Certificate III in Horticulture
AHC30722
Length
2 Years (part time)
Location
Study Mode
Block Release On Campus Online & W/place
Online Classes & Face to face Workshops
Certificate III in Horticulture - AHC30722
Course Overview
This qualification is designed to provide individuals with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to work effectively in various horticulture settings including nurseries, gardens, parks, and landscape businesses.
Through hands-on training, students will learn:
- Plant identification, plant care, soil management, pest control, irrigation systems, and landscape maintenance.
- Sustainable practices and efficient use of resources within horticulture.
- To adhere to health and safety regulations to ensure a safe working environment.
This course is currently available as part of the Free TAFE scheme but is subject to eligibility requirements and may change in the future.
Careers & study pathways
Where can this course take me?
Roles graduates may be eligible for include:
- Horticulturist
- Landscaper
- Gardener
- Nursery Assistant
- Parks and Gardens Worker
- Turf Management Technician
Further study
After graduating, participants might like to undertake further study in the:
- AHC40422 Certificate IV in Horticulture
- AHC40320 Certificate IV in Production Horticulture
- AHC50316 Diploma of Production Horticulture
- AHC50422 Diploma of Horticulture Management
- AHC50621 Diploma of Landscape Design
Participants might also like to pursue specialisations in related fields like landscape design, sports turf management, or arboriculture.
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.
Shepparton - William Orr
(3 commencing soon)
Open From: 28-Jan-2025 - Traineeship - Part time - 9.00am - 4.30pm - Block Release On Campus Online & W/place
Starts On: 28-Apr-2025 - Part time - 9.00am - 4.30pm - Online Classes & Face to face Workshops - Applications Close: 07-Apr-2025
Starts On: 21-Jul-2025 - Part time - 9.00am - 4.30pm - Online Classes & Face to face Workshops - Applications Close: 30-Jun-2025
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.
Core units
11 unit(s)
- 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
Elective units
14 unit(s)
- 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
- AHCPCM303 Identify plant specimens
- 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 blended delivery | 2 years course length | Part-time study load
- Students are expected to:
- Attend 18 days over 2 years for practical assessments during school holidays as follows:
- Year 1 Term 1 for 2 consecutive days
- Year 1 Term 2 for 2 consecutive days
- Year 1 Term 3 for 5 consecutive days
- Year 2 Term 1 for 2 consecutive days
- Year 2 Term 2 for 2 consecutive days
- Year 2 Term 3 for 5 consecutive days
- 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.
- Attend weekly 1-hour tutorials via webinars to seek assistance from trainers regarding topics covered in the assessments as well as gain a greater understanding of learning content.
- Spend approximately 9 hours per week working through their course materials, conducting research, revising, and completing assessments.
Traineeship/School-based apprenticeship traineeship blended delivery | 2 years course length | Part-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend weekly 1.5 hour webinars throughout the year.
- Meet with the trainer at their place of work at least 4 times per year.
- Spend approximately 5-6 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) at the William Orr Campus.
- Attend a 2-day practical chainsaw workshop (100% attendance required) at the William Orr Campus.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods may include:
- Knowledge questions
- Case studies
- Workplace observations
- Portfolio
- Project
- Simulated demonstration
- Practical demonstration
Before you begin
Entry requirements
GOTAFE entry requirements
Before being accepted into this 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.
- Prospective Traineeship or Apprenticeship students are required to apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider with their employer to organise their apprenticeship contract before 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, with some peak activity periods during the year based on the growing schedule. Participants can expect 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.
Student resources
Students must have:
- A laptop/computer with internet access
- Access to a digital camera or video camera for visual and audio assessment tasks.
- General stationery (pens, pencils, rulers).
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.
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 2025 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 three different components:
- Student Tuition Fee - covers 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, induction 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
Koorie Unit
The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
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