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
- Municipal projects for sending towns: Monson Town Hall, Palmer Town Hall, Palmer Conservation Department, Palmer DPW, Granby Safety Complex & Library
- Springfield Science Museum Floral Displays
- Belchertown Parade
- FFA Big E Competitions & MA FFA State Competition
- Storrowton Village Christmas Festival
OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDUSTRY RECOGNIZED CREDENTIALS
- International Concrete Paver Institute- Paver Installer
- Greenius Equipment Safety Certifications
- Driver’s License
- Pesticide Applicator License (Age-Based-18)
- Hoister’s 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)