Pre-loader

Horticulture Youth Pre-Apprenticeship

The Youth Pre-Apprenticeship to Apprenticeship pathway in Horticulture allows students to gain industry knowledge through related instruction, on-the-job learning, mentoring, and progressive wages. While enrolled in a high school CTE Pre-apprenticeship or CTE Apprenticeship course, students must complete a minimum of 120 hours to gain academic credit. Starting as early as middle grades, students can embark on their career development journey. Offering pre-apprenticeships (paid or unpaid) provides students with hands-on exposure to the skills and tasks related to a specific occupation, fostering a practical understanding of the work environment. This experience helps students build a foundational set of skills essential for a particular industry, laying the groundwork for future apprenticeships.

Starting in a qualifying pre-apprenticeship program in high school and enrolling in a registered apprenticeship within 120 days after graduation qualifies an apprentice for a youth apprenticeship tuition waiver at the community college. This financial incentive encourages the seamless transition from high school pre-apprenticeship to a registered apprenticeship program. Work completed in a CTE Pre-apprenticeship can be transferred to a Registered Apprenticeship, ensuring continuity in their career development.

 

Interested in These Careers?

Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers

 

Then Check Out This Career Pathway!

Youth Pre-Apprenticeship
High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) Related Instruction
  • Horticulture I
  • Horticulture II - Landscape Production*
    • OR Horticulture II - Plant Production*
Certifications
  • NC Private Pesticide Applicator
On-the-Job Learning
  • Must join or be an active member of Future Farmers of America and complete one of the following:
    • 100 Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE) for Juniors, 125 SAE hours for Seniors
  • OR CTE Pre-apprenticeship
Program Completion
Apprenticeship
Related Instruction
  • High School Diploma
  • Professional Network & Mentors
  • Journey Worker’s Certificate
  • Community College Diploma or Associates in Horticulture
Paid On-the-Job Learning
  • Minimum 2000 hours paid work
Complete

For more information, contact the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Work-based Learning Consultant at the Office of Career and Technical Education at CTEWBL@dpi.nc.gov.

 

*Denotes a CTE completer course.

Partners

NCBCE
NC Department of Public Instruction
NC Community College System
Apprenticeship NC