AmericanHort launches new greenhouse technician certification

AmericanHort has announced it will offer a Greenhouse Technician Certification course, which is designed to assist greenhouse owners train grower teams and implement best growing practices. This will be the first in a series of specialized online certification programs planned by AmericanHort.

The certification was developed in collaboration with an advisory group of industry leaders in response to the increasing demand for accessible, specialized education in greenhouse growing.

“This is a significant opportunity for our community to foster a deeper understanding of greenhouse operations. The objective of this certification is to provide useful tools for greenhouse owners to use in training their associates and provide growers with the practical knowledge and skills they need to succeed on the job. We are committed to expanding future certification programs to cover all industry segments, addressing the crucial training needs of the horticulture sector,” Ken Fisher, CEO of AmericanHort, said in a recent press release.

Empowering workforces

Designed as a self-paced, comprehensive online course, the Greenhouse Technician Certification offers video demonstrations from seasoned industry experts. It aims to equip employees with specific, actionable knowledge, ensuring confidence and efficiency in their roles. The structure includes pre-test assessments, module tests, and a final exam, ensuring successful learning. A hands-on component is also available for enrollees to use with their supervisor to demonstrate their improved skills.

Comprehensive curriculum

• Key learning topics in this certification include:
• Plant anatomy and nomenclature
• Essential plant nutrition
• Soil taxonomy
• Environmental factors influencing plant growth
• Fundamentals of pest management and scouting
• Proper planting and pruning techniques for common ornamental crops
• Irrigation fundamentals

There are three modules in the Greenhouse Technician certification with four or five courses per module. Each course is approximately 30 minutes long. To receive the certification, a participant must pass all three modules and the final exam.

Certification is valid for two years from date of completion and can be maintained through continuing education credits received by attending qualifying AmericanHort educational programs.

Program details

This program is ideal for:

• Individuals without formal education in horticulture, aiming to increase their knowledge and confidence in greenhouse operations.
• Greenhouse team members needing fundamental technician skills.
• Supervisors responsible for training new growers.

“Working alongside a group of key industry advisors and innovative growers, AmericanHort developed a certification to ensure that the courses are relevant to growers needs,” said Meagan Nace, senior manager, education program development for AmericanHort. “Because it was evaluated by growers from all over the country with diverse backgrounds, we are confident the Technician Certification is impactful for the learner and their employer. After completing the coursework, pilot testers expressed they were more confident in completing their daily job duties, which should correlate to higher performing employees.”

For more information, or to register, visit americanHort.org/GTCertification.