Certificate III in Horticulture (Traineeship)

This qualification is offered to those employed as full-time trainee.

During this traineeship, you will expand your skills and knowledge on plant identification, pruning, soil and plant nutrition, as well as gaining your Agricultural chemical users permit (ACUP)

This is delivered as a combination of on the job training and block release trade school.

During this course, you will gain skills in knowledge in areas including implementing plant establishment, nutrition programs, pruning shrubs and small trees, installing irrigation systems and controlling plant pests and diseases.

Upon completion of this course, you could gain employment as a:

• horticulturist in the parks, nursery, production, gardening, turf and landscape sectors
• gardener

This course provides a pathway to the Diploma of Horticulture.

You need to be employed in this field before commencing this course. .

You need to be employed in this field as an apprentice or trainee before commencing this course.

If you are currently not employed in this field please contact the Skills and Jobs Centre for further advice. 

To be eligible to be awarded this qualification you must successfully complete 16 units, 4 core and 11 electives.

Core Units

Elective Units

This course involves accredited units.  You will be required to complete assessment tasks to demonstrate your underpinning knowledge, skills and attributes to meet the course outcomes.  A combination of written, oral and practical assessment strategies will be used in either a classroom, online or workplace environment. 

Where units require demonstration of skills in a workplace environment, you will have the opportunity to do this either in your own workplace (where appropriate), through a practical placement, or by using one of the Institute's simulated workshops/classrooms.  Detailed information about the types, conduct and dates of assessments will be provided in advance.  You will also be provided with information about the opportunity for reassessment and appeal.

The Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program provides a number of incentives to assist employers who take on an Australian Apprentice, particularly where the Australian Apprenticeship is in a trade experiencing a skills shortage. More information can be obtained from your local Australian Apprenticeship Centre.

Here's an outline of fees and costs associated with your course.

Your fees each year can be made up of 3 different elements.  Everyone has different circumstances that can affect what you pay and how much you pay. :

1. Tuition fees - charged as an hourly rate that varies from course to course. A large portion of the tuition is subsidised by the Victorian Government for eligible students.
2. Resource and/or materials costs - covers the cost of materials and other incidentals. This fee will vary according to the course being undertaken.
3. Booklist items - such as textbooks, equipment and stationery recommended for your course

Tuition fees

There are 4 different rates of tuition fees. Only one will apply to you (depending on your eligibility and circumstances). 

1. Government Subsidised Fee - you could be eligible for a government-subsidised rate under the Skills First funding depending on your age, educational history, and citizenship or residency status. If you are eligible, the government will contribute to the cost of your training.
   Find out more about subsidised training
   
   
2. Government Subsidised Concession Fee - If you are eligible for a Skills First government-subsidised place and hold a current healthcare or pension card, that you can provide at enrolment, you may be eligible for the concession rate. Note, the concession rate is not applicable to Diploma level courses.
   Find out more about concession rates
   
   
3. If the course is a Free TAFE course or part of the Free TAFE Pathways Program - Eligible students will not pay course tuition fees for the duration of their enrolment in this course, however, there may be some consumable/material fees for the course (find out more below). Any resource or material costs, or booklist items for this course are listed in the table below.
   Find out more about Free TAFE
   Find out more about Free TAFE Pathways Programs
   
   
4. Full fee - If you are not eligible for a Skills First government-subsidised place, exemption, concession or are enrolling in a course that isn't government-subsidised, you may be required to pay the full fee rate.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FEES AND ELIGIBILITY

The fees listed below are indicative only. The course fees published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Course fee funding is made available to eligible individuals by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments. If funding is utilised, this may affect opportunities to access additional funding in the future. An accurate quote for this course will be provided during the enrolment process.

Students who are eligible for Free TAFE place will not pay course tuition fees for the duration of their enrolment in this course, however, there may be some consumable/material fees for the course (find out more below). The consumable fees for this course are listed in the above table.

Find out more about Free TAFE courses and eligibility or contact our Customer Service team.

Some courses require specific resources or materials necessary for your study eg: tools of the trade, excursions, etc. Final costs will be determined upon enrolment.

Once we have processed your enrolment form, you will receive an email with your invoice.

You have three options when organising your payment:

1. Upfront payment - can be made over the phone with EFTPOS

2. Payment plan - can be directly debited from your bank account or via a VET Student Loan (for diploma or advanced diploma courses only)

3. Paid by employer, school or job network agency - if your fees are being paid by your employer, school or job network agency, you will need to complete an Authority to Invoice form.

Payments will need to be arranged within five(5) business days of receiving the email containing your invoice.

We also offer a range of scholarships each year which you may be eligible to apply for to assist with course fees.

There are five simple steps to apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship with us.

1. Find a job - find a job as an apprentice or trainee through an Apprenticeship Centre or Group Training Company.
2. Register - register with an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) and nominate SWTAFE as your training provider (your employer will usually do this for you).
3. Complete a pre-training review - SWTAFE staff will contact you to organise your
   Pre-Training Review once your ASSN contract registration is complete.
4. Enrol - complete the enrolment form provided to you and provide your identification.
5. Sign - once you’ve completed your enrolment form and verified your identification you will receive your student declaration form to review and sign. You can sign this digitally via your smartphone, computer or tablet.

If need any assistance with applying, contact our Customer Service team on 1300 648 911 or visit your nearest campus.

Not sure which course is right for you? South West TAFE will help you find your way.

Our Careers Coaches at the Skills and Jobs Centre is here to support you. Whether you’re exploring career options, transitioning from school to the workforce or looking to study after school we’re here to help you.

As a SWTAFE student, you can access a variety of support services that will enhance your study experience and help you complete your studies successfully. For more information about any of these services, visit our student page.