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    Back to Horticulture

    National code: AHC31024

    Certificate III in Parks and Gardens

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    OverviewAbout this course

    If you dream of a career that surrounds you with plants and trees, cultivate a career in horticulture. Get your hands dirty and find fulfilment in maintaining outdoor spaces in the community that are enjoyed by so many.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learning outcomes

    Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

    • Identify plants and understand how best to tend them

    • Implement a plant nutrition program

    • Use your keen eye to troubleshoot and report on plant health

    • Conduct specialist transplanting, pruning and mowing operations

    • Control weeds, plant pests, diseases and disorders

    • Improve soil quality

    Course outcomes

    Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

    • Experience working on parks and gardens constructed or rejuvenated in an outdoor space

    • The opportunity to visit botanic gardens, parks, campus surroundings or nurseries through excursions to support your learning

    • The ability to conduct specialist pruning techniques on a range of vines, hedges and small trees

    • Membership to the Australian Institute of Horticulture whilst studying this course

    SuitabilityIs this course right for you?

    Entry requirements

    This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

    • This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.

    • Be employed as an apprentice in industry

    • Register with an Apprenticeship Network Provider who will support your application

    Note

    • This course may also be offered as a non-apprenticeship. Enquire today to discuss your

    • eligibility.

    Entry recommendations

    To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

    • An interest in the natural environment

    • A comfort in working outdoors, in different environments, terrains and in a range of weather conditions

    • A reasonable level of fitness to use wheelbarrows, do repetitive lifting and be on your feet for long periods

    • Literacy, numeracy and computer literacy at Year 10 level

    • Students attending TAFE practical classes must provide their own PPE clothing, including a cotton long-sleeved shirt, long cotton work pants, leather work boots and a brimmed hat suitable for working outdoors in line with industry requirements. All other task-specific PPE will be supplied by TAFE unless otherwise advised by the class teacher.

    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: horticulturist, gardener, parks and gardens worker, nursery hand and sporting ground garden maintenance.

    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 study2 Courses

    Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

    Related study1 Course

    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 Parks and Gardens qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 16 units of competency, including 11 core and 5 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.

    • Implement a grassed area maintenance programAHCTRF309

    • Implement soil improvements for garden and turf areasAHCSOL304

    • Perform specialist amenity pruningAHCPGD309

    • Implement a landscape maintenance programAHCPGD310

    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

    Study optionsFind a location to enrol