Appendix: Interactive Round Table Discussion Sheets Respondent Question 1: Considering the opportunities within the landscape horticultural industry, what do you think the roles of educators are in relationship to this industry? Question 2a: How can Landscape Ontario further facilitate and support educators to connect better with industry? Question 2b: What does Landscape Ontario do well presently, and what are the gaps? Question 3: What are the next steps for this event, and should we consider developing a unified presence for and post-secondary diploma, degree and apprenticeship programs? 1 Direct link, they have just as big an impact on students as their parents do. If a teacher is able to engage a student in a topic or field, it can determine their success. Bring in sponsors to further develop classroom opportunities. Put together event days, like the OTSC, but at a non-competitive level. Have designated field trip locations as well as professional mentors. I believe they do have a strong presence but could be more aware of where students stand and not just the educators. Absolutely, developing a unified presence for and diplomas and degrees. 2 Raise awareness Conduit for information exchange with industry and local employers Facilitate introduction for students to employment and education opportunities Social media / website / exchanging young people in career opportunities Connect educators (SHSM) with regional chapters at regional events Landscape Congress: promote SHSM to landscapers/exhibit Outreach from 10 opportunities Adopt-A-School program Weekly newsletter: Landscape this Week 3 To educate, flexibility in programs to better link between industry & schools Work in partnership with industry to create dialogue, identify gaps and start providing solutions School trip to nursery / garden centre Create a network and support it Provide LMI to educators, etc. Be a resource for educators Link industry to educators—this is step one Yes, decide on a group to help establish this organization, coordination and information 4 More career promotion Free CHT testing? More promotion of the CHT program and careers to the general public Sally Harvey is awesome! She does a great job—pay her more money! Interactive workshops?
5 Big-picture teaching Progression Better exposure at all levels of education Demonstrate potential Colleges MUST be realistic about job expectations Annual at least meeting like today’s session More public What about a Canada-wide strategy for horticulture education from primary to high school competencies? 6 Mentorship Advocate for industry Instruct students so they are prepared to go into industry Industry participation in advisory committee / boards for college and university Updated info on changes in industry Promote education across provincial, less central More connections among peer to peer Unified presence for sure Awareness within industry and out in public 7 Connectors, advocates Provide opportunities for them to meet together More public discussion 8 To understand and engage young people from diverse backgrounds with the career benefits and inspirational opportunities across our 10 sectors to create sustainable green spaces and local food Think tank is needed to connect educators, parents, students and employers to each other—assess road blocks, open doors, create dialogue and awareness Keep doing: building relationships with all parties Start doing: engage the career message This is so multi-layered, confusing, complex and complicated that it’s all broken and not working. Peel back all the layers and start over to figure out how to connect students (and parents) to career engagement, and to jobs that lead to “life work” opportunities. 9 Should be more communication and promotion Active mentors Travelling workshops—book—for high-profile sites—no fees for students Discuss wages—increase starting wages—will attract Have a performance measurement scale This was a good start. Educators also need to meet guidance counselors to explain pathways better. 10 Health, safety, respect, skills Promote the industry Career opportunities in the industry Career exploration Social media Workshops
16 Find ways to remove barriers to success Reach out to industry Find members who are interested in helping at local school Start association Provide resources and government relations Administrative support Organize a career awareness campaign Job is large—more resources Create the association Focus on improving image Get to students at elementary level 17 Advocates of industry Engage students How to maintain connection with industry and educators Educators going to chapter meetings Based on feedback from the students, suggest a mentoring program (“connecting with an expert—watchable online”) that students can connect with to get questions answered throughout the year—not just an industry day 18 Explain earning journey ID career acceleration Provide opportunity to explore HR issues Respect Essential skills HS Support the industry and identify careers Keep the training current Keep connected to the sector’s needs Keep connected to us Advertise Travelling workshops in areas HS recruiters No fees Does well: A good organization Promote professionalism Gaps: Address wages Host a career fair of employers, sector speakers and colleges and universities—but invite students in either a HS or program Include a parents’ weekend event Invite guidance More students Parent workshops on careers