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Certificate III in Horticulture AHC30716
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Overview

This course is suited to people who wish to obtain a range of technical skills in horticulture and are interested in learning how to identify plants and maintain gardens. It will suit people who are passionate about the environment, like working outdoors and have an aptitude for practical work. The classes are delivered in the purpose-built 4.5 hectare horticulture facility at Bruce, and students are given the opportunity to work on a range of projects such as building gardens, growing plants in the nursery and maintaining specialised plants.

This course is in transition. You may be transferred to a replacement course in 2024.

Qualification:

 Certificate III in Horticulture AHC30716

Course No:

 C3-BE27

Campus:

 CIT Bruce 

Duration:

 Standard students: 2 semesters full time (approximately 24 hours per week) or part time equivalent.
Apprenticed students: 7 hours per week

Cost Info:

The 2023 Semester 2 enrolment fees for this course are based on the costs per subject as indicated below. The total course cost may vary depending on the choice of elective subjects or if subjects are attempted more than once. Subject costs identified as Standard are partially subsidised by the ACT Government. Concessions may be available to eligible students.

Indicative Cost:

 $2,156.00
Apprentice/trainee
  • Subsidised fee $1,790
  • Full fee $11,195

Likely Job Outcome:

 Horticulturist, gardener.

Application Type:

 Standard
Share:

Additional Information

You will be required to wear relevant work PPE during practical outdoor work at CIT.
Including:
- Protective boots
- Sun smart wear including a hat and gloves.

Skills Recognition

Entry Requirements

You must
- be able to read and write documents and understand maths concepts to a level required to complete Year 10 (early in your course your skills will be checked - if you cannot read and write documents and complete maths work to the level needed, you will be enrolled in additional subjects to help you build the skills needed to successfully complete the course).

To study any course at CIT (excluding degrees and non-accredited training) you must have a Unique Student Identifier (USI).

Literacy Skills Information

We suggest that you will need Australian Core Skills Framework levels of at least 2 across reading, writing, learning, oral communication and, depending on your course of study, numeracy skills to successfully complete this course. If you do not have this level, you can still enrol and seek support to improve your skills or you may prefer to begin with a lower level course, or enrol in the Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways (FSK20119) to develop your literacy skills. Please visit CIT Foundation Skills page.

Transition Information

Qualifications at CIT are regularly updated or replaced to meet current industry needs and maximise your employment opportunities. If this occurs while you are part way through a qualification, you may need to vary your learning to meet the new national requirements. CIT will aim to make this as smooth as possible for you.

Subject Cancellations/Changes

To ensure positive outcomes for all students, CIT may need to cancel or change classes at short notice. CIT will make every effort to inform students as soon as changes are made and will also make every effort to offer alternative arrangements for students to meet the requirements of the subject and complete their qualification. In an unfortunate instance when this cannot be met, you will receive a full refund. Please ensure you maintain current contact details via CIT Self Service or by contacting CIT Student Services at infoline@cit.edu.au.


Subject Information

Complete 16 subjects

Core: Complete all 3

  • AHCPMG301   Control weeds
    • CIT Code: HORT642
      Cost: Standard $300.00
      Apprentice $300.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and coordinate weed control activities. This unit applies to workers in agriculture, horticulture or land management-based enterprises who are required to carry out the control of weed infestations using cultural, biological and chemical methods to provide effective, economical control of weeds while minimising damage to the environment.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCSOL303   Implement soil improvements for garden and turf areas
    • CIT Code: HORT1343
      Cost: Standard $132.00
      Apprentice $45.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide information about and determine its suitability for garden beds or turf areas and determine ameliorants or additives to improve it. This unit applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCWHS301   Contribute to work health and safety processes
    • CIT Code: OHSS254
      Cost: Standard $100.00
      Apprentice $100.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out enterprise work health and safety policies and procedures. This unit is applicable to individuals. They typically work within clear reporting lines and procedures. All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures and work health and safety and other relevant legislation and codes.
      Prerequisites: Nil

Core: Must complete 1

  • AHCPMG302   Control plant pests, diseases and disorders
    • CIT Code: HORT665
      Cost: Standard $200.00
      Apprentice $200.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to control plant pests, diseases and disorders, taking into consideration Integrated Pest Management options. The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify a range of pests, diseases and disorders and beneficial organisms, assess damage or threat to plants and select and apply pest and disease controls and timing of operations. It includes preparing and calibrating equipment, monitoring the effectiveness of controls and keeping records.
      Prerequisites: Nil

Core: Must complete 1

  • AHCPCM302   Provide information on plants and their culture
    • CIT Code: HORT662
      Cost: Standard $154.00
      Apprentice $154.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide information to clients and others about plants and their cultural requirements. It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
      Prerequisites: Nil

Electives: Complete 4

  • AHCNSY306   Implement a propagation plan
    • CIT Code: HORT714
      Cost: Standard $198.00
      Apprentice $150.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement a propagation plan for a range of plants using a range of different propagation methods. It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCPCM303   Identify plant specimens
    • CIT Code: HORT1168
      Cost: Standard $200.00
      Apprentice $200.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to inspect plant specimens and describe the features and attributes of a plant for the purpose of plant identification and providing information to a client or organisation. The unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources and for solving problems.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCSOL301   Prepare growing media
    • CIT Code: HORT735
      Cost: Standard $88.00
      Apprentice $30.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to determine the requirements of a growing media for various plants and preparing and storing the media in accordance with the production specifications. This unit applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCNSY301   Maintain nursery plants
    • CIT Code: HORT718
      Cost: Standard $88.00
      Apprentice $35.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain and care for nursery plants. It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
      Prerequisites: Nil

Electives: Complete 5

  • AHCCHM303   Prepare and apply chemicals
    • CIT Code: HORT643
      Cost: Standard $154.00
      Apprentice $75.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare and apply chemicals for the control of pests across a range of industry sectors. This unit covers the use of general application equipment used across a variety of industries including; boom sprays, orchard air-blast sprayers, handheld spray equipment, wipers, dry chemical applicators, dips, pour-on, spot-on, vaccination and drenching equipment. All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work hand safety and pesticide legislation and codes. All work must be carried out to comply with chemical label instructions, Safety Data Sheets (SDS s), the organisation s application plan and relevant legislation. This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work and use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit. Candidates should confirm the regulatory requirements that apply in their relevant State or Territory before undertaking this unit. This unit may be deemed to have a time limit when used as part of an accreditation or licence process.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCCHM304   Transport and store chemicals
    • CIT Code: HORT644
      Cost: Standard $110.00
      Apprentice $75.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely transport, handle and store liquid and dry chemical formulations across a broad range of industry sectors. This unit does not cover operation of specialised chemical application equipment and machinery or application of chemicals. All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety and pesticide legislation and codes. All work is carried out to comply with Safety Data Sheets, chemical label directions and relevant legislative requirements. This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work and use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCNSY302   Receive and dispatch nursery products
    • CIT Code: HORT1161
      Cost: Standard $88.00
      Apprentice $0.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to select and collect nursery products for the purpose of dispatch, delivery or pick up by client and the process of receiving and processing of products from suppliers. It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCPCM301   Implement a plant nutrition program
    • CIT Code: HORT713
      Cost: Standard $132.00
      Apprentice $20.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to monitor and control the nutritional requirements of and applications to plants across a range of situations and environments.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCNSY305   Prepare specialised plants
    • CIT Code: HORT720
      Cost: Standard $110.00
      Apprentice $275.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare specialised, unusual or rare plants in a production nursery or by other organisations, groups and individuals with a wide range of species and cultivars as the specialised plants or individual cultivars under production. It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
      Prerequisites: Nil

Electives: Complete 2

  • AHCBER301   Work effectively in an emergency disease or plant pest response
    • CIT Code: HORT906
      Cost: Standard $132.00
      Apprentice $150.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to work effectively within own area of responsibility while responding to an emergency disease or plant pest incursion. The unit applies to personnel who have been appointed or engaged to undertake a role within an emergency disease or plant pest incursion response. This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work including limited responsibility for the work of others. They provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable problems.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCIRG331   Install pressurised irrigation systems
    • CIT Code: HORT1344
      Cost: Standard $154.00
      Apprentice $150.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide information about and determine its suitability for garden beds or turf areas and determine ameliorants or additives to improve it. This unit applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
      Prerequisites: Nil

Electives: Complete 11

  • AHCLSC302   Construct landscape features using concrete
    • CIT Code: HORT727
      Cost: Standard $176.00
      Apprentice $100.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to construct concrete structures and features as a component of landscape project works. This unit applies to individuals who take responsibility for own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCLSC303   Construct brick and block structures and features
    • CIT Code: HORT726
      Cost: Standard $220.00
      Apprentice $110.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to construct brick structures and features or block structures and features, or both as a component of a landscaping project. This unit applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCLSC304   Erect timber structures and features
    • CIT Code: HORT663
      Cost: Standard $220.00
      Apprentice $220.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to erect timber structures and features as a component of landscape project works.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCLSC305   Construct stone structures and features
    • CIT Code: HORT733
      Cost: Standard $110.00
      Apprentice $20.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to construct stone structures and features as a component of landscape project works. This unit applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCLSC306   Implement a paving project
    • CIT Code: HORT1035
      Cost: Standard $220.00
      Apprentice $105.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to install and construct a paved surface to a prepared base within a documented scope of works incorporated in a project across a range of situations and environments. This unit applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCLSC307   Implement a retaining wall project
    • CIT Code: HORT1036
      Cost: Standard $220.00
      Apprentice $125.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to install and construct a retaining wall. This unit applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCMOM304   Operate machinery and equipment
    • CIT Code: HORT658
      Cost: Standard $300.00
      Apprentice $300.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate and maintain machinery and equipment. All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety requirements manufacturer's specifications and sustainability practices. This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCPGD301   Implement a plant establishment program
    • CIT Code: HORT712
      Cost: Standard $176.00
      Apprentice $200.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to establish planting areas in new projects and in programs of extensive replacement and renovation works across a range of situations and environments. It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCNSY304   Deliver and promote sales of plants
    • CIT Code: SELL121
      Cost: Standard $88.00
      Apprentice $275.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to transport and deliver plants to retail outlets and other nurseries and the associated task of maintaining promotional displays. It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCPGD302   Plan and maintain plant displays
    • CIT Code: HORT725
      Cost: Standard $110.00
      Apprentice $195.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and establish plant displays either indoors or as seasonal displays of annual and perennial plants in garden beds. It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCTRF302   Establish turf
    • CIT Code: HORT711
      Cost: Standard $132.00
      Apprentice $20.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to establish turf by sowing, turf laying, sprigging and chaffing or stolonization in sporting, public recreational open space, commercial and residential sites. It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCTRF303   Implement a grassed area maintenance program
    • CIT Code: HORT709
      Cost: Standard $132.00
      Apprentice $170.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain and repair grassed areas. It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCTRF304   Monitor turf health
    • CIT Code: HORT719
      Cost: Standard $132.00
      Apprentice $0.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to monitor the health and condition of high performance sports turf playing surfaces. It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCTRF305   Renovate sports turf
    • CIT Code: HORT721
      Cost: Standard $132.00
      Apprentice $190.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement renovation or remediation of a sports turf area for minor projects and seasonal renovations in the turf industry. It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCWRK309   Apply environmentally sustainable work practices
    • CIT Code: HORT1345
      Cost: Standard $200.00
      Apprentice $200.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to apply environmentally sustainable work practices. This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work including limited responsibility for the work of others. Work routines meet organisational and compliance requirements for ethical handling and welfare of animals, environmental sustainability, work health and safety, and biosecurity appropriate to the work role.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCLSC309   Install water features
    • CIT Code: HORT731
      Cost: Standard $132.00
      Apprentice $0.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to install water features. Water features may include waterfalls, ponds, waterways and fountains. They may be prefabricated as supplied by irrigation suppliers and garden centres or formed 'in situ'. This unit applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCARB301   Implement a tree maintenance program
    • CIT Code: HORT715
      Cost: Standard $88.00
      Apprentice $195.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement a tree maintenance program. It also describes the skills and knowledge required to apply a range of tree maintenance techniques; and monitor and review the maintenance program over the course of a year. The work requires application of extensive arboricultural knowledge and a broad range of arboricultural skills. This unit applies to individuals who have a range of skills to select and apply a specialised range of methods, tools, equipment and information to complete routine activities and provide and transmit solutions to predictable and sometimes unpredictable problems. Work is implemented with low risk work procedures and to comply with Safe Work Method Statement documentation.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCWRK305   Coordinate work site activities
    • CIT Code: HORT666
      Cost: Standard $154.00
      Apprentice $154.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to coordinate work site activities for small scale projects. This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work including limited responsibility for the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources.
      Prerequisites: Nil

Electives: May complete 2

  • AHCDRG301   Install drainage systems
    • CIT Code: HORT684
      Cost: Standard $110.00
      Apprentice $170.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to install surface and subsurface drainage systems. It applies to individuals who take responsibility for own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • AHCMOM305   Operate specialised machinery and equipment
    • CIT Code: HORT664
      Cost: Standard $220.00
      Apprentice $220.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate specialised machinery and equipment. All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety requirements manufacturer's specifications and sustainability practices. This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources.
      Prerequisites: Nil

Related Courses

Diploma Horticulture AHC50416
Certificate III Parks and Gardens AHC31021
Certificate III Landscape Construction AHC30921
Certificate III Conservation and Ecosystem Management AHC31421
Certificate III Sports Turf Management AHC31319
Non-Accredited Training Introduction to Permaculture Design

More Information

For more information about this course please contact CIT Student Services on (02) 6207 3188 or email infoline@cit.edu.au