How a pandemic layoff led to a career in landscaping

For many industries, the COVID-19 pandemic was an abrupt and devastating turning point. Between the sudden shift to virtual workspaces and the mandatory closure of countless business operations, it was an incredibly difficult era for everyday citizens and the economy at large. The travel sector was hit especially hard. As borders closed, major airlines drastically downsized their workforces just to stay afloat. Randy Motilall was one of the many employees caught in these widespread layoffs.

Motilall had been working in the catering department at WestJet for more than 10 years, and was unsure where to turn when he no longer had a job. Having a young daughter at the time, he knew he would need to find something more sustainable.

“My wife introduced me to the world of landscaping,” Motilall explained. “She had also been laid off from WestJet and was taking a free pre-apprenticeship program offered by the government for horticulture. I started to snoop at her homework and realized I really liked what she was learning.”

Motilall knew he enjoyed being outdoors, but wanted to explore the realities of pursuing a career that focused on fostering it. After some research, he connected with Landscape Ontario’s GROW New Entrant Training Program.

The GROW New Entrant Training Program focuses on providing three weeks of free government-funded training to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to enter the landscape horticulture industry. After attending the first day of the program, Motilall was amazed at how much he had already learned.

“I tell people about the program to this day. The amount of knowledge you can take away, from learning plant names to interlocking and hardscaping, is incredible. I felt completely ready to start in the field after I finished the program,” Motilall said.

Motilall started working for a small landscaping company before receiving a call to work for the City of Mississauga.

“This had been my goal since I got into the industry, so it felt really good to know that my hard work was paying off and to reflect on how the GROW program gave me this foot in the door,” he said.

He initially received his contract for the horticulture area, but soon after had the opportunity to enrol in the Horticultural Technician 441C Apprenticeship program, opening him up to all areas of work.

The Horticultural Technician 441C Apprenticeship program provides participants with the opportunity to learn while still working. Each apprentice is already employed with a company, and that employer will sign off as the participant learns new skills.

“Most of the time when people get a contract with the city, they are assigned to one specific role for the season, like mowing or mulching,” he said. “However, since I needed hours and experience in different areas, I got to learn everything in the city, from laying sod to pond work.”

Now, through the Horticultural Technician 441C Apprenticeship, Motilall is focused on earning his Red Seal certification while continuing to work toward a more permanent position within the city. The Red Seal certification is meant to provide a standard level of training for tradespeople across Canada. When someone earns their Red Seal, it means they have met what has been designated as the industry standard.

“After my first year of classes, the crew was already trusting me to do work on my own since they knew I had learned the skills needed. With this continual education, I feel even more confident in my ability,” he said.

The best part, in Motilall’s opinion, is that even with the changing seasons and economy, landscaping continues to offer steady work.

“No matter what happens, the grass still needs to be cut and the snow still has to be plowed. It is comforting to know I am in an industry that is both sustainable and one I enjoy.”