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)