Helping you grow your skills and achieve your goals.
Custom-built for your success.
The GROW Career Advancement Program offers funding designed specifically to help workers advance their careers through flexible training.
Get the Right Skills, Right Now.
Each learner receives an individual training budget which can be used for third-party training courses, certifications or licenses as part of a custom-built training plan.
All training and support are FREE.
Landscape Ontario’s GROW is an Employment Ontario program funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
All funding is based on individual, company, and training eligibility, and it’s subject to availability.
Now Open!
The official application forms are now open!
Deadline for applications:
March 15, 2026
How It Works
Our secure online registration process confirms your program eligibility and collects the information we need to fund your staff’s training up to $1,500 per participant.
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Submit a Nomination Form via the links below. Choose from our list of accredited training providers or meet with a member of our team to develop a custom training plan.
Apply as Employer - Nominate up to five (5) learners within your company. Those employees will be notified and required to complete an SDF form.
Apply as Employee - Submit your information and your supervisor’s and begin the process on your own. However, all training must be originally paid for by your company to be reimbursed by Landscape Ontario.
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After you or your employee(s) have completed your nomination, learners are required to fill out an SDF form required by the Ministry to access funding. This is sent to them automatically upon completion of the nomination form, but can also be found below.
Submit SDF Form (employees only)
Once the SDF form is submitted, we’ll let you know if your application for funding has been approved for up to $1,500 per participant.
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While your employees complete their SDF forms, we will work with you to ensure you have a comprehensive training plan that ensures your employees are getting the most from the program.
If you select training from one of our pre-approved training providers, your application will be marked for approval as soon as your SDF forms are submitted and approved.
If you choose another provider, we will meet with you to develop a custom plan that meets the requirements of the program and gives your employee the best experience possible.
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After your Training Plan is finalized, and the SDF forms are submitted and approved, employers can enrol learners into their training courses, and submit receipts to the GROW Team. We’ll keep the info on file until it’s time for reimbursement.
When your file is marked for approval, you will automatically receive an email requesting your receipts to be submitted. If you do not receive this, please submit your proof of purchase via the following form.
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After learners complete their courses, we’ll send over a closing survey and a link to collect your info to issue a reimbursement for the approved training.
Participant Eligibility:
Live in Ontario;
Legally permitted to work in Canada;
Identified by their employer for a promotion or advancement after the completion of their training;
Accept and understand the advancement opportunity and training commitment;
Have regular access to a computer & reliable internet (at work or at home).
Be committed to advance their knowledge, skills and abilities within the landscape and horticulture profession;
Eligibility Guidelines
Our secure online registration process confirms your program eligibility and collects the information we need to administer your training.
Employer Eligibility:
Provide landscape and/or horticulture services in Ontario;
Be registered and licensed to operate in Ontario and in full compliance with all relevant legislation.
Offer workplace support to the nominee for the duration of the training program (i.e. offer flexible work hours, regular mentoring/coaching meetings, and feedback).
Employer/Manager Eligibility:
Possess the authority necessary within the company to support the participant’s training, evaluate their progress and approve their promotion or advancement upon the successful completion of their training plan.
Don’t wait.
Spots are limited.
Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Get custom training for your key staff with the GROW Career Advancement Program from Landscape Ontario.
Suggested Training
Training plans are designed to advance each participant’s career with their employer. Each fully customizable training plan is funded by an individual training budget provided through the program. No matter where you train and what you learn, your training plan is free.
The possibilities are virtually endless. We know this can be daunting. That’s why GROW offers a variety of training plan supports. Regardless of what you select, GROW will be available throughout your training journey to support your success.
Pre-Approved Training Providers
New in 2025: Choose courses from any of the vetted training providers below to have your training plan automatically approved - no meeting required.
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You’ll want to let it snow when you become an ASIC-certified snow fighter. ASIC training provides the education, support, and confidence necessary for safe and sustainable snow management.
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AORS courses are designed, developed and delivered through a number of partnerships with professional training organizations, other associations, accredited educational institutions, as well as staff and members, all of whom have expertise in their subject areas. Courses are offered in a variety of formats to accommodate diverse learning styles with an emphasis on peer-to-peer training, and delivered close to home to keep costs down. Most courses can be customized to accommodate specific needs.
More information on AORS training
AORS also offers training for Winter Operations equipment including Front End Loaders, Pick-Up Trucks with a plow and Snow Blowers
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The ISA works with industry professionals and field experts to develop online resources that provide diverse educational opportunities for arborists, urban foresters and other professionals that work with trees.
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The Irrigation Association delivers training from basic to advanced levels—via in-person classes, online courses, self-study resources, technical papers, and case studies. Courses are designed to boost skills, productivity, and certification readiness for all irrigation professionals
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Landscape Ontario offers a full range of training options tailored to the industry in this province. You can choose from many virtual and in person training seminars to fit your budget and availability, ranging from 1 hour to multi-day training sessions on many different topics
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The Career Advancement Program can provide funding for part-time education at Colleges or Universities.
Toronto Metropolitan University Programs
Landscape Design for Climate Resilience
George Brown
University of Guelph’s School of Horticulture
Certificate Programs and Courses
*Please note, CAP funding cannot be used for full time diploma or degree programs or to cover the educational component of apprenticeship training
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The Workplace Safety & Prevention Services organization has Ministry-approved training designed specifically for landscapers and arborists. Access their Resource Hub.
Certifications & Licenses
The Career Advancement Program can provide funding for approved equipment training and certification courses or in-house training. Employees can complete their training at third-party facilities or at your yard with your company’s equipment.
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Coming Soon!
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Get your jobs rolling with staff certified to operate heavy machinery. Your training budget can cover the cost of equipment licensing up to $,1500 per employee. Example trainings include:
Crane Operation
Defensive Driving
Skidsteer Licensing
Truck licenses and training for Class A and Class D Licenses
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Fusion landscaping combines the art and science of horticulture with the science of hydrology to design, build/install and maintain aesthetically pleasing, water efficient landscapes. These landscapes use established design principles including form, function and the environment to optimize lot level stormwater management.
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The Canadian Nursery and Landscape Association (CNLA)has created a standardized certification program that focuses on competency, professionalism, and workmanship. Two of the certification designations have course-work and study manuals that are eligible for CAP funding:
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If you apply pesticides commercially, you need a Pesticide Exterminator licence from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. CAP funding can cover the cost of your study materials, exam, and an exam prep course.
Ministry of the Environment site
Training and Certification through the University of Guelph at Ridgetown
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The Water Smart Irrigation Program (WSIP) provides select irrigation companies with specialized training and certification to provide 'Water Smart' irrigation system efficiency and maintenance services to clients. This partnership benefits local businesses by providing the irrigation industry with enhanced training and knowledge, while supporting environmental protection and sustainable water use.
Sector-Specific Options
We know that choosing courses can be overwhelming - which is why we have a curated list of topics for sector-specific courses. Grow your skillset by connecting with our Training Coordinator to develop your sector-specific training plan.
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Chainsaw Safety & Operation
Climbing
Integrated Pest Management
Truck Licensing
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Integrated Pest Management
Plant Identification
Pruning
Additionally, we recommend accessing the FREE Introductory Horticultural Training Series specific to the needs of independent garden centres and targeted to new garden centre staff. This online resources is presented by Landscape Ontario’s Garden Sector Group in collaboration with Garden Centres Canada, a part of the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association.
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Coming Soon!
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Coming Soon!
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Invasive Species Centre Training for identifying and controlling invasive plants, insects, fungi, and microbes.
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Prepare your workers for any challenge.
Hardscaping Courses
ICPI courses
Working with Silica
Softscaping Courses
Plant Identification
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Prepare your staff to design the life of your clients’ dreams and the places where people and plants connect. Training examples include:
Certified Landscape Designer - nationally recognized designation through CNLA
Plant Identification
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Coming Soon!
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SIMA
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Coming Soon!
Soft-Skill Development Options
Do you have staff with leadership potential? Grow your future and current supervisors capacity to expand their soft-skills. Work with our Training Coordinator to build a custom suite of courses that prepare your supervisors to foster collaboration, inclusion, and a safety culture.
Topics can include, but are not limited to:
Conducting job interviews
Conducting performance reviews
Conflict resolution
Fostering teamwork and employee engagement
Health and safety due diligence
Public speaking
Health & Safety Training Options
We know that choosing courses can be overwhelming - which is why we have a curated list of topics for sector-specific courses. Grow your skillset by connecting with our Training Coordinator to develop your sector-specific training plan.
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Other providers in Ontario include:
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Coming Soon!
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From pruning to cleaning greenhouses to installing and maintaining green roofs, prepare your staff or any scenario where working at heights poses risk.
Visit the Government of Ontario’s List of Approved Working at Heights Providers to find a location near you.
Apprenticeship Programs
Need to complete skills to work towards your Red Seal? The Career Advancement Program may be able to help - reach out to our Landscape Ontario apprenticeship team for more information.
Funding for Other Training
Scholarships are available to:
Registered Horticultural Technician (441c) Apprentices;
Students accepted to or enrolled in an approved Horticultural Technician (441c) Pre-Apprenticehship Program;
Students accepted to or enrolled in an approved landscape and/or horticulture-focused diploma program, or;
Students accepted to or enrolled in an approved landscape and/or horticulture-focused undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate degree program.
Don’t wait.
Spots are limited.
Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Get a custom suite of training for your key staff at no cost with the GROW Career Advancement Program from Landscape Ontario.