Custom training for the staff you are ready to promote: up to $1,500 per person.
Ontario landscape and horticulture employers looking to train and upskill staff
Employer and employee built training plans based on training needs
Flexible; set by the training plan, with all training complete by May 31, 2027
Free for up to a maximum of $1,500. Funding available for a maximum of 3 learners per business
Landscape Ontario courses, pre-approved partner providers, online or in person
2026-2027; applications will be reviewed in fall/winter 2026
program status
ELIGIBILITY
Operates in Ontario’s landscape and horticulture sector.
Registered and licensed to operate in Ontario and comply with applicable legislation.
Able to offer flexible hours, regular mentoring and feedback throughout the training
Supports the employee advancement goal and confirms the outcome through required follow-ups.
Lives in Ontario and is legally permitted to work in Canada
Employed full-time through the peak season, or on seasonal layoff and returning to work by April 2027
Identified an expected career-advancement outcome, such as increased responsibilities, a promotion or new role, a wage increase, or a recognized certification or licence that supports career progression
Committed to the training and to advancing in the landscape and horticulture profession
Has regular access to a computer and reliable internet, at work or at home
PROGRAM BENEFITS
Get an individual training budget of up to $1,500 for each approved learner.
Your learner proposes courses in the online plan builder and you approve each one.
Landscape Ontario seminars, training from pre-approved partner providers, or another course submitted for approval.
Nominate up to three eligible staff members per company.
Approved training within the learner’s funding limit will be arranged and paid directly by Landscape Ontario. The employer is responsible for amounts above the approved limit and any unapproved costs.
COSTS & COMMITMENTS
What GROW covers
Up to $1,500 in approved training per learner
Direct payment to Landscape Ontario courses and pre-approved partner providers
Coordinator support and an online plan builder
What you commit to
All requested courses must be submitted within 15 business days of receiving access to the plan builder
Flexible hours during training
Approving the promotion or advancement on successful completion
Completing all training by May 31, 2027
PROCESS
You submit an application for each person you want to train.
Staff will review your application for eligibility and suitability.
Your learner completes the Ministry-required registration form. We then confirm funding approval for both employee and employer.
Your learner proposes courses in the plan builder and you approve it. Courses outside the pre-approved list also need LO approval. All courses must be included at the plan creation stage.
For Landscape Ontario courses and pre-approved partners, LO settles payment with the provider. The employer is responsible for amounts above the approved limit and any unapproved costs.
Your learner completes the Ministry exit questionnaire confirming their training and advancement.
PROGRAM TIMELINE
testimonial
Real results from employers and graduates
"Our experience in the program is an example of what happens when you invest in your team. Jessie's success has paid dividends across our ranks as our staff knows that we are a company that values commitment and dedication and is willing to work with them to reach their full potential. We hope to have all forepersons participate in future programs."
FAQ
Yes. Each participant gets their own training plan and their own budget of up to $1,500, to a maximum of 3 employees per business.
For most training, no. LO pays Landscape Ontario courses and pre-approved partner providers directly. The employer is responsible for amounts above the approved limit and any unapproved costs.
You can still include it in the plan. The program funds up to $1,500 per learner and your business covers the balance.
If a learner leaves the employer or is unable to complete the approved plan, the employer and learner must notify the GROW team immediately. Continued participation and any outstanding training will be reviewed based on program eligibility, training status and available funding.
To be eligible for funding, your staff must be advancing their career in the industry. This must be proven through increased responsibilities, a promotion, wage increase, moving into a permanent role, gaining a new role, or a recognized certification or licence that supports career progression.
Participants and employers must review the available courses together and submit a complete training plan within 15 business days of receiving access to the plan builder. Before submission, both parties must confirm that the selected training supports the agreed career-advancement goal and that the participant can attend the scheduled dates, times and locations. Course registration is subject to eligibility, funding and availability. Changes after submission are not guaranteed.
