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National code: AHC30722

Certificate III in Horticulture

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Overview About this course

Nurture your green thumb and watch your career bloom in a rewarding industry as a horticulturist, landscaper or gardener. Learn to create and nurture green environments that are both beautiful and functional including parks, gardens and nurseries.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Plant and prune trees, shrubs and other plants

  • Understand soil characteristics and soil improvement methods

  • Operate basic garden machinery and equipment

  • Safely use chemicals to control pests and weeds

  • Maintain and operate irrigation systems

  • Identify and control weeds, pests and diseases

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • A nationally recognised certificate

  • A pathway to further study in horticulture or landscape design

  • The skills to grow your own plants and plan and maintain gardens and landscapes

  • The confidence and skills to enter or further your career in the horticulture industry

  • The ability to safely use garden chemicals keeping environmental and sustainability guidelines in mind

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.

  • This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • An interest in the horticulture industry and/or current employment in the industry

  • A basic level of physical fitness

  • Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 10 high school level

  • Good communication skills

  • The ability to work independently as well as in a team

  • Intermediate computer skills

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: gardener, horticulturist, landscape gardener and nursery worker.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 1 Course

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

Further study 1 Course

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 5 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Horticulture qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 17 units of competency, including 11 core and 6 speciality units.

Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Transport and store chemicals AHCCHM304

  • Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases AHCCHM307

  • Operate pressurised irrigation systems AHCIRG346

  • Operate machinery and equipment AHCMOM304

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Info sessions Want to know more?

There are a total of 1 information sessions planned for this course. They'll take place at different locations across the state.

You can select a study option below to see the sessions available. Or you can view all sessions related to Horticulture

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.