Certificate III in Horticulture

About this course

This course teaches you all about plants and how to take care of them in gardens, parks or nurseries. You will learn in practical settings in this hands-on course.

The course covers:

making plants grow
plant identification and propagation
plant and soil management
fighting off plant enemies like pests and diseases
presenting gardens and different plants together
working safely with a range of garden tools.

Some of the electives you can choose from include:

tree care and climbing
biosecurity
irrigation
landscape construction techniques
sustainability
nursery operations and more.

Note that the availability of electives may vary depending on your selected training provider.

This qualification is recognised nationally under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

This course can be done as a traineeship. You’ll get technical knowledge through coursework and hands-on experience through paid work. On completion you will receive a nationally recognised qualification.

To enrol as a trainee, you’ll need:
1. a job in a relevant workplace in the same field as your course, and
2. an employer willing to sign a Commonwealth Government ‘Training Contract’ and support your learning at work.
To get started:
- contact an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider for information on finding an employer and for ongoing support
- find a course provider that delivers the course as a traineeship.
To get help:
- contact the TAFE and Training Line
- visit our apprenticeships and traineeships page
- visit Apprenticeships Victoria.

Units of study

Unit title	Unit code
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
Identify and select plants	AHCPCM308
Perform specialist amenity pruning	AHCPGD309
Control weeds	AHCPMG301
Control plant pests, diseases and disorders	AHCPMG302
Implement soil improvements for garden and turf areas	AHCSOL304
Contribute to workplace health and safety processes	AHCWHS302
Apply environmentally sustainable work practices	AHCWRK320

Unit title	Unit code
Implement a tree maintenance program	AHCARB314
Perform pruning operations	AHCARB316
Apply biosecurity measures	AHCBIO303
Install drainage systems	AHCDRG305
Implement a maintenance program for hydroponic systems	AHCHYD303
Measure irrigation delivery system performance	AHCIRG337
Troubleshoot irrigation systems	AHCIRG338
Implement a paving project	AHCLSC316
Operate basic machinery and equipment	AHCMOM203
Maintain nursery plants	AHCNSY308
Install and maintain plant displays	AHCNSY310
Prepare specialised plants	AHCNSY312
Implement a propagation plan	AHCNSY313
Recognise plants	AHCPCM204
Identify plant specimens	AHCPCM303
Implement a plant nutrition program	AHCPCM305
Provide information on plants and their culture	AHCPCM306
Report on health and condition of trees	AHCPCM307
Implement a plant establishment program	AHCPGD307
Plan and maintain plant displays	AHCPGD308
Implement a landscape maintenance program	AHCPGD310
Prepare growing media	AHCSOL305
Prepare sports turf surfaces for play	AHCTRF306
Establish turf	AHCTRF308
Implement a grassed area maintenance program	AHCTRF309
Access, extract and monitor water for irrigation	AHCWAT303
Coordinate work site activities	AHCWRK317
Provide on-job training support	AHCWRK321
Conduct site inspections	AHCWRK322
Undertake storm and water damage operations	PUASES008
Licence to drive a light rigid vehicle	TLILIC2014
Licence to drive a medium rigid vehicle	TLILIC2015
Licence to drive a heavy rigid vehicle	TLILIC2016

Course providers

This course is offered by the following providers. Click on the links to the provider websites for the latest information on course details, fees and how to apply.

Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: Lilydale Lakeside (Lilydale)
Delivery modes: Full time on-campus
- Visit Box Hill Institute for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider
Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: Gillies Street (Wendouree)
Delivery modes: Full time on-campus
- Visit Federation University for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider
Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: William Orr (Shepparton)
Delivery modes: Full time on-campus, Part time on-campus
- Visit GOTAFE for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider
Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: Waverley (Glen Waverley)
Delivery modes: Full time on-campus, Part time on-campus
- Visit Holmesglen Institute for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider
Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: Broadmeadows
Delivery modes: Full time on-campus, Part time on-campus
- Visit Kangan Institute for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider
Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: Fairfield, Epping
Delivery modes: Full time on-campus, Part time on-campus
- Visit Melbourne Polytechnic for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider
Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: Sherwood Park (Warrnambool)
Delivery modes: Part time on-campus
- Visit South West TAFE for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider
Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: Bairnsdale Trade Centre (Bairnsdale), Morwell
Delivery modes: Full time on-campus
- Visit TAFE Gippsland for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider
Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: East Geelong
Delivery modes: Flexible delivery, Full time on-campus
- Visit The Gordon for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider
Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: Wodonga (West Wodonga)
Delivery modes: Full time on-campus
- Visit Wodonga TAFE for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider
Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: Warragul
Delivery modes: Part time on-campus
- Visit Community College Gippsland for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider
Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: Ringwood
Delivery modes: Flexible delivery
- Visit The Management Edge (TME) for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider

Certificate III in Horticulture

About this course

Core units

Elective units

Course providers