• On campus (Bairnsdale)
  • On campus (Morwell)

Course Overview

Code:
AHC30722
Course Type:
Accredited course
Mode of Delivery:
On campus (Bairnsdale)
Enquiry Apply

Apply Online

Provide your details below and we'll get your application started.

Enquire Online

Provide your details below and we'll be in contact soon!

Intakes

Course Duration:
1 year
Commencing in:
  • 2025

2025 Intake

Intake Date Campus Attendance Days
12/02/2025 Bairnsdale Trade Centre Wednesday, Thursday 9:00am-4:00pm
23/04/2025 Bairnsdale Trade Centre Wednesday, Thursday 9:00am-4:00pm
04/06/2025 Bairnsdale Trade Centre Wednesday, Thursday 9:00am-4:00pm
23/07/2025 Bairnsdale Trade Centre Wednesday, Thursday 9:00am-4:00pm
27/08/2025 Bairnsdale Trade Centre Wednesday, Thursday 9:00am-4:00pm
08/10/2025 Bairnsdale Trade Centre Wednesday 9:00am-4:00pm, Thursday 8:00am-3:00pm
29/10/2025 Bairnsdale Trade Centre Wednesday, Thursday 9:00am-4:00pm

About this course

Grow your green skills with a Certificate III in Horticulture, training in a simulated workplace at our Bairnsdale Trade Centre.
You don't need to be employed in the industry to enjoy this practical course, which will see you exposed to real work environments through a combination of field trips, industry guest speakers and projects thanks to our connections with local businesses and industry organisations such as Landcare.

Pursue a practical career pathway in Gippsland’s thriving horticultural industry.
This qualification provides a general vocational outcome in one of the many streams of horticulture for those aspiring to work in one or more of these areas in the future:
- Arboriculture
- Landscape Services
- Gardening Services
- Turf and Sports Turf Management
- Production Nursery
- Field / Paddock Fruit and Vegetable production
- Controlled Environment crop / nursery production
- Retail Nursery
- Nature Reserves and Conservation Parks
- Parks & Botanical Gardens
- Rural and Residential Land Care and Management.

Hear from Kaylee, one of our Horticulture students

Horticulture teacher Katrina on studying with us

Did you know: The Victorian Government has now made Free TAFE courses even more accessible for new students enrolling for study in 2024. All Free TAFE courses at TAFE Gippsland are now available to people with higher-level qualifications and those who have completed a previous Free TAFE course and are looking to continue in their selected training pathway. Conditions and eligibility rules apply. Check out our Free TAFE information page for further details.

Career Opportunities

Horticulture industry is very diverse and provides individuals with opportunities from soil rectification to production and retail/whole sale employment. The Horticulture industry in Gippsland has significant important assets that positions the region to further develop its horticulture and food production opportunities

Opportunities for Further Study

AHC40422 Certificate IV in Horticulture
AHC40122 Certificate IV in Agriculture
AHC51120 Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Skills or Knowledge gained

This course involves hands on learning, both outdoor and indoor and enables students to develop and practice skills including machinery operation, plant growth, soils, diseases and pests, chemical use and landscape construction works. This qualification also includes creating and maintaining garden beds, nursery and vegetable growing skills. This is a real 'doing' course and involves fun learning, getting dirty and experiencing all of what is offered in the horticultural industry

Entry Requirements

Are there specified requirements for entry into the course/qualification?: No

Mandatory entry requirements:

Profile / Fulltime Trainee Students: Minimum age of 17 years (this is not a training package requirement). Profile students in Victoria must be 17 years of age or older and not enrolled at secondary school to be eligible to enrol in this qualification.
School Based Apprentice / Trainee (SBAT): Must be 15 years or older to undertake a SBAT. SBATs must be 16 years of age or older to be operate machinery such as Tractors, according to manufacturer specifications.

Recommended entry Requirements:

This qualification may be accessed by direct entry, often as a part time or full time traineeship, including School Based Trainee.
Applicants wishing to undertake the qualification are required to complete a full Language, Literacy & Numeracy assessment, as well as a Pre training Review.
Applicants are also required to complete a interview with one of the trainers before enrolment can proceed into this course.
We recommend that applicants should have completed a Certificate II Horticulture or equivalent qualification or have a minimum of1 year experience working in the horticulture sector. Past experience on a horticultural enterprise or related businesses a would be an advantage but not essential.

Limitations to course Entry:

Students must have access to a reliable internet connection.
Students must have access to a computer or tablet that will support course work to be completed in our Learning Management System Moodle. We recommend that this also includes a headset (integrated microphone and earphones).
Students intending to work within the horticultural industry must be physically fit, this includes the ability to bend and lift. Students must be able to spend considerable time on their feet throughout their working day.

Minimum Industry Requirement

Not applicable.

Licensing/Regulatory Requirements

Will this course/qualification or a constituent unit provide a pathway to an industry licence or regulated outcome: true

An ACUP (agricultural chemical users permit) is a permit issued to a person, which provides authority to purchase specified 'restricted supply' chemicals and use specified 'restricted use' chemicals in Victoria.
You are required to undertake relevant training before you can apply for and hold an ACUP.
ACUPs do not authorise a person to use agricultural chemicals on another person’s property, crop or commodity for a fee or reward (i.e. contractors).
To be eligible to apply for a "STANDARD ACUP" the minimum Training requirement is the successful completion of a course in AgVet chemical use (or equivalent) that includes the units of competency:
AHCCHM307 – Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases (previously AHCCHM303); and
AHCCHM304 – Transport and store chemicals.
On successful completion of these units of competency individuals can use their statement of results / attainment to apply for a Standard ACUP through Agriculture Victoria online at https://chemical.agriculture.vic.gov.au/ (additional fees are payable to apply for this permit)

Qualifications and Recognition - 2025

Upon successful completion of this course students will be eligible to receive the Certificate III In Horticulture.

Work Placement - 2025

Does this course require placement?: Yes

While it is not compulsory students are strongly encouraged and may undertake up to 240 hours of vocational placement, this is designed to enhance the students learning throughout the course.

Placement to be arranged by: Student

Course Overview

Code:
AHC30722
Course Type:
Accredited course
Mode of Delivery:
On campus (Morwell)
Enquiry Apply

Apply Online

Provide your details below and we'll get your application started.

Enquire Online

Provide your details below and we'll be in contact soon!

Intakes

Course Duration:
1 year
Commencing in:
  • 2025

2025 Intake

Intake Date Campus Attendance Days
10/02/2025 Morwell Monday, Tuesday 9:00am-4:00pm
21/04/2025 Morwell Monday, Tuesday 9:00am-4:00pm
26/05/2025 Morwell Monday, Tuesday 9:00am-4:00pm
26/05/2025 Morwell Monday, Tuesday 9:00am-4:00pm
16/06/2025 Morwell Monday, Tuesday 9:00am-4:00pm
21/07/2025 Morwell Monday, Tuesday 9:00am-4:00pm
21/07/2025 Morwell Monday, Tuesday 9:00am-4:00pm
25/08/2025 Morwell Monday, Tuesday 9:00am-4:00pm
25/08/2025 Morwell Monday, Tuesday 9:00am-4:00pm
06/10/2025 Morwell Monday, Tuesday 9:00am-4:00pm
06/10/2025 Morwell Monday, Tuesday 9:00am-4:00pm

About this course

Grow your green skills with a Certificate III in Horticulture, training in a simulated workplace at our Morwell campus.
You don't need to be employed in the industry to enjoy this practical course, which will see you exposed to real work environments through a combination of field trips, industry guest speakers and projects thanks to our connections with local businesses and industry organisations such as Landcare.

Pursue a practical career pathway in Gippsland’s thriving horticultural industry.
This qualification provides a general vocational outcome in one of the many streams of horticulture for those aspiring to work in one or more of these areas in the future:
- Arboriculture
- Landscape Services
- Gardening Services
- Turf and Sports Turf Management
- Production Nursery
- Field / Paddock Fruit and Vegetable production
- Controlled Environment crop / nursery production
- Retail Nursery
- Nature Reserves and Conservation Parks
- Parks & Botanical Gardens
- Rural and Residential Land Care and Management.

Hear from Kaylee, one of our Horticulture students

Horticulture teacher Katrina on studying with us

Did you know: The Victorian Government has now made Free TAFE courses even more accessible for new students enrolling for study in 2024. All Free TAFE courses at TAFE Gippsland are now available to people with higher-level qualifications and those who have completed a previous Free TAFE course and are looking to continue in their selected training pathway. Conditions and eligibility rules apply. Check out our Free TAFE information page for further details.

Career Opportunities

Horticulture industry is very diverse and provides individuals with opportunities from soil rectification to production and retail/whole sale employment. The Horticulture industry in Gippsland has significant important assets that positions the region to further develop its horticulture and food production opportunities

Opportunities for Further Study

AHC40422 Certificate IV in Horticulture
AHC40122 Certificate IV in Agriculture
AHC51120 Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Skills or Knowledge gained

This course involves hands on learning, both outdoor and indoor and enables students to develop and practice skills including machinery operation, plant growth, soils, diseases and pests, chemical use and landscape construction works. This qualification also includes creating and maintaining garden beds, nursery and vegetable growing skills. This is a real 'doing' course and involves fun learning, getting dirty and experiencing all of what is offered in the horticultural industry

Entry Requirements

Are there specified requirements for entry into the course/qualification?: No

Mandatory entry requirements:

Profile / Fulltime Trainee Students: Minimum age of 17 years (this is not a training package requirement). Profile students in Victoria must be 17 years of age or older and not enrolled at secondary school to be eligible to enrol in this qualification.
School Based Apprentice / Trainee (SBAT): Must be 15 years or older to undertake a SBAT. SBATs must be 16 years of age or older to be operate machinery such as Tractors, according to manufacturer specifications.

Recommended entry Requirements:

This qualification may be accessed by direct entry, often as a part time or full time traineeship, including School Based Trainee.
Applicants wishing to undertake the qualification are required to complete a full Language, Literacy & Numeracy assessment, as well as a Pre training Review.
Applicants are also required to complete a interview with one of the trainers before enrolment can proceed into this course.
We recommend that applicants should have completed a Certificate II Horticulture or equivalent qualification or have a minimum of1 year experience working in the horticulture sector. Past experience on a horticultural enterprise or related businesses a would be an advantage but not essential.

Limitations to course Entry:

Students must have access to a reliable internet connection.
Students must have access to a computer or tablet that will support course work to be completed in our Learning Management System Moodle. We recommend that this also includes a headset (integrated microphone and earphones).
Students intending to work within the horticultural industry must be physically fit, this includes the ability to bend and lift. Students must be able to spend considerable time on their feet throughout their working day.

Minimum Industry Requirement

Not applicable.

Licensing/Regulatory Requirements

Will this course/qualification or a constituent unit provide a pathway to an industry licence or regulated outcome: true

An ACUP (agricultural chemical users permit) is a permit issued to a person, which provides authority to purchase specified 'restricted supply' chemicals and use specified 'restricted use' chemicals in Victoria.
You are required to undertake relevant training before you can apply for and hold an ACUP.
ACUPs do not authorise a person to use agricultural chemicals on another person’s property, crop or commodity for a fee or reward (i.e. contractors).
To be eligible to apply for a "STANDARD ACUP" the minimum Training requirement is the successful completion of a course in AgVet chemical use (or equivalent) that includes the units of competency:
AHCCHM307 – Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases (previously AHCCHM303); and
AHCCHM304 – Transport and store chemicals.
On successful completion of these units of competency individuals can use their statement of results / attainment to apply for a Standard ACUP through Agriculture Victoria online at https://chemical.agriculture.vic.gov.au/ (additional fees are payable to apply for this permit)

Qualifications and Recognition - 2025

Upon successful completion of this course students will be eligible to receive the Certificate III In Horticulture.

Work Placement - 2025

Does this course require placement?: Yes

While it is not compulsory students are strongly encouraged and may undertake up to 240 hours of vocational placement, this is designed to enhance the students learning throughout the course.

Placement to be arranged by: Student

Further Information - 2025

Fees

Fees and charges Government subsidised concession Government subsidised Full-fee paying student
Maximum full course tuition fee* (GST exempt) $998.20 $4,991.00 $13,128.50
Materials fee* (GST exempt) $595.00 $595.00 $595.00
Total $1,593.20 $5,586.00 $13,723.50
VET Student Loans

Not Applicable for this course

Help with fees

Sample course units

AHCCHM304 Transport and store chemicals
AHCCHM307 Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases
AHCIRG346 Operate pressurised irrigation systems
AHCMOM304 Operate machinery and equipment
AHCNSY308 Maintain nursery plants
AHCNSY313 Implement a propagation plan
AHCPCM305 Implement a plant nutrition program
AHCPCM308 Identify and select plants
AHCPGD308 Plan and maintain plant displays
AHCPGD309 Perform specialist amenity pruning
AHCPHT315 Establish horticultural crops
AHCPMG301 Control weeds
AHCPMG302 Control plant pests, diseases and disorders
AHCSOL304 Implement soil improvements for garden and turf areas
AHCTRF308 Establish turf
AHCWHS302 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
AHCWRK320 Apply environmentally sustainable work practices
Assessment

The assessment for each course varies. It may include knowledge questions, practical skills tasks, projects, research work, on the job assessment, etc. Your assessor or educator will provide specific information on the requirements for your course.

You can expect that:

  • assessment methods are clear
  • assessment tasks are relevant and meet the requirements of your course
  • assessor or educator demonstrate fairness and lack of bias when assessing your work
  • educators will provide open and honest feedback about assessment tasks.

Further Information - 2025

Fees

Fees and charges Government subsidised concession Government subsidised Full-fee paying student
Maximum full course tuition fee* (GST exempt) $998.20 $4,991.00 $13,128.50
Materials fee* (GST exempt) $595.00 $595.00 $595.00
Total $1,593.20 $5,586.00 $13,723.50
VET Student Loans

Not Applicable for this course

Help with fees

Sample course units

AHCCHM304 Transport and store chemicals
AHCCHM307 Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases
AHCECR303 Implement biological reintroduction works
AHCIRG346 Operate pressurised irrigation systems
AHCMOM304 Operate machinery and equipment
AHCNSY308 Maintain nursery plants
AHCNSY313 Implement a propagation plan
AHCPCM305 Implement a plant nutrition program
AHCPCM306 Provide information on plants and their culture
AHCPCM308 Identify and select plants
AHCPGD308 Plan and maintain plant displays
AHCPGD309 Perform specialist amenity pruning
AHCPMG301 Control weeds
AHCPMG302 Control plant pests, diseases and disorders
AHCSOL304 Implement soil improvements for garden and turf areas
AHCWHS302 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
AHCWRK320 Apply environmentally sustainable work practices
Assessment

The assessment for each course varies. It may include knowledge questions, practical skills tasks, projects, research work, on the job assessment, etc. Your assessor or educator will provide specific information on the requirements for your course.

You can expect that:

  • assessment methods are clear
  • assessment tasks are relevant and meet the requirements of your course
  • assessor or educator demonstrate fairness and lack of bias when assessing your work
  • educators will provide open and honest feedback about assessment tasks.