Certificate III in Horticulture
AHC30716
Certificate III in Horticulture AHC30716
Course Overview
Students will learn to create a more sustainable environment with the Certificate III in Horticulture.
Working in GOTAFE's on-campus gardens, they will learn about plant classification, selection, and identification, as well as weed, pest, and disease control.
Students will gain skills in propagation, pruning, and revegetation, and gain a solid understanding of the roles farm chemicals, soils, and plant nutrition play in landscaping.
This course can be delivered on-campus or as a traineeship.
This course is available as part of the Free TAFE scheme as well as the JobTrainer initiative, for eligible students.
Please note: the information on this page is relevant for 2022 enrolments.
Studying during COVID-19 Restrictions
During COVID‐19 lockdown periods, this course will have the majority of the training delivered using online methods of teaching and communication while students engage from home with their trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time later in the year.
Career Pathways
This course prepares students to work in the Irrigation, Horticulture, or Landscaping industries.
Roles students may be eligible for include:
- Horticulturalist
- Irrigation Service Technician
- Horticulture Consultant
- Sustainable Horticulture Promotional Officer
- Interior Plantscaper
Working in this industry may involve practical hands-on and physical work in a range of weather conditions. Applicants should consider their physical ability to complete the job role e.g. bending, lifting, manual handling etc.
Further Study
After graduating, students might like to undertake further study in the AHC40416 Certificate IV in Horticulture or AHC40516 Certificate IV in Parks and Gardens.
Course Dates & Times
Shepparton - William Orr
On Campus - Open from 15th February - Mon, Tues, Wed - 9am to 4pm / 2022
Traineeship/SBA - Open from 15th February / 2022
Oncampus - Open from 11th July, Mon, Tues, Wed - 9am - 4pm / 2022
Wangaratta - Tone Road
Traineeship/SBA - Open from 15th February / 2022
Detailed Fee Information
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.
Please note that the fees on this webpage, for this particular course:
- are correct at the time of publishing for those enrolling in 2022 and may change without notice.
- will be discussed with applications as part of the application process to ensure it is understood what is being paid for and which fee rates they may be eligible for.
Course Fees consist of 3 different components:
- Student Tuition Fee - cover the costs of training and assessment. These fees vary across courses and are calculated based on a rate per nominal hour enrolled in. The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Circumstances may include:
- an individual’s eligibility for Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- an individual’s eligibility for concession rates on Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- ineligible individuals who are required to pay the full fees for tuition and other costs.
- Material Fee - where applicable, cover the costs of classroom consumables, handouts and booklets, e-Learning resources and associated license access fees and excursions.
- Student Services Fee (SSF) – contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services. SSF is a non-refundable annual fee that does not apply to short course participants.
Additionally, some courses require students to purchase or supply textbooks, kits, tools, uniforms and personal protection equipment. Some specific materials may be purchased through the GOTAFE Bookshop. A full list with associated costs will be provided to you at your course information session or during the pre-training review Interview.
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your fees.
Learn more about fees, charges, refunds and payment options
Entry Requirements
Training package entry requirements
There are no training package entry requirements for this qualification.
GOTAFE preferred entry requirements
Before being accepted into the course applicants must:
- Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
- Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
Inherent requirements:
- Working in this industry may involve practical hands-on and physical work in a range of weather conditions.
- Applicants should consider their physical ability to complete the job role e.g. bending, lifting, manual handling etc
Course Study Units
Assessment Methods
Assessment methods may include:
- Written tests
- Short answer questions
- Written reports/assignments
- Simulations
- Role plays
- Practical demonstrations
- Log books
- Herbarium collections
- Oral presentations
Course Co-ordinator
Rob Hall
Attendance & Commitment
It is important that students commit to all course requirements, including study and assessments the student may need to complete outside their normal training sessions.
On-Campus Study mode:
Students are encouraged to attend all face-to-face sessions and participate in all practical tasks. Majority of the training and assessment is undertaken on campus; however students are required to undertake some research and complete some assessment tasks outside of class time.
For practical activities, students are required to provide their own Personal Protective Equipment which includes:
- Workboots
- Long-Sleeved shirts
- Broad rim hat
Placement:
- It is not a requirement of the course but is highly recommended that students undertake work placement throughout the year (something they should arrange themselves).
- Work placement creates opportunities for employment and helps to support learning
Traineeship or School-Based Apprentices:
Students are visited and assessed in the workplace by trainers. This program may take 3-4 years to complete, which trainees and apprentices undertaking and complete all assessment tasks in the workplace. There is no requirement for students to attend a GOTAFE campus, with the exception of specialist, high-risk training like farm chemicals and chainsaw units.
Educational Support Services
As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.
Learning support
A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.
Learn more about our learning support services
Library
Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.
Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton
Jobs and study options
Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.
Student Support
Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life through your way, we are here to help.
Support for personal issues
We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.
Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you
Disability support
Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.
Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors
Counselling services
We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.
Learner's Rights
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
Enrolment
Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:
- Aspirations/career goals
- Educational attainment and capability
- Literacy and numeracy skills
- Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer
Enrolment in general public entry courses will require a selection interview. Please call 1300 468 233 to enquire further.
Skills Recognition
Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.
You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:
- Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.
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