The Project Hire-Ed Horticulture Apprenticeship Program uses the earn and learn model. Apprentices work with an area employer, working full-time and earning full-time wages. Apprentices are able to apply the knowledge they have learned in their horticulture courses, while also learning skills on-the-job. The employer pays for tuition, books and fees for courses in the apprenticeship track.
Apply to the Apprenticeship Program
Apprentices are hired by employers to work full-time while taking coursework at College of DuPage, which directly correlates with their work with the employer. Employer pays for costs of tuition, books and fees and the apprentice works for the employer during one year of the program and one year post completion of the training.
If you are interested in applying, complete the interest form and send your resume to project-hire-ed@cod.edu. Project Hire-Ed is your point of contact through the apprenticeship experience. You will hear from Project Hire-Ed staff to ensure you are getting the skills and tools you need to succeed. Contact Project Hire-Ed at (630) 942-2953.
Apprenticeship Track
The Horticulture track provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in horticulture. Courses included in this track include Introduction to Horticulture, Soils and Fertilizers, Applied Plant Taxonomy, Horticulture Business, Plant Propagation and an Internship. Students will earn a Horticulture Certificate upon completion.
A horticulturalist can work in any number of environments containing plants. Their responsibilities involve various tasks, from sales, cultivating, planting, harvesting, feeding, and pruning plants, to treating plants that might be infested with pests or infected with a disease. Horticultural workers perform various gardening duties in settings like nurseries, parks and botanical gardens. They work under the direction of a supervisor and may advance to a supervisory position after several years of on-the-job experience. Horticulture workers may obtain an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree for the purpose of advancing their careers.
Hire an Apprentice
Employers across the country struggle to find workers with the right skills due to the growing skills gap in the workforce. Hire an apprentice from College of DuPage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your frequently asked questions regarding the Horticulture Apprenticeship program.
This summer we will launch the apprenticeship program with employment opportunities. Employers will be reaching out to schedule interviews as soon as resumes are distributed.
We will soon have apprentice opportunities in the Horticulture track.
The hours of the apprenticeship will depend on the position and the employer needs. Typical shifts tend to run 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Able to work in the U.S. and comply with any employer-specific hiring requirements
- You do not need to be a current COD student to be eligible for an apprenticeship.
- COD students must maintain 2.0 GPA or higher.
- Follow current COD guidelines regarding reading and writing placement tests.