Horticulture Education with Fallingwater

What do a music teacher, bar manager and rafting guide have in common?

All found a rewarding career in horticulture at Fallingwater.

Currently not a single person at Fallingwater, other than owner Wes Shelley, comes from a horticultural background. What they do have in common is the desire to learn.

“We are committed to setting our people up for long-term success, transforming both landscapes and lives through education,” says Wes. 

Fallingwater supports and subsidizes team members through the Red Seal Horticulture Apprenticeship Program and gives them the opportunity to use what they learn in real time on the job. Essentially you get paid while going to school and staff who apply themselves can quickly move up in the company.

There are four parts to the program. Level 1 and 2 can be completed while working, while level 3 and 4 are full-time, 6-week programs held during the slower winter season. 

All Fallingwater employees registered in the program have at least completed their level 2 and lead 2-4 person crews between 2-5 days a week. Paul Grey, Fallingwater’s Maintenance & Education Manager and one of the first graduates of the Red Seal program, works alongside those going through the apprenticeship program providing hands-on support at work sites.

“Keep in mind you don’t need to be a supervisor to enroll in the program and receive tuition support,” explains Wes. “Leadership traits can be developed. We look for people who are positive, motivated and willing to learn.”

The more knowledgeable everyone is, the more effective we can be as a team.

Brad L'Ecuyer, who worked in the theatre and musical arts prior to joining Fallingwater, is amazed at how much his plant knowledge and identification skills have grown through the Red Seal program. 

“Having the proper language to use with clients and colleagues makes such a difference and gives me a big boost in confidence,” explains Brad. “Learning more about proper pruning and plant health has also had a big impact on my sites.”

For Grant Waters, who has been with Fallingwater since 2014, the Red Seal program sparked a new passion. “Learning more about the science behind the plants and environments we work in is exciting for me, and practical too. Having a greater understanding of soil structure altered my approach when working on some of our soggier gardens this fall.”

Red Seal graduate Marshall Wildman likes that he can immediately put his new knowledge to work in the field. “It’s the best way for me to learn and refine my skills, especially when it comes to pruning. I've been able to highlight certain plants and create more interesting shapes than a hedge trimmed ball – although hedge trimmed balls still have their place!”

Time management is key to success.

Juggling full-time work and part-time school can be challenging at times, but also very rewarding if you love what you’re doing. It’s important to stay on top of assignments and homework to avoid falling behind. Plan out each week on a calendar so you are prepared. And go easy on yourself. Be sure to schedule time for relaxation and get lots of sleep.

It also helps to be supported by your instructors, co-workers/classmates, and an employer that not only understands your time constraints but is committed to seeing you succeed.

“The education subsidy provided by Fallingwater made it possible for me to start school right away,” says Brad, and he’s not alone. Most agree they wouldn’t have been able to afford the program without it.

“To be honest, I wasn't sure if I wanted to do the apprenticeship program at first, but the offer seemed too good to pass up,” says Marshall, adding he’s so glad he accepted. “I didn't know I'd enjoy learning about horticulture as much as I do. My favourite part is seeing the landscape transform from week to week, and through the seasons, and making long term plans for each site.”

Red Seal Certification highly regarded across Canada.

The Horticultural Red Seal ensures your knowledge meets the national standard for your specific trade. It promotes excellence to employers, instills pride in skilled workers, and facilitates labour mobility. 

“My goal is for our entire landscape maintenance division to be Red Seal certified and we’re over halfway there,” says Wes, adding that there are many more opportunities for continued learning and growing a career in horticulture, ranging from ecological landscape design to organic gardening to irrigation systems.

“I am very much enjoying building a career with Fallingwater,” says Brad. “We have an amazing crew of thoughtful, kind, hardworking people. Everyone is always ready to share their knowledge and experience, to jump in and get the job done, and to always have each other's backs. I truly look forward to going to work and feel lucky to be part of such a solid team.”

For more information about career and education opportunities at Fallingwater, get in touch today!