The CNLA, through the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC), is nearing completion of an updated National Occupational Standard (NOS) for ‘Landscape Horticulturalist’.  This document defines the broad scope of the trade providing useful information about the wide range of tasks that comprise the job of a high-level technical employee.

This document will serve as the underpinning for many industry projects including industry certification (CHT), provincial apprenticeship programs, the interprovincial Red Seal standard, development of a national curriculum or learning standards, industry based training materials and a wide range of other educational and training projects.

By ensuring that multiple levels of education are all working from the same blueprint, we can ensure a higher quality product and increase the professionalism and productivity of our workforce.

The next stage in the development of the national curriculum will be completed between the end of April and November of 2008.  CNLA along with the support from all provincial associations, the Canadian Association of Diploma in Agriculture Programs (CADAP), and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC), will soon be expediting the Red Seal application, which can take as long as 18 months before receiving final approval from the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA).

For more information on any of these projects please contact Joel Beatson, CLP at the CNLA office 1-888-446-3499, ext 8610 or joel.beatson@canadanursery.com.