Shortage of trained labor is a challenge for all growers. Today’s production methods are increasingly technical, and staff need to know the why of their day-to-day work. Providing young employees with professional development opportunities is also a great way to increase staff retention.
To meet these needs, University of Florida IFAS Extension (UF/IFAS) has an award-winning program called Greenhouse Training Online, where all courses are taught in English and Spanish. The first of 8 courses of the year, Greenhouse 101, starts on June 3, 2024.
Thanks to a very generous gift by Ken and Deena Altman, and an education grant from the American Floral Endowment, this year we have added three new courses to our program! Success with your Latino Workforce taught by Dr. Claudio Pasian will improve positive and effective communication with your Latino/Hispanic co-workers. Dr. Carrie Harmon is offering two new courses on plant pathology (Field Diagnosis for Disease Management and Practical Disease Management) which both count towards a Plant Health Professional Certificate.
Each course is completely online, and they include pre-recorded videos, an interactive discussion board with PhD professors, helpful resources, and quizzes. Course material is available any time of the day, with two new modules added each week over the four weeks of each course, for a total of 8 learning modules. Experienced university instructors are available to help, and graduates receive a personalized certificate of completion from UF/IFAS. There are courses for every level of knowledge and experience. To register, visit http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/training/. Or watch our YouTube video for details.
Online course schedule for 2024:
| Course | Dates | Level* | Cost |
| Greenhouse 101 | Jun 3 to Jun 28 | • | $275 |
| Nutrient Management 1 (Introduction) | Jul 8 to Aug 2 | •• | $275 |
| Irrigation Water Quality & Treatment | Aug 12 to Sep 6 | •• | $275 |
| Field Diagnosis for Disease Management NEW! | Sep 16 to Oct 11 | •• | $275 |
| Nutrient Management 2 (Advanced) | Sep 16 to Oct 11 | ••• | $275 |
| Weed Management | Oct 14 to Nov 8 | •• | $275 |
| Success with your Latino Workforce NEW! | Oct 14 to Nov 8 | •• | $275 |
| Practical Disease Management NEW! | Nov 11 to Dec 13 | •• | $275 |
*Level: • Introductory: Practical experience but without formal horticultural science education
•• Intermediate: Some experience and training, or entry university level
••• Advanced: Experienced, well-trained grower, or upper university level
Join over 5400 growers who have successfully graduated from Greenhouse Training Online courses. Participants average 80% completion rate and provide enthusiastic reviews: “Thanks for the opportunity to continue each of our educations with a realistic and flexible program to successfully complete while working full time”, “Courses are very well crafted by growers for growers.” Supervisors that have enrolled their employees also said: “The courses helped our team understand a lot of the work we do in a much more holistic way.”
We offer a 20% discount when you register 5 or more staff. For more information, including discounts for multiple registrations email us at: greenhousetraining@ifas.ufl.edu.
