Landscaping Program
The Landscaping and Restoration Training program builds connections to places, community, and practices.
The program will build landscaping and restoration skills as well as employable skills, to support employment opportunities in the landscaping sector. The program will also support the development of social skills and community connections for people with diverse needs and learning styles. The program utilizes horticulture and permaculture principles, land-based learning, and Indigenous ways of learning to build landscaping and restoration literacy and support community connections.
Overarching themes:
Landscaping
Horticulture and Restoration
Permaculture Principles
Stewardship of the Land
Employment Training
Community Connections
Curriculum:
-
Focus Areas:
Use the principles for the 12 weeks of curriculum
Integrate community partners to co-facilitate.
-
Focus Areas:
Learn how to maintain regions and ecosystems at Power To Be
Support the operations of the site and gain practical experience
Develop place-based connections
-
Focus Areas:
Develop employment skills
Develop landscaping skills that are in demand in the sector
Develop mastery and/or a certification. (first aid, certificate)
-
Focus Areas:
Develop social skills, interpersonal skills, belonging, and group cohesion
Connect to Power To Be programs and services, and the land.
Partner with local organizations
FAQs
Who can participate in the program?
Ages 18-25
Self-identifying as having a disability.
Neurodiversity is welcomed.
Must enjoy the outdoors, physical labour, and working for 6 hrs a day.
Must have interest in landscaping, gardening, restoration work, manual labour (like digging, weeding, species removal), and have interest in seeking employment doing this type of work.
Must be open to working with the same group of people for 12 weeks, who have similar goals and interests, but who may have different learning styles.
Must have an interest in learning and growing employable skills.
Must be able to commit to the full 12-week program.
Where will the program take place?
At Power To Be’s beautiful home on Prospect Lake in Victoria. There will be weekly field-trips to locations around Victoria. Must have transportation to and from the site (shuttle is available leaving from Commonwealth Place).
How do I sign up?
Please email victoriaprograms@powertobe.ca to express interest and learn more about the program! Registration opens for our Spring 2025 cohort February 1, and closes March 24.
Program Perks!
This program is free to attend, as the cost has been subsidized.
Support will be provided for accessibility needs.
Necessary landscaping gear will be provided during the program.
Employable skills will be taught throughout the program from employers in the industry and inclusive employment organizations.
Workshops will be offered from local Landscape, Horticulture, and Environmental Organizations
Trainings; First Aid and WHMS will be offered in our optional last week of the program.
Access to Power To Be’s nature activities like canoeing and hiking.
Throughout the program, we will ensure that there are visual aids and clear instructions, and that predictable routines are provided to support participant learning. The program will consider individual accommodations and provide opportunities for breaks and self-regulation. The program will be tailored to suit participant-specific interests and strengths while maintaining the core principles of the Landscaping and Restoration Employment skill development.
Session Structure
(Will change based on the day and the goals)
Opening circle every morning and at the end of the program
Lesson facilitated by Power To Be and/or local organization teaching about a theme linked to a Permaculture principle.
Tangible landscaping lessons and project on site
Group connection opportunity (recreation activity, mindfulness, team building)
Employment skills will be taught and practiced throughout the program
Core routines (welcome circle, weather checks, white board of the plan)