Career Options

Students who complete this program could pursue a variety of careers. Here are some potential career paths:

• Horticulturist: Specialize in the cultivation and management of plants.

• Greenhouse Manager: Oversee the operations of a greenhouse, including plant production and facility management.

• Landscape Designer: Create and implement landscape designs for residential and commercial properties.

• Floral Designer: Design and arrange flowers for various occasions and events.

• Nursery Manager: Manage the production and sale of plants in a nursery setting.

• Turfgrass Manager: Maintain and manage turfgrass for golf courses, sports fields, and other landscapes.

• Agricultural Technician: Assist in agricultural research and production.

• Plant Propagator: Propagate plants through various methods for commercial production.

These careers leverage the diverse skills and knowledge gained through the program, providing a strong foundation for success in various fields.

Program Description

1 years –3 credits – Advanced Career Education (ACE) Center at Hermitage ( Horticulture : Landscaping and Plant Science located at ACE Virginia Randolph)

This program is designed to be completed in one year during the 11th or 12th grade.

Horticulture Science (1 credit): Horticulture Science Landscaping offers skilled workers satisfying career opportunities in varying working environments. The expanding and ever-evolving green industry requires skilled workers for high-demand occupations which offer educational and leadership opportunities. This course focuses on preparing students for entry-level employment, postsecondary opportunities, and advancement in landscape design, construction, and maintenance. Instruction includes industry safety standards, the applied science of plant production, greenhouse operation and management, landscape design, and the turfgrass industry. Students will use plant and soil science to propagate and cultivate horticultural crops in a greenhouse and/or land lab.

Greenhouse Plant Production & Management (1 credit): This course prepares students for postsecondary educational career programs and entry-level positions in the horticulture and greenhouse plant production and management industries. Instruction includes industry safety procedures used in greenhouse plant production; plant identification; the science of plant production; development of plant production facilities; greenhouse management and operations; business management; and marketing strategies used in the Green Industry.

Floriculture (1 credit): This course prepares students for postsecondary educational career programs and entry-level positions in the floriculture, horticulture, and floral design industries. Instruction includes floriculture industry safety; the science of floriculture crop production; floriculture plant material identification; floral design basics; marketing; and business management.

Program Structure and Benefits

• Career Technical Student Organization - Future Farmers of America: This organization prepares students for leadership and careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture.

• Real-World Experience: Students will gain hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment and practices, working in a fully operational 30 x 60 greenhouse and approximately 1/2 acre outdoor garden space. Additionally, students work and manage 4 plant sales throughout the year that are open to the public. They also provide professional floral design services for events at the ACE Center at Hermitage, preparing them for real-world horticulture experiences.

• Certifications: Those who complete the program are eligible to earn their I-CEV BASF Plant Science Certification, and the Workplace Readiness (WRS) certification.

• Dual Enrollment: Students can earn six transferable college credits through our partnership with Reynolds Community College.

Instructor

• J. Mazza, Adj. Prof.