Pathfinder Tech

Horticulture

SKILLS ACQUIRED AT EACH GRADE LEVEL

Grade 9

  • Plant Systems
  • Plant ID
  • Greenhouse plant production & maintenance 
  • Greenhouse Sales
  • Hand tool Id & Safety
  • Grounds maintenance 
  • Small Engine Operation
  • Interior Plantscape
  • Hydroponics & Sustainable Agriculture
  • FFA

Grade 10

  • Plant Systems
  • Plant ID
  • Greenhouse plant production & maintenance 
  • Greenhouse Sales
  • Equipment Safety & Operation
  • Executive property maintenance 
  • Introductory Insect  & Pest Management
  • Plant Nutrients
  • Soils

Grade 11

  • Construction Equipment Safety & Operation
  • Chainsaw Safety & Operation
  • Tree Felling
  • Tree Climbing
  • Introductory Turf Management
  • Fertilizer Application
  • Pruning Operations
  • Small Engine Maintenance 
  • Weed Identification
  • Hardscaping
  • Community Project

Grade 12

  • Construction Equipment Safety & Operation
  • Landscape Contracting, Bidding, & Design Build
  • Grounds & Sport Field Management
  • Tree Rigging
  • Pesticide Applicator License Prep
  • Hoister’s License Prep
  • Pruning Operations
  • Irrigations Systems Management
  • Student Co-Op

Horticulture

The Horticulture program encompasses the following; Greenhouse Management & Production, Floral Design, Executive Landscape Maintenance, Arboriculture, and Landscape Construction. Horticulture is a heavily science based program that prepares students for both the job market and higher education.

 

NOTEWORTHY PROJECTS
  • School Grounds 
  • Laviolette Field Walking Path
  • Belchertown Rec & Conservation Projects
  • Storrowton Village Christmas Festival
  • Springfield Science Museum Floral Displays
  • Camp Stanica Project
OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDUSTRY RECOGNIZED CREDENTIALS
  • International Concrete Paver Institute- Paver Installer 
  • Greenius Equipment Safety Certifications
  • Drivers License 
  • Pesticide Applicator License (Age Based-18)
  • Hoisters license (Age Based-18)
  • NSTMOP Tractor Certification
THIS PROGRAM RELIES HEAVILY ON THE FOLLOWING ACADEMIC SKILLS and/or DISCIPLINES
  • Science
  • Math 
  • Geometric shapes and angles
  • Communications
Additional Program Info

Horticulture is the only program in any vocational technical high school that has a Federal Act that requires at least one University in every state to offer degrees in this field.

POSSIBLE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES UPON COMPLETION OF PROGRAM

Upon graduation:
  • Greenhouse Sales and support
  • Lawn Care Specialist
  • Nursery  Worker
  • Tree Climber/Grounds person
  • Pesticide Applicator
  • Landscape Technician
  • Irrigation Technician
  • Equipment Operator
  • Garden Center Sales
  • Farmer/ Hydroponic production
After completion of 1-2 years of post-secondary technical training (apprenticeship, certificate program or associate’s degree):
  • Public garden Manager
  • Nursery Manager
  • Tree Crew Foreman
  • Business Manager
  • Landscape Contractor
  • Executive Grounds Manager
  • Large Equipment Operator
  • Engine Technician
  • Interior Plantscaper
After completion of Advanced degree (4 year college degree or higher)
  • United States Dept of Agricultural Sciences
  • Botanist
  • Landscape Architect
  • Horticultural Therapist
  • Forester 
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Natural Resources Management
  • Golf Course Superintendent
  • Park Ranger 
  • Urban Forester
  • Sustainable Agriculture (SAE)

Pathfinder offers a wide range of vocational technical programs. We have expanded our offerings to include 16 unique programs. These exciting programs give students a competitive advantage both in college and in the workforce. Our programs are designed to help students create and follow pathways to a career of their choice.  Pursue your passion and enjoy your education!

The Cooperative Education Program at Pathfinder is an optional experience for seniors and juniors (second half of the school year) having a minimum 1,000 hours in their technical area. Through a cooperative arrangement between the school and employer, the student will receive job placement related to their technical area of study during their “shop week” with wages paid by the employer. To be eligible, a student must have the recommendation of their technical program teachers, meet the required grade, attendance, and discipline standards. The student must also have their OSHA 10-hour card. Some technical areas may require additional certifications prior to entering the program.

We are no longer accepting work requests for the current school year. Work requests will resume again in mid-September, 2023.  Thank you.

To schedule a tour please contact our Guidance Department:
413-283-9701 Ext. 247
Email Our Guidance Department