Certificate III in Production Horticulture
Course details
Overview
The Certificate III in Production Horticulture equips you with the skills and knowledge you need to start your career in Production Horticulture. The course is designed to be delivered flexibly with predominantly workplace based projects to suit the needs of individuals and their work schedules in the horticultural industry. The SunitTAFE farm provides exposure to some of the latest technology in horticulture and is a good adjunct to the workplace for practical experience.
Careers
This qualification could lead to employment as a skilled farm worker or a number of varied roles within the horticulture industry.
Pathways
This qualification can lead to further study in Diploma of Horticulture Management, Full-time Classroom based at SuniTAFE.
Entry Requirements
Applicants are required to undertake a Pre-Training Review to help confirm the course is suitable. Applicants enrolling as an Apprentice/Trainee must have a registered training contract. Students will require a computer to complete some online learning, students may use their own computers or use those available at the SMART Farm.
Units & Assessment
Core Units
| Code | Unit Name | Hours | Material |
| AHCBIO303 | Apply biosecurity measures | 100 | $30.00 |
| AHCWHS302 | Contribute to workplace health and safety processes | 50 | $35.00 |
| AHCWRK318 | Comply with industry quality assurance requirements | 40 | $35.00 |
Elective Units
| Code | Unit Name | Hours | Material |
| AHCBIO301 | Identify and report signs of unusual disease or pest | 50 | $30.00 |
| AHCCHM304 | Transport and store chemicals | 50 | $30.00 |
| AHCCHM307 | Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases | 70 | $30.00 |
| AHCIRG338 | Troubleshoot irrigation systems | 50 | $30.00 |
| AHCIRG346 | Operate pressurised irrigation systems | 50 | $30.00 |
| AHCIRG347 | Maintain pressurised irrigation systems | 50 | $30.00 |
| AHCMOM202 | Operate tractors | 40 | $30.00 |
| AHCMOM216 | Operate side by side utility vehicles | 50 | $30.00 |
| AHCMOM304 | Operate machinery and equipment | 40 | $30.00 |
| AHCNSY308 | Maintain nursery plants | 40 | $30.00 |
| AHCNSY313 | Implement a propagation plan | 90 | $30.00 |
| AHCPCM305 | Implement a plant nutrition program | 60 | $30.00 |
| AHCPHT211 | Maintain crop | 40 | $30.00 |
| AHCPHT312 | Implement a crop regulation program | 80 | $30.00 |
| AHCPMG301 | Control weeds | 70 | $30.00 |
| AHCPMG302 | Control plant pests, diseases and disorders | 80 | $30.00 |
| AHCSOL305 | Prepare growing media | 40 | $30.00 |
| TLILIC0003 | Licence to operate a forklift truck | 40 | $52.00 |
Your particular units of study will be determined from the core and elective units required for this qualification.
RPL is a formal assessment process that recognises relevant skills and knowledge you have already gained through previous training, work and life experiences. Contact the Institute today to discuss your options for RPL.
RPL is a formal assessment process that recognises relevant skills and knowledge you have already gained through previous training, work and life experiences. Contact the Institute today to discuss your options for RPL.
Course Fees
| 2026 | |
| Government Subsidised | $6,010 |
| Traineeship | $3,565 |
| Traineeship Concession | $476 |
| Self-Funded | $6,139 |
Free TAFE for Priority Courses is a Victorian Government program that covers your tuition fees to study in selected courses at TAFE, if you're eligible. Eligibility criteria apply. Free TAFE on selected courses only. Other fees and charges may apply. See www.freetafe.vic.gov.au.
Average total fees include designated materials and will vary according to your specific unit choices and other factors.
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
For information on refunds in relation to withdrawals, transfers and cancellations refer to the following policies and procedures.
Refund of Course Fees Policy
Student Withdrawal and Refund of Course Fees Procedure
Please visit our Fees and Charges page for more information.
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
For information on refunds in relation to withdrawals, transfers and cancellations refer to the following policies and procedures.
Refund of Course Fees Policy
Student Withdrawal and Refund of Course Fees Procedure
Please visit our Fees and Charges page for more information.
Course Intakes
| Intake | Campus | Course Details |
| 2026 Ongoing Enrolment | SMART Farm | Full Time, Full Year, Trainee, 9.00AM - 12.00PM |
| 2026 Ongoing Enrolment | SMART Farm | Part Time, Full Year, Trainee, 9.00AM - 12.00PM |
| 2026 Ongoing Enrolment | SMART Farm | Part Time, Full Year, Trainee, 9.00AM - 12.00PM |