Thank you for your interest in the GROW Career Advancement Program!

Applications are closed until further notice.

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 is subject to availability.

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.

  • Thank you for your interest in applying to the GROW Career Advancement Program. Applications for are closed winter 2026.

  • Learners are required to fill out an SDF form required by the Ministry to access funding. This form is sent to Learners 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 both the Employer and Learner know if the Learner is eligible to receive funding.

  • After Learners are approved for funding, a custom training plan can be built with support from the CAP Coordinator. Instructions for creating and Training Plan will be included in the Funding Approval email.

    Training Plans must be approved by the CAP Coordinator prior to course registration.

    Please note: Employers and Learners may be required to schedule a meeting with the CAP Coordinator to create a Training Plan. To prepare for the Training Plan Meeting, please review the Suggested Training section of the CAP website in advance.

  • After all forms are approved and Training Plans are finalized, Employers are responsible for enrolling Learners into their training courses.

    Employers: Please submit all registration receipts and your company’s direct deposit information to the form below.

    Proof of Payment & Request For Reimbursement

    Receipts can be submitted on an ongoing basis. We’ll keep your information on file until it’s time for reimbursement.

  • Upon completion of assigned training, Learners must complete the Closing Survey for Landscape Ontario to issue the reimbursement to the Employer.

    The purpose of the Closing Survey is to:

    • Verify completion of all assigned training

    • Verify fulfillment of career advancement opportunities

    • Assess Learner experience for process improvement

    Employers must submit registration receipts and Learners must submit Closing Surveys by March 30, 2026 for Landscape Ontario to issue reimbursement.

Participant Eligibility:

  • Live in Ontario;

  • Legally permitted to work in Canada;

  • Is employed full-time during the peak of the working season, and/or is on a seasonal lay-off and returning to work by March 15, 2026.

  • 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.

Business/Company 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. 

Suggested Training

No matter where you train and what you learn, your Learner Training Plan is free.

Learner Training Plans are designed to advance each participant’s career with their employer. With support from the GROW Career Advancement Program Coordinator, you can build a Learner Training Plan that is:

  • Fully customizable

  • Free to access - funded by an individual training budget

What are the training options?

The possibilities are virtually endless, and we know this can be daunting! Review the training options below to discover training topics and providers.

Training Providers Options

Find courses offered through trusted Training Providers.

  • 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.

    Register online.

  • 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

    More information on Winter Operations Equipment Training

  • See CNLA’s technician licensing programs

  • The Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA) is a designated safe workplace association under OHSA. Their training is designed for professionals in construction, electrical, and transportation positions.

    Explore training options

  • 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.

    Explore ISA’s online courses and practice exams

  • 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

    Explore training options

  • 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

    See our full list of training

  • The Career Advancement Program can provide funding for part-time education at Colleges or Universities.

    *Note: Please check course end dates as training must be completed by the grant deadline - March 31, 2026.

    Toronto Metropolitan University Programs

    Landscape Design for Climate Resilience

    Urban Agriculture

    Horticulture Certificate

    George Brown

    Garden Design

    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

  • The Workplace Safety & Prevention Services organization has Ministry-approved training designed specifically for landscapers and arborists. Access their Resource Hub.

Industry Certification Options

The GROW 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.

  • Coming Soon!

  • 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:

  • 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.

    Register for Fusion Training

    Learn more about Fusion Landscaping Professionals

  • 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:

  • 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

  • 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.

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.

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.