Certificate IV in Horticulture
AHC40416
Certificate IV in Horticulture AHC40416
Course Overview
The Certificate IV in Horticulture is offered as a dual qualification with the Diploma of Viticulture (AHC51519), and provides a foundation for a career in the Viticulture industry.
You'll gain skills in crop regulation, harvesting, and soil and plant nutrition, as well as specialised skills in winemaking processes and management.
The Diploma of Viticulture is offered as either a pure viticulture stream, or a viticulture and wine stream, which includes two additional wine units and provides a more comprehensive study of the winemaking process.
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
The dual qualification in the Diploma of Viticulture/Certificate IV in Horticulture prepares you to work in the Viticulture industry.
Roles you may be eligible for include:
- Vineyard Manager
- Grape Liaison Officer
- Grape Purchasing Officer
- Viticultural Technical Officer
Working in this industry may involve seasonal, with some peak activity periods during the year based on the grape growing schedule. Extended working hours during these peak periods, which may vary depending on the employer and also the grape-growing region.
Further Study
After graduating, you might like to undertake further study in the:
- AHC60116 Advanced Diploma of Agriculture
- AHC60316 Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness
- Bachelor of Wine Business – offered by Charles Sturt University
Course Dates & Times
Online Campus
Blended online - Starts on 1st September - online with residentials / 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 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.
- Intermediate computer skills
Applicants also need to have:
- Expected to be employed in the wine industry prior to commencement, self-employed or by an employer.
- Working in this industry may involve seasonal, with some peak activity periods during the year based on the grape growing schedule. Vintage work often requires shift work 24 hours/day
- This course involves the wine making process - crushing grapes, fermentation, maturation and bottling
- Relevant wine industry experience equivalent to or higher than a Certificate III in Winegrowing Operations is required.
It is highly desirable that students be employed on a vineyard. Where students are not actively employed on a vineyard they must obtain access to a case study vineyard.
The qualification is not suitable for direct entry from school.
Course Study Units
Assessment Methods
Assessment methods may include:
- Online quizzes
- Assignments
- Case studies
- Practical exercises and reports
Course Co-ordinator
Paula Pipan
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.
Training hours are dependent on the number of units a prospective student plans to study and the study mode.
Attendance at residential schools is compulsory. GOTAFE has endeavoured to schedule residential schools to avoid peak periods in the viticulture and wine making industry.
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.
Browse other courses
Certificate III in Production Horticulture (AHC30620)
Whether it's pursuing a bright career in flower farming or sowing seeds, the Certificate III in Production Horticulture will set students up for success in their chosen field.
Operate and maintain chainsaws course (SCCHAINS22)
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely operate a hand-held chainsaw and maintain it in working condition.
Farm Chemical Refresher (SCCHEMRE22)
For those people who have already completed the full Farm Chemical Users Certificate