| Course Code | AHC30722 |
| Locations |
Portland, Sherwood Park (Warrnambool)
Would you prefer another study location? Click here |
| Study Mode | Part-time, On Campus |
| Length | Two years |
| Commencement | February 2026 |
| Timetable | One day a week during school termsSherwood Park: Tuesdays.Portland: Tuesdays. |
The Certificate III in Horticulture will provide you with a wide range of general horticultural skills that are to industry standard and can be taken to the workplace.
The course will cover areas such as: identifying plants, propagation, plant nutrition, specialist amenity pruning, implementing soil improvements, controlling weeds, plant pests and diseases.
This on-campus course is very hands-on with a focus on the practical skills required to work in the industry. You will visit a range of gardens and commercial operations to give you an insight into the breadth of the industry and employment opportunities
This course will give you the confidence to identify plants and provide information on plants and their growing needs. You will acquire skills to assess and improve soils, develop plant establishment and display gardens including how to cost a project. You will learn how to identify plant health problems, establish turf and perform specialist amenity pruning. You will complete the AgVet Chemical Users course which provides you with the confidence to handle, store and apply chemicals safely.
Upon successful completion, you will be equipped to gain work as a horticulturalist in parks and gardens, nurseries, turf management and landscape construction.
This qualification can provide a pathway to further study in the horticulture field including:
Why don’t you come along to our next course info session to find out everything you need to start your learning journey? You can chat with our teachers, tour our facilities, learn more about the course, find out about the application process and get your questions answered by our course experts.
You must be at least 17 years of age.
To be eligble for this qualification, you must successfully complete 17 units: 11 core and 6 elective.
| Unit Code | Unit Name | Unit Hours | Unit Consumables |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHCCHM304 | Transport and store chemicals | 50 | $0.00 |
| AHCMOM304 | Operate machinery and equipment | 40 | $0.00 |
| AHCPMG301 | Control weeds | 70 | $0.00 |
| AHCPMG302 | Control plant pests, diseases and disorders | 80 | $0.00 |
| AHCCHM307 | Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases | 70 | $68.25 |
| AHCSOL304 | Implement soil improvements for garden and turf areas | 60 | $0.00 |
| AHCIRG346 | Operate pressurised irrigation systems | 50 | $0.00 |
| AHCPGD309 | Perform specialist amenity pruning | 65 | $0.00 |
| AHCWHS302 | Contribute to workplace health and safety processes | 50 | $0.00 |
| AHCWRK320 | Apply environmentally sustainable work practices | 60 | $0.00 |
| AHCPCM308 | Identify and select plants | 90 | $0.00 |
| Unit Code | Unit Name | Unit Hours | Unit Consumables |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHCBUS407 | Cost a project | 50 | $0.00 |
| AHCTRF309 | Implement a grassed area maintenance program | 60 | $0.00 |
| AHCNSY313 | Implement a propagation plan | 90 | $0.00 |
| AHCPCM305 | Implement a plant nutrition program | 60 | $0.00 |
| AHCPGD307 | Implement a plant establishment program | 80 | $0.00 |
| AHCPGD310 | Implement a landscape maintenance program | 100 | $0.00 |
This course involves accredited units. You will be required to complete assessment tasks to demonstrate your underpinning knowledge, skills and attributes to meet the course outcomes. A combination of written, oral and practical assessment strategies will be used in either a classroom, online or workplace environment.
Where units require demonstration of skills in a workplace environment, you will have the opportunity to do this either in your own workplace (where appropriate), through a practical placement, or by using one of the Institute's simulated workshops/classrooms. Detailed information about the types, conduct and dates of assessments will be provided in advance. You will also be provided with information about the opportunity for reassessment and appeal.
Once you have applied for your chosen course, you will receive a thank you email from South West TAFE with a few steps to help process your enrolment.
Complete a Pre-Training Review
You will receive an email to complete a Pre-Training Review online evaluation. This evaluation helps us tailor your training to suit your needs.
Create or provide a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
A USI is a nationally recognised reference number that provides an online record of your training qualifications gained in Australia.
Create your USI
Already have a USI but can’t remember it? Find your USI
Skills recognition
If you have experience or prior qualifications, you may be eligible to apply for recognition of prior learning and gain credits. You will be asked to provide any relevant Statement of Attainment to support identified credits.
Here's an outline of fees and costs associated with your course.
Your fees each year can be made up of 3 different elements. Everyone has different circumstances that can affect what you pay and how much you pay. :
There are 4 different rates of tuition fees. Only one will apply to you (depending on your eligibility and circumstances).
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FEES AND ELIGIBILITY
The fees listed below are indicative only. The course fees published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Course fee funding is made available to eligible individuals by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments. If funding is utilised, this may affect opportunities to access additional funding in the future. An accurate quote for this course will be provided during the enrolment process.
| Course fees by student type | Indicative Course Fee |
|---|---|
| Government subsidised rate (if eligible) | $4,500.00 |
| Concession rate | $900.00 |
| Full fee rate (if not eligible for govt subsidy) | $14,945.00 |
Students who are eligible for Free TAFE place will not pay course tuition fees for the duration of their enrolment in this course, however, there may be some consumable/material fees for the course (find out more below). The consumable fees for this course are listed in the above table.
Find out more about Free TAFE courses and eligibility or contact us.
Some courses require specific resources or materials necessary for your study eg: tools of the trade, excursions, etc. Final costs will be determined upon enrolment.
| Additional course fees | Indicative Course Fee |
|---|---|
| Course consumable/materials (approximate) | $233.63 |
Once we have processed your enrolment form, you will receive an email with your invoice.
You have three options when organising your payment:
Payments will need to be arranged within five(5) business days of receiving the email containing your invoice.
We also offer a range of scholarships each year which you may be eligible to apply for to assist with course fees.
There are five simple steps to apply for a course with us.
If you need any assistance with applying, contact our team on 1300 648 911 or visit your nearest campus.
Not sure which course is right for you? South West TAFE will help you find your way.
Our Careers Coaches at the Skills and Jobs Centre is here to support you. Whether you’re exploring career options, transitioning from school to the workforce or looking to study after school we’re here to help you.
As a SWTAFE student, you can access a variety of support services that will enhance your study experience and help you complete your studies successfully. For more information about any of these services, visit our student page.
