OverviewAbout this course
Nurture your green thumb and watch your career bloom in a rewarding industry as a horticulturist, landscaper or gardener. Learn to create and nurture green environments that are both beautiful and functional including parks, gardens and nurseries.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Plant and prune trees, shrubs and other plants
Understand soil characteristics and soil improvement methods
Operate basic garden machinery and equipment
Safely use chemicals to control pests and weeds
Maintain and operate irrigation systems
Identify and control weeds, pests and diseases
Course outcomes
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
A nationally recognised certificate
A pathway to further study in horticulture or landscape design
The skills to grow your own plants and plan and maintain gardens and landscapes
The confidence and skills to enter or further your career in the horticulture industry
The ability to safely use garden chemicals keeping environmental and sustainability guidelines in mind
SuitabilityIs this course right for you?
Entry requirements
Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.
This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.
Completion requirements
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
An interest in the horticulture industry and/or current employment in the industry
A basic level of physical fitness
Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 10 high school level
Good communication skills
The ability to work independently as well as in a team
Intermediate computer skills
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
PathwaysFuture career and study options
Career pathways
Our graduates go onto roles like: gardener, horticulturist, landscape gardener and nursery worker.
Study pathways
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Previous study1 Course
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Further study1 Course
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Related study5 Courses
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
Your experience counts
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
UnitsUnits taught in this course
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Horticulture qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 17 units of competency, including 11 core and 6 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
Transport and store chemicalsAHCCHM304
Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseasesAHCCHM307
Operate pressurised irrigation systemsAHCIRG346
Operate machinery and equipmentAHCMOM304
TAFE NSW servicesFacilities and support
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community