July 15, 2014
In June, Statistics Canada reported that apprenticeship training programs across Canada received 104,280 new registrations and reinstatements in 2012, up 6.8 per cent from 2011.

This marked the highest number of new registrations and reinstatements (individuals who were reinstated in 2012 after a year or more of absence) since the beginning of the economic downturn in 2008.

New registrations in Red Seal trades were up 6.8 per cent, but the number remained below 2008 levels. New registrations in non-Red Seal trades were up 11.5 per cent from 2011. Landscape and horticultural technicians are included in Red Seal.

A Certificate of Qualification in a trade can be obtained by registered apprentices who have completed their training and successfully passed their examination. A Certificate of Qualification can also be obtained by individuals known as trade qualifiers or challengers. These individuals have extensive experience and knowledge in a trade, but have not completed a formal apprenticeship training program. However, they can write the examination and, if successful, receive their Certificate of Qualification.

A horticultural technician is a non-restricted certified trade regulated by the Apprenticeship and Certification Act. On successfully completing the apprenticeship program, a person working in this trade is entitled to a Certificate of Apprenticeship and can challenge the trade examination to obtain a Certificate of Qualification.