top of page
Gardening_edited.jpg

Certificate III In Horticulture

AHC30722

Training provided by Stirling Institute of Australia, RTO 21132.

Course Overview

Nurture your love of greenery with the Certificate III in Horticulture. Working within a lush and broad field, you will receive state-of-the-art hands-on training in modern horticultural skills. With over 6.54 million tonnes of horticultural products produced within Australia every year, you’ll enter a booming industry at the completion of your certificate. You’ll learn everything you need in order to develop your knowledge of flora maintenance of which continues to be pivotal in conserving the environment for years to come.

​

You’ll take part in important training from an array of experienced trade professionals in our industry replicated working environments. Stirling Institute of Australia is equipped with state-of-the-art purpose-built horticulture workshops, run by qualified, industry-based teachers who will share industry insights and expertise throughout the course. You’ll learn the fundamentals of plant recognition and nutrition, pest, disease and weed control, critical skills in maintaining plant life.

Please note you will not be studying through Fresh Futures Australia but Stirling Institute of Australia a Nationally Recognised Registered Training Organisation.

Course Essentials

Course Essentials

Qualification Code: AHC30722


Recognition: Nationally recognised - meets Australian Qualifications Framework


Study: Full-time study


Study mode: Classroom-based


Class time: 9.30am to 4.30pm


Duration: From 10 months. Depending on the month/intake, the course typically consists of 35 tuition weeks, excluding holidays and placement.


Assessment: Knowledge evidence, direct demonstration and observation, portfolios, projects, role plays, case studies and presentations.


Funded Admin Fee: $0


Funded Tuition Fee: $0 

​

Throughout your studies, you will be required to complete your research, assessments as well as accessing your emails using a desktop/laptop/mobile device with internet availability.

Requirements

Education: There are no formal education entry requirements for this course.
 

Minimum Age: You will need to be at least 18 years old.
 

Language, Literacy and Numeracy: Stirling Institute of Australia want to make sure this course is the perfect fit for you, so they’ll assess your language, literacy, and numeracy skills before enrolment.
 

Enrolment Application & Pre-Training Review: Get started by attending a face to face Information Session or completing the process online.
 

Equipment: Throughout your studies, you will be required to complete your research and assessments as well as accessing your emails using a desktop/laptop with internet availability.
 

Suitability requirements: To undertake this qualification, you must possess physical attributes that are suitable for workplace experience within the horticulture industry, including the ability to handle equipment and machinery manually.

Requirements

Potential job titles:

Typical employers of horticulture workers:

  • Horticulturist

  • Landscape gardener

  • Nursery worker

  • Gardener

  • Parks and Gardens Maintenance

  • or any one of a number of varied roles within the industry

  • Landscaping and gardening companies

  • Nurseries

  • Farms

  • Local governments

  • Botanical gardens

  • Universities and research institutions

Responsibilities

Get ready to dive into a world of blooming beauty as a horticulturist! Here are some tasks that could make up your exciting day:

  • Care for and nurture a variety of plants, fruits, and vegetables to ensure their well-being and successful growth.

  • Use your expertise to propagate, irrigate, and manage pests, keeping your plants healthy and thriving.

  • Keep your displays and nursery plants in top shape, delighting all who behold them.

  • Implement plant nutrition programs to promote optimal growth and health.

  • Transform gardens and turfed areas by enriching and improving the soil.

Skills and Interests

Skills and Interests

Here are some personal attributes that can make you a bloomin' good horticulturist:

  • A passion for everything flora and fauna, with a love for the natural world.

  • Comfortable working outdoors, even when the weather throws you a curveball.

  • Thriving on physical labour and getting your hands dirty in the soil.

  • A pro at working independently or as part of a team, tackling tasks with ease.

  • Skilled in problem-solving, with a keen eye for detail and finding solutions.

  • Organized and able to manage your workload, balancing multiple projects with ease.

What you'll learn

Get ready to unlock a world of horticultural wisdom during your studies. Here are some fascinating things you'll learn:

  • Master the art of plant identification, specimen preparation, and the art of planting trees and shrubs.

  • Discover effective methods to combat plant pests, diseases, pesky weeds, and other disorders.

  • Gain expertise in conducting thorough site and operational inspections of park facilities.

  • Learn how to enhance soil quality, implement plant nutrition programs, and manage drainage and irrigation.

  • Dive into the fundamentals of creating and maintaining stunning plant displays and nurturing nursery plants.

Course Units

Course Units

To successfully complete AHC30722 Certificate III in Horticulture you must complete the following units of competency.
AHCPCM303 Identify plant specimens (Elective)
AHCPCM306 Provide information on plants and their culture (Elective)
AHCPMG301 Control weeds (Core)
AHCPMG302 Control plant pests, diseases, and disorders (Core)
AHCCHM304 Transport and store chemicals (Core)
AHCCHM307 Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases(Core)
AHCIRG338 Troubleshoot irrigation systems (Elective)
AHCPCM308 Identify and select plants (Core)
AHCIRG346 Operate pressurised irrigation systems (Core)
AHCPGD309 Perform specialist amenity pruning (Core)
AHCPHT312 Implement a crop regulation program (Elective)
AHCMOM304 Operate machinery and equipment (Core)
AHCSOL305 Prepare growing media (Elective)
AHCPCM305 Implement a plant nutrition program (Elective)
AHCSOL304 Implement soil improvements for garden and turf areas (Core)
AHCWRK320 Apply environmentally sustainable work practices (Core)
AHCWHS302 Contribute to work health and safety processes (Core)

Assessment

Unlocking your potential has never been more thrilling! Assessment is a crucial element in your learning journey, paving the way to a nationally recognised qualification or a statement of attainment. Get ready to showcase your skills and knowledge through dynamic methods such as captivating presentations, hands-on demonstrations, immersive role plays, and engaging case studies. You'll be immersed in a world of active learning, where your progress will be celebrated at every step. Your learning experience will be an exhilarating adventure, propelling you towards achieving your educational goals with confidence!

Trainer Support

At Stirling Institute of Australia, they take pride in their top-notch trainers! They're hand-picked for their vocational competencies, industry expertise, and teaching skills. In every class session, your trainer will leverage their wealth of experience to foster a dynamic, fulfilling, and engaging learning environment. With their passion for teaching, you'll be guided towards success by a dedicated partner who is committed to making your learning journey truly enjoyable. Get ready to thrive under their guidance and unlock your full potential!

Further Study

Further training pathways from this qualification include but are not limited to:
- Certificate IV in Horticulture:
- Certificate IV in Sports Turf Management
- Certificate IV in Parks and Gardens
- Certificate IV in Production Nursery
- Certificate IV in Retail Nursery

Skills First Funding & Eligibility Criteria

Skills First is a Victorian Government scheme that helps people access subsidised vocational education and training. If you are eligible, the government will contribute to the cost of your course tuition fees.
 

Eligibility criteria for Skills First government-subsidised training
 

Citizenship/Residency
You must be:
1. an Australian citizen, or
2. a holder of a permanent visa, or
3. a New Zealand citizen (visa 444), or
4. an Asylum Seeker (though referral for government-subsidised training from the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre or the Australia Red Cross), or
5. a holder of one of the below visas (VEVO verification required):
* valid Bridging visa class E, or
* Safe Haven Enterprise visa, or
* Temporary Protection visa, or
* Bridging visa class F, or
* Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) (subclass 449) visa, or
* Temporary (Humanitarian Concern) (subclass 786) visa.

 

VIC Government funding eligibility rules – what’s changed?
 

1. Your prior education no longer matters!
Now you can enrol and study any qualification at Stirling Institute of Australia with government funding, regardless of what level of education you’ve completed in the past. This applies to all students who meet the citizenship/ residency requirements.
Prior to this change, you had to ‘upskill’ to get government funding.. but now you don’t.

 

2. Removal of ‘2 at level in a lifetime’ limit!
You can study more than 2 courses that are at the same qualification level with government funding! Prior to 1 January 2023, you could only study 2 of the same level qualifications with government funding in your lifetime.. but now you don’t.


3. What hasn’t changed?
You can still only be studying no more than 2 government funded qualifications at any one point in time. This is known as the ‘2 in a year’ limit.

Course Fees

Course Fees & Payment Plans

If you are eligible for Skills First Funding your fees are:

$0 Admin Fee + $0 Tuition Fee
 

If you do not meet the Funding Eligibility Criteria you can still undertake the course as a Fee For Service Student, your Tuition Fee is: $7987.50.

​

Payment plans are available to Full Fee Paying Students. Stirling Institute of Australia will not accept more than $1,500 prepaid fees in advance.

Centrelink

Please note that some Centrelink Payments may be affected by undertaking study. We strongly advise you speak to your Centrelink Coordinator to see if you are affected. Fresh Futures Australia accepts no responsibility or liability for affected payments.

Meet your Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

Stirling Institute of Australia is a Registered Training Organisation specialising in Horticulture, Allied Health, Community Services, Mental Health, Early Childhood, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Individual Support, Ageing Support and Disability.
 

Stirling Institute of Australia is a dynamic and innovative Registered Training Organisation with a clear and definitive emphasis on the practical side of training. They believe the best way to learn is to experience. Stirling has a proven track record with regards to the completion rates and employment outcomes of its students, and has quickly become one of the most popular and reputable registered training organisations in Victoria.

Enrolment Process

1. Fill out our Student Questionnaire
The Student Questionnaire is designed for me to get to know you a little better before I pass your details over to the RTO conducting the course. This doesn't guarantee your acceptance into the RTO nor is it a part of the enrolment paperwork.

​

2. Speak to one of our Student Liaison Coordinators
Once you have completed your Student Questionnaire, one of our Student Liaison Coordinators will give you a courtesy call to:
- Further discuss your eligibility.
- Ensure you have read over the study details.
- Speak further about your career goals and suitability for the course.
- Give you additional information and answer any further questions you may have.

​

If you decide that you would like to proceed with the application process after speaking with one of our Student Liaison Coordinators then we will invite you to an Information Session.

​

3. Information Session
This Information Session is your opportunity to speak to Stirling Institute of Australia's friendly team and listen to valuable information about the course, complete your application forms and enrol. To complete the enrolment forms, you will need the following:

- Unique Student Identifier (USI) - Create your USI here. 
- Victorian Student Number (VSN) - Only required for students who have attended a Victorian school since 2009
- Evidence of Citizenship/Residency and Age such as Drivers Licence and Medicare Card.


Please have these documents with you during the information session. Completion of the Enrolment Application Form does not guarantee enrolment. A Stirling Institute of Australia Authorised Delegate will review your form and determine the progression of enrolment.

​

What will be covered
- General information about Stirling Institute of Australia, industry areas and delivery locations
- Vocational Education & Training, learning pathways, course choice and industry based trainers
- Student Support
- Entry requirements, LLN Quiz, funding eligibility
- Course details, expected hours of study, student handbook, refund policy
- Practical placement (WWCC & Police Records Check)
- Fees and payment options
- The enrolment session – you can enrol on the day
- Your suitability for the course

​

4. First day of class
Please note that the Information Session is compulsory for you to complete before your first day of class. If you miss your Information Session this may delay your course commencement date. All of your First Day details will be confirmed during the Information Session and reminders will be emailed and SMS to you.

In an effort to keep classes commencing on time, we need a little help from you. If you choose to submit your Student Questionnaire, we at Fresh Futures Australia take that as a sign you'd like to continue along the path of enrolment. If you are still a little unsure then please reach back out to myself so we can discuss any further questions you may have.

In order for classes to commence, we need 15+ students. This allows a healthy classroom environment for everyone. If we are trying to give you a call and you see a missed call, voicemail or text message from us or the RTO please be courteous and give us a callback, even if it's just a notification that you are no longer interested. Our feelings won't be hurt.

We look forward to receiving your Student Questionnaire and speaking to you further about your career path.

bottom of page