Agriculture

AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS
(808) 235-7433
wccocet@hawaii.edu

Agricultural Courses at WCC

man climbing tree


Beginning Tree Workers Skills

This course provides students with introductory training with using a chainsaw and chainsaw safety (Day 1), introductory training in tree felling (Day 2), and introductory training in tree climbing (Day 3).

SESSION 5
Dates:  tbd
Days & Times: Saturday, 8:00am–4:00pm, in-person (3 mtgs.)
Location: Windward CC - Hale Uluwehi
Tuition: $900*

*OAHU RESIDENTS: Apply for scholarship funding is available though the Good Jobs Hawai‘i grant.  
Select the SKILLED TRADES tab.
For more information email nevas@hawaii.edu
plant seedlings

Plant Propagation for Nursery Workers (summer 2024)

Introduction to the principles and practices of propagation of fruit, vegetable, and ornamental crops by seed, cuttings, grafting, budding, layering and division. Recommended: 12th Grade reading level/High School graduate

This course can be substituted for the work experience requirement for Nursery Worker I position openings with C&C Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation.

Dates:  July 2–August 8, 2024
Days & Times: Tuesday & Thursday, 8:30am–12:00pm, (11 mtgs.)
Method of Instruction: In-person
Location: Windward CC - Hale Uluwehi
Tuition: $1,050*

*OAHU RESIDENTS: Apply for scholarship funding is available though the Good Jobs Hawai‘i training.

IMPORTANT DATE
June 12, 2024 - Deadline to apply to Good Jobs Hawai'i.
More information will be given to you after your Good Jobs Hawai'i application has been approved.
hibiscus red kokoio ula

Green Thumb Skills  (spring 2024)

This course provides students with basic gardening skills in soil preparation, plant selection, pruning, creatures in the garden, organic gardening, and many other topics of interest to gardeners with an emphasis on Native Hawaiian Plants.

SESSION 1
Dates:  Mar 8, 15–16, 22–23, 2024 (cancelled)
Days & Times: Friday & Saturday, 8:00am–4:00pm, in-person (5 mtgs.)
Location: Windward CC - Hale Uluwehi
Tuition: $1,100*

*OAHU RESIDENTS: Apply for scholarship funding is available though the Good Jobs Hawai‘i training.
man and woman gardening

Hawaii Landscaping Certification Prep   (spring 2024)

This course delivered by the Landscape Industry Council of Hawaii prepares students to take the National Association of Landscape Professionals Certified Landscape Technician exam. Students will learn about the field of exterior landscaping, including installation, maintenance and irrigation. Instruction will be synchronous online, and also includes two required field days. Eligible students will participate in field days on March 2nd and March 23rd from 8 am - 5 pm. Location TBA.

Students will learn about plants, weeds, and insect pests. develop their skills in landscape maintenance and pruning, increase their knowledge about irrigation installation and maintenance, and acquire best practices in safely working with pesticide and equipment.

REQUIRED TECHNOLOGY:
  • Desktop or laptop computer (laptop loaners available upon request)
  • Access to high-speed Internet
  • Ready and able to connect to meetings through Zoom
  • Access to updated web browsers: Chrome, etc.

Dates:  Feb 13 —Mar 23, 2024
Duration: 6 weeks, (36 contact hours) and includes two eight-hour field days (16 contact hours)
Days & Times: Tues. & Thur., 5:00–8:00 pm , Sat., 8:00am–5:00pm (2 mtgs.)
Meets:  Live online, In-person on field days
Location:  Field days TBA

Tuition: $4,010*

Scholarship funding will be available though the Good Jobs Hawai‘i grant.
Go to Good Jobs Hawaii Training List:  Skilled Trades Course Offerings tab.
If applicant is eligible for funding, all course fees will be covered.
man and woman examing ulu tree branch


 Advanced Tree Care Practicum  (coming soon)

In this full-day advanced arborist practicum class students will learn how to conduct a tree risk assessment, how to conduct and implement a tree work plan, and how to properly conduct tree pruning operations. All work will follow industry approved safety standards and best management practices. Students will be able to fully participate in the planning and work operations to provide an experience that mimics a typical day of work for an arborist. Please bring your lunch and beverage for the day.

 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) will be available pending approval.

PREREQUISITE:
Certified Arborist course (or related training), or three years professional experience as an arborist.

Dates:  TBD
Meets: 7:00am–3:00pm, in-person (1 mtg.)
Location: Windward CC - Hale Uluwehi

Tuition: $150
Scholarship funding is available though the Good Jobs Hawai‘i grant. This course is listed under Skilled Trades Course Offerings. If applicant is eligible for funding, all course fees will be covered.
For more information email adinam@hawaii.edu
 woman examining ulu tree branch, woman in tree

Certified Arborist Prep   (spring 2024)

Arboriculture is the science and art of tree care in developed landscapes. This course covers the following range of topics generally encountered in the arboriculture industry, with an emphasis on practical knowledge for those working in Hawai‘i: soil management, identification and selection of woody plants, installation and establishment of woody plants, safe work practices, tree biology, pruning, diagnosis and treatment, urban forestry, tree protection, and tree risk management. Furthermore, the course will prepare those wanting to take the International Society of Arboriculture’s Certified Arborist Exam.

The course consists of 13 online modules to be completed on your own time, two modules per week (total of 32 hours) and 1 in-person training (8 hours). The instructor will have office hours on Thursdays and Sundays from 3–5pm to answer questions and assist you with practice testing.

There are two requirements for passing this course.
1) Pass final course exam - The final course exam will be held online the last week of the class. Each student will be able to re-test once, and you must pass the course exam to be eligible to take the ISA certification test.
2) Take the ISA certification test.

Enrollment is conditional on meeting first two pre-requisite requirements listed below . Consult the ISA Certified Arborist® Application Guide regarding the requirements needed for earning and maintaining this credential and other important information.

PREREQUISITES:
  • Submit a resume to wccocet@hawaii.edu that provides evidence of 3 years of full-time experience in arboriculture or a combination of 3 years of education and practical arboricultural experience. Examples of experience include: employment at Tree care companies, Nurseries, Landscape companies, Municipalities, State forestry agencies, Utility companies, Academic arboriculture/horticulture departments, Horticulture/extension programs, Consultancies, and Pest control providers.
  • Students who meet initial prerequisite will be asked to submit an application to ISA. The ISA will screen applications for final eligibility and notify students. 
  • You must be able to attend the lab  class on your island.
    Lab dates: Oahu students - tbd; Maui students - tbd; Hawai'i students - tbd; Kauai students - tbd

REQUIRED TECHNOLOGY:
  • Desktop or laptop computer (laptop loaners available upon request)
  • Access to high-speed Internet
  • Ready and able to connect to meetings through Zoom
  • Access to updated web browsers: Chrome, etc.

Dates:  tbd spring 2024
Meets: This is an online asynchronous class. Course material should be completed on your own time.
Location: Online - independent learning

Lab meeting: One 8-hour lab day on a Saturday, 8:00am–4:30pm, which includes a half-hour lunch break. Mandatory attendance.
Lab dates: Oahu students - tbd; Maui students - tbd ; Hawai'i students - tbd; Kauai students -tbd

Tuition: $690

All Fees: Tuition cost is $690. Text book and tools required for class is $250.  ISA testing fee is $170.  Information on how to purchase these additional items will be posted soon.

Scholarship funding is available though the Good Jobs Hawai'i grant. This course is listed under Skilled Trades Course Offerings. If applicant is eligible for funding, all course fees will be covered. 
For more information email adinam@hawaii.edu

Agricultural Programs
Learning Outcomes

  • Provide students with skills to malama aina (care for the land).
  • Increase knowledge of  safe practices.
  • Develop critical thinking skills to create effective work plans.
Jolie Dollar
Dr. Jolie Dollar  is the Sustainable Agriculture Instructor at Windward Community College and has degrees in International Agriculture Development (UC Davis), Natural Resources (University of Arizona), and Forest Resources (Mississippi State University). Jolie is a Certified Arborist (since 2014) and holds a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (since 2019) from the International Society of Arboriculture. She specializes in fruit tree pruning, invasive plant management, and provides training in chainsaw safety, maintenance, and tree felling.