Certificate II in Horticulture - VDSS

Experience what the horticultural industry has to offer in a fun and practical way.
You’ll work very closely with our expert teachers, create and maintain garden beds and learn vital nursery and orchard skills. You will put your new knowledge into practice right away, increasing your confidence and employment opportunities.
Go on to gain an apprenticeship in horticulture or seek employment as a garden hand, agricultural/horticulture roles, or in a nursery. You might even want to explore further study Certificate III or IV in Horticulture. Both options would give you more specialised skills while increasing your chances of employment, as you gain hands-on experience in the industry you already love.

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. This qualification also includes creating and maintaining garden beds, nursery and orchard 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

This course is for students undertaking the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM). Please contact your school for more information.

Proposed Units

AHCPGD207 Plant trees and shrubs
AHCPGD208 Prepare and maintain plant displays
AHCPGD209 Prune shrubs and small trees
AHCPMG201 Treat weeds
AHCPMG202 Treat plant pests, diseases and disorders
AHCWRK211 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
AHCWRK213 Participate in workplace communications
AHCIRG221 Assist with pressurised irrigation operations
AHCWHS202 Participate in workplace health and safety processes
AHCMOM203 Operate basic machinery and equipment
AHCNSY207 Undertake propagation activities
AHCNSY206 Care for nursery plants
AHCPCM204 Recognise plants
AHCCHM201 Apply chemicals under supervision
AHCSOL203 Assist with soil or growing media sampling and testing

Clothing and Equipment

• Solid, closed in shoes
• Clothing suitable for practical work
• Branded uniform shirt will be supplied
• Students must have access to a computer and Internet. Our preference is for students to bring their laptop they currently use for Secondary School to their VDSS classes

Pathways

• AHC30716 Certificate III in Horticulture
• AHC30722 Certificate III in Horticulture
• AHC40422 Certificate IV in Horticulture
• AHC51120 Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management
• AHC50116 / AHC50122 Diploma of Agriculture

Potential Job Outcomes

• Horticulturist
• Garden hand
• Gardener
• Nursery worker
• Greenskeeper