Landscaping

Program

The Landscaping and Restoration Training program, in partnership with WorkBC, develops both landscaping and restoration expertise alongside practical, employable skills to enhance job opportunities in the landscaping sector. It also fosters social development and community engagement for individuals with diverse needs and learning styles.

Grounded in horticulture, permaculture, land-based learning, and Indigenous knowledge systems, the program promotes environmental literacy and strengthens community connections.

Registration is now open for the February 2026 Cohort!

Click the button below to fill out our Expression of Interest form, and we’ll reach out by email to set up an interview. Please email:  victoriaprograms@powertobe.ca if you have any questions about the program!

I'm interested!
Six people relaxing on a grassy hillside covered in small white flowers under a clear blue sky, with trees in the background.

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 and up

  • 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.

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.

  • Through partnership with WorkBC we will support you to meet with a job coach throughout to support employment.

  • 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.

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 Pearkes Recreation Centre).

How do I sign up?

Looking for a little more info? Check out our upcoming Program Have a Go:

  • Thursday, January 15th, 3PM - 5:30PM Drop by to get a taste of the program!

Please email  victoriaprograms@powertobe.ca or fill out THIS FORM to book an interview and learn more about the program! Registration opens for our Spring 2026 cohort on November 3rd, and closes January 16th.

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.

People visiting and discussing plants inside a greenhouse filled with various large potted plants, including green leafy plants and hanging plants.

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)