Your web browser may not be properly supported. To use this site and all of its features, we recommend using the latest versions of Chrome, Safari or Firefox

Untitled 1440 x 500 mm

Certificate III in Production Horticulture

AHC30620

Study Mode

Block Release On Campus Online & W/place

Free TAFE is available

Certificate III in Production Horticulture - AHC30620

Course Overview

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.

Students will come away with a broad range of practical skills, in addition to learning discretion and judgement in selecting and operating equipment, coordinating resources, and applying contingency measures during work.

This course contains a high content of practical outdoor activities in a wide variety of conditions, in which students should be physically capable of participating.

This course is available as part of the Free TAFE scheme for eligible students.

Careers & study pathways

Where can this course take me?

This course prepares students to work in the production horticulture or floriculture industries.

Roles students may be eligible for include:

  • Field Worker
  • Seeding Person
  • Operator
  • Irrigation Maintainer
  • Machinery Maintainer
  • Leading Hand

Further study

After graduating, students might like to undertake further study in:

  • AHC40219 Certificate IV in Protected Horticulture
  • AHC40320 Certificate IV in Production Horticulture
  • AHC40416 Certificate IV in Horticulture

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.

Open From: 21-Sep-2024 - Traineeship - Part time - Various - Block Release On Campus Online & W/place

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 15 units: 3 core and 12 elective.

  • AHCBIO303 Apply biosecurity measures
  • AHCWHS301 Contribute to work health and safety processes
  • AHCWRK306 Comply with industry quality assurance requirements
  • AHCBIO301 Identify and report signs of unusual disease or pest
  • AHCCHM304 Transport and store chemicals
  • AHCCHM307 Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases
  • AHCHYD301 Implement a maintenance program for hydroponic systems
  • AHCHYD302 Install hydroponic systems
  • AHCIRG347 Maintain pressurised irrigation systems
  • AHCPCM305 Implement a plant nutrition program
  • AHCPHT312 Implement a crop regulation program
  • AHCPHT313 Implement a post-harvest program
  • AHCPHT317 Coordinate horticultural crop harvesting
  • AHCPMG301 Control weeds
  • AHCPMG302 Control plant pests, diseases and disorders
  • AHCSOL406 Sample soils and interpret results
  • AHCWRK305 Coordinate work site activities
  • AHCWRK309 Apply environmentally sustainable work practices

Attendance & commitment

General public face-to-face delivery | 1-year course length | Full-time study load

Students are expected to:

  • Attend classes on campus two days per week (Wednesday and Thursday 9am - 4pm).
  • Spend approximately 6 hours per week working through their course materials research, revision, and completion of assessments.
  • Attend the practical skills days once per week (Tuesday 9am - 4pm) at the William Orr Campus. Students who are employed in the production horticulture industry may be exempt from these practical skills days.
  • Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
  • Attend a 2-day practical chemical workshop (100% attendance required, if these electives are chosen.)

Traineeship blended delivery | 2 years course length | Part-time study load

Students are expected to:

  • Attend a virtual class once per week (1.5 hours).
  • Spend approximately 6 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
  • Meet with their trainer at their place of work at least 4 times per year.
  • Consolidate their learning in the workplace.
  • Attend a 2-day practical chemical workshop (100% attendance required, if these electives are chosen).

Workplace blended delivery | 2 years course length | Part-time study load

Students are expected to:

  • Attend 100% of 18 theory workshops.
  • Spend approximately 6 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
  • Consolidate their learning in the workplace.
  • Attend a 2-day practical chemical workshop (100% attendance required).

Assessment methods

Assessment methods may include:

  • Knowledge questions
  • Scenarios
  • Observations
  • Simulated demonstration
  • Reports

Before you begin

Entry requirements

This course is in transition. The course code, title, units, and content may change in the future. Further information will be provided upon enrolment, or during the course of your training.

GOTAFE entry requirements

Before being accepted into the course applicants:

  • 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.
  • Prospective workplace students need to be employed a minimum of 3 days per week in the production horticulture industry. Students will need to provide their Employer's ABN during the enrolment process.

Inherent requirements

  • Potential students need to understand there is high practical content undertaken outdoors in a wide variety of conditions and they should be physically capable to participate in these practical activities.

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.
  • Email access and word-processing software.
  • PPE: hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, sunscreen, workwear, work boots/shoes.

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.

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.

Learn how the Koorie Unit can support your studies

Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.

Further information is provided at course induction.

Nationally Recognised Training

This course is government accredited and has national recognition.

Browse other courses

Introduction to Small Farm Machinery Maintenance (SCSMFARM24)

This short course by GOTAFE delves into the critical aspects of machinery maintenance for common machinery used in the agriculture and horticulture industries.

Find Your Passion in Agriculture or Horticulture (SCFYPASN24)

Drawing inspiration from the excitement of The Amazing Race, this short course is meticulously curated for 8-12 participants, immersing them in dynamic activities centred around the agriculture and horticulture sectors.

Farm Safety Worker Induction (SCFARMSI24)

Suitable for school leavers, seasonal workers, or people wanting to enter the agriculture or horticulture industries, participants will learn about the hazards and risks of each industry, as well as employment conditions.