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Certificate III in Horticulture

AHC30722

Length

2 Years (part time)

Study Mode

Workplace Training & Online Study
On Campus

Free TAFE is available

Certificate III in Horticulture - AHC30722

Course Overview

This qualification describes the skills and knowledge for general vocational job roles in the amenity horticulture industry.

Individuals with this qualification perform tasks under broad supervision involving a broad range of skills that are applied in a wide variety of contexts, which will involve discretion and judgement in selecting and operating equipment, coordinating resources, and applying contingency measures during work.

Work must comply with work health and safety and environmental regulations and legislation that apply to the workplace.

This course is available as part of the Free TAFE scheme for eligible students.

Careers & study pathways

Where can this course take me?

Roles graduates may be eligible for include general roles in the amenity horticulture industry including:

  • Horticulturalist
  • Nursery Worker
  • Landscaper
  • Garden Maintenance Worker

Further study

After graduating, students might like to undertake further study in AHC40422 Certificate IV in Horticulture.

Course details

Upcoming dates and times

Choose a location below to learn more about when this course is offered and on which days you’ll need to attend.

Open From: 29-Mar-2024 - Traineeship - Part time - 9.00am - 4.00pm - Workplace Training & Online Study

Open From: 29-Jun-2024 - Traineeship - Part time - 9.00am - 4.00pm - Workplace Training & Online Study

Open From: 21-Sep-2024 - Traineeship - Part time - 9.00am - 4.00pm - Workplace Training & Online Study

Open From: 15-Feb-2024 - Full time - Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday - 9.00am - 4.00pm - On Campus

Study units

Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.

This course requires a total of 17 units: 11 core and 6 elective.

  • AHCCHM304 Transport and store chemicals
  • AHCCHM307 Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases
  • AHCIRG346 Operate pressurised irrigation systems
  • AHCMOM304 Operate machinery and equipment
  • AHCPCM308 Identify and select plants
  • AHCPGD309 Perform specialist amenity pruning
  • AHCPMG301 Control weeds
  • AHCPMG302 Control plant pests, diseases and disorders
  • AHCSOL304 Implement soil improvements for garden and turf areas
  • AHCWHS302 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
  • AHCWRK320 Apply environmentally sustainable work practices
  • AHCIRG338 Troubleshoot irrigation systems
  • AHCIRG345 Install pressurised irrigation systems
  • AHCIRG347 Maintain pressurised irrigation systems
  • AHCLSC311 Set out site for construction works
  • AHCLSC316 Implement a paving project
  • AHCMOM213 Operate and maintain chainsaws
  • AHCNSY308 Maintain nursery plants
  • AHCNSY313 Implement a propagation plan
  • AHCPCM305 Implement a plant nutrition program
  • AHCPCM306 Provide information on plants and their culture
  • AHCPGD307 Implement a plant establishment program
  • AHCSOL305 Prepare growing media
  • AHCWRK317 Coordinate work site activities

Attendance & commitment

General public face-to-face delivery | 1-year course length | Full-time study load

Students are expected to:

  • Attend a 1-day skills day at the William Orr Campus (Tuesdays - 6 hours).
  • Attend on campus at the William Orr Campus for two days per week (Wed & Thur - 6 hours per day).
  • Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
  • Attend a 2-day practical chemical workshop (100% attendance required) at the William Orr Campus.
  • Attend a 2-day practical chainsaw workshop (100% attendance required) at the William Orr Campus.
  • Spend approximately 5 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.

Traineeship/School-Based Apprenticeship Traineeship blended delivery | 2 years course length | Part-time study load

Students are expected to:

  • Attend weekly 1.5hr webinars throughout the year.
  • Meet with the trainer at their place of work at least 4 times per year.
  • Spend approximately 5 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
  • Consolidate their learning in their workplace.
  • Attend a 2-day practical chemical workshop (100% attendance required).
  • Attend a 2-day practical chainsaw workshop (100% attendance required for this unit).

Assessment methods

Assessment methods may include:

  • Knowledge questions
  • Case studies
  • Workplace observations
  • Portfolio
  • Project
  • Simulated demonstration
  • Practical demonstration

Before you begin

Entry requirements

Before being accepted into the course applicants must:

  • Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy and 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.

Trainees

  • Prospective Traineeship or Apprenticeship students are required to apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider with their employer to organise their apprenticeship contract prior to applying for this course.

Inherent Requirements

  • Applicants will be required to have the physical stamina to undertake a variety of outdoor practical activities and tasks
  • Working in this industry may involve seasonal work, with some peak activity periods during the year based on the growing schedule. Extended working hours during these peak periods, which may vary depending on the employer and also the growing region. The delivery and assessment of this course will take into account these variations.

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

Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

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.

Fees and payments

This course is available as part of the Free TAFE scheme for eligible students.

Fees and costs

GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.

1. Subsidised Standard
$3,713.00
2. Subsidised Standard (Concession)
$751.00
3. Subsidised Trainee
$3,713.00
4. Subsidised Trainee (Concession)
$751.00
5. Full Fee
$12,420.00
Course Materials
$1,105.00
Student Services Fees (per year)
$100.00

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 2024 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:

  1. 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:
    1. an individual’s eligibility for Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
    2. an individual’s eligibility for concession rates on Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
    3. ineligible individuals who are required to pay the full fees for tuition and other costs.
  2. Material Fee - where applicable, cover the costs of classroom consumables, handouts, and booklets, e-Learning resources, and associated license access fees and excursions.
  3. 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

Student support

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.

Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres

Contingent Study Arrangements

Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.

Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws 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.

Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors

Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.

Further information is provided at course induction.

Nationally Recognised Training

This course is government accredited and has national recognition.

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