OPA is happy to announce we are running the Horticulture Practitioner Program again this year. We are happy to welcome our new instructor John Howard! Level 1 of this program will offer a new experience for OPA training, taking place over three weeks of self-guided learning, allowing attendees to work at their own pace through content covering the following topics: 

Week 1

1. Legislation

2. Tools

3. Soil Science

4. Plant Health Care

Week 2

1. Workplace Hazards and Safety Practices

2. Small Engines

3. Bed Preparation

4. Pruning 1

Week 3

1. Public Relations

2. Mowing Turf

3. Planting Trees and Shrubs

4. Plant Identification 1

This course will have quizzes every Monday sent via email on the afternoons of February 9th , February 16th, and February 23rd.

Our goal with our 3-Level Horticulture Practitioner Program is to provide valuable information for those looking to get into the field of Horticulture that will take them from newcomer to job-ready.  This program also aims to provide career advancement for those in the Horticulture field through attaining the OPA Horticulture Practitioner designation as a valuable resume asset. Each level will cover new topics or provide more depth to existing concepts, creating a strong foundation for those looking to build a career in the field of Horticulture.

Levels 2 & 3 of our Horticulture Practitioner Program will be running in April 2026 and June 2026. We're looking forward to providing you with new and exciting opportunities to expand your career and enrich your knowledge!