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    Back to Horticulture

    National code: AHC30722

    Certificate III in Horticulture

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    OverviewAbout 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.

    OutcomesWhat 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

    SuitabilityIs 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.

    Completion requirements

    During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:

    • You must successfully pass both the TAFE NSW and SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence assessments to be eligible for your SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence. For more details, see the licensing section below.

    Entry recommendations

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

    • A valid form of ID to prove you are at least 18 years old as part of SafeWork NSW requirements to undertake the SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence assessment conducted via this course

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

    • A basic level of physical fitness

    • Good communication skills

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

    • Intermediate computer skills

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

    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.

    PathwaysFuture career and study options

    Career pathways

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

    Licensing

    This course leads to a licensed occupation in NSW which means you must hold a SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence to gain employment in this field. This course includes unit/s that allow you to apply to be assessed for the SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence. SafeWork NSW conducts the licence assessment and requires you to be at least 18 years old by the time you are assessed, evidenced by a valid form of ID. 

    During your course, you will enrol in your specific licensing assessment by logging into the MyServiceNSW app. Visit MyServiceNSW to set up your account.  Once logged in, follow these four steps: 

    1. Complete your digital proof of identity by providing two forms of listed identification.
    2. Select and enrol in your chosen SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence assessment through your MyServiceNSW account. You’ll receive a confirmation email with your Assessment Enrolment Number (AEN).
    3. Provide your AEN to the SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence accessor before your assessment. 
    4. After successfully completing your assessment, your results will be sent directly to your email address. 

    Please note: You can get support with the SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence enrolment process by calling Service NSW on 13 77 88, Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm (AEST).

    Visit SafeWork NSW for more information.

    Study pathways

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

    Previous study1 Course

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

    Further study1 Course

    Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

    Related study1 Course

    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.

    UnitsUnits 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.

    • Identify and select plantsAHCPCM308

    • Perform specialist amenity pruningAHCPGD309

    • Apply environmentally sustainable work practicesAHCWRK320

    • Control weedsAHCPMG301

    TAFE NSW servicesFacilities 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 sessionsWant 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 optionsFind a location to enrol