  • Comments and Questions

    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. 

  • What interests you about working in landscape and horticulture? (Select all that apply)*

  • 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.

  • How did you hear about GROW?*
  • Do you know anyone who has applied or participated in a GROW Training program?*

  • You're almost done! 

    Click Next to go to the final page and submit your application. Click Save to continue later.

  • Your work authorization needs review

    You indicated that you are not legally permitted to work in Canada or are unsure of your status. Select COMPLETE to submit the information you have provided for the GROW team to review.

    Submitting does not confirm eligibility or reserve a training place. If you made a selection by mistake, use BACK to correct it. For questions, contact grow@landscapeontario.com.

  • Your education or training needs review

    You indicated that you are enrolled in or returning to another education or training program. Select COMPLETE to submit the information you have provided for the GROW team to review.

    Submitting does not confirm eligibility or reserve a training place. If you made a selection by mistake, use BACK to correct it. For questions, contact grow@landscapeontario.com.

  • Your employment situation needs review

    Your answers about employment or your employment goals need further review. Select COMPLETE to submit the information you have provided for the GROW team to review.

    Submitting does not confirm eligibility or reserve a training place. If you made a selection by mistake, use BACK to correct it. For questions, contact grow@landscapeontario.com.

  • Your training availability needs review

    Your ability to attend in-person training needs further review. Select COMPLETE to submit the information you have provided for the GROW team to review.

    Submitting does not confirm eligibility or reserve a training place. If you made a selection by mistake, use BACK to correct it. For questions, contact grow@landscapeontario.com.

  • Ready to submit?

    Click Complete below to submit your application.

    Applying does not confirm eligibility or reserve a training place.

    For questions or corrections, contact grow@landscapeontario.com. Please do not submit another application.

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