Certificate III in Horticulture

Whilst we pride ourselves on our hands-on training, we have had to adjust most of our courses for study from home and remote learning during the COVID-19 restrictions. This means courses will be delivered using a range of methods including online learning, virtual classrooms, workbooks and direct contact with your teacher.

Given the government restrictions that are now in place to reduce the spread of coronavirus in Australia, we expect this new model of study will continue until the government makes changes to these restrictions.

The Certificate III in Horticulture will provide you with a wide range of general horticultural skills that can be taken to the workplace. The course will cover areas such as identifying plants, propagation, plant nutrition, specialist amenity pruning, implementing soil improvements and landscape plans, paving and controlling weeds plus plant pests and diseases.

This on-campus course is very hands-on with a focus on the practical skills to be confident to work in the industry. The course is based around developing a strong knowledge of plants then planning and completing a project on campus.  This start to finish approach will instil great confidence and improved opportunities for employment.

A course requirement will be to undertake 210 hours of practical gardening outside of class over the 2 years and keeping a journal of the activities undertaken.  So access to your own garden, someone else's or a community garden or paid employment in this field is required.   If you have no previous commercial experience up to 15 days of work in a commercial horticultural enterprise will be recommended.

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 horticulturist in parks, nurseries, production, gardening, turf and landscape sectors. 

This qualification can provide a pathway to further study in the horticulture field including:

• Certificate III in Landscape Construction
• Certificate III in Parks and Gardens
• Certificate III in Production Nursery

Students are expected to complete 210 hrs of work placement (may be volunteer work) as part of this course.  The need for this requirement will be assessed during enrolment / first weeks and can be undertaken at any time during the course (single or block).   We will assist in directing you as to how to find a voluntary or paid position.  Previous work experience in the industry may cover this requirement.

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. 

Find the next info session near you

To be eligible for this qualification you must successfully complete 16 units: 5 core and 11 elective.

A course requirement will be to undertake 150 hours of practical gardening outside of class over the 2 years applying the skills learnt in class and keeping a journal of the activities undertaken.  So access to your own garden, someone else's or a community garden or paid employment doing a variety of horticultural activities is required.   This is in addition to the 210 hours of work placement.

Core Units

Elective Units

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. :

1. Tuition fees - charged as an hourly rate that varies from course to course. A large portion of the tuition is subsidised by the Victorian Government for eligible students.
2. Resource and/or materials costs - covers the cost of materials and other incidentals. This fee will vary according to the course being undertaken.
3. Booklist items - such as textbooks, equipment and stationery recommended for your course

Tuition fees

There are 4 different rates of tuition fees. Only one will apply to you (depending on your eligibility and circumstances). 

1. Government Subsidised Fee - you could be eligible for a government-subsidised rate under the Skills First funding depending on your age, educational history, and citizenship or residency status. If you are eligible, the government will contribute to the cost of your training.
   Check your eligibility
   
   
2. Government Subsidised Concession Fee - If you are eligible for a Skills First government-subsidised place and hold a current healthcare or pension card, that you can provide at enrolment. You may be eligible for the concession rate.
   Find out more about concession rates
   
   
3. Free TAFE - Students who are eligible for Victorian government-subsidised training 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). Any resource or material costs, or booklist items for this course are listed in the table below.
   
   
4. Full fee - If you are not eligible for a Skills First government-subsidised place, exemption, concession or are enrolling in a course that isn't government-subsidised, you may be required to pay the full fee rate.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FEES AND ELIGIBILITY

The fees listed below are indicative only and may be subject to change without notice and given individual circumstances. Your actual fees will be calculated based on your individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. Funding made available to eligible individuals by State and Commonwealth Governments. If funding is utilised, this may affect future opportunities to access additional funding in the future. 

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.

Once we have processed your enrolment form, you will receive an email with your invoice.

You have three options when organising your payment:

1. Upfront payment - can be made over the phone with EFTPOS

2. Payment plan - can be directly debited from your bank account, debited from your Centrelink payments or via a VET Student Loan (for diploma or advanced diploma courses only)

3. Paid by employer, school or job network agency - if your fees are being paid by your employer, school or job network agency, you will need to complete an Authority to Invoice form.

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.

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. Call, email or drop in.

Call 5564 8515 or email skillsandjobscentre@swtafe.edu.au

There are five simple steps to apply for a course with us.

1. Apply - complete a short online application form. Once this form is submitted we'll send you a thank you email.
2. Get ready - your thank-you email will contain links to a pre-training review, to a unique student identifier and to government-subsidised training eligibility.
3. Chat with your teacher - your teacher or course specialist will contact you about your Pre-Training Review outcomes and additional course information.
4. Enrol - after chatting with your teacher, you will receive an email with your enrolment form and a link to verify your identity.
5. Sign - once you've completed your enrolment, you will receive a declaration form to review and sign.

If need any assistance with applying, contact our Customer Service team on 1300 648 911 or visit your nearest campus.

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.