Certificate II in Horticulture

This is an introductory level for horticulture course suitable for people interested in horticulture as a career or leading to an apprenticeship as well as keen gardeners wanting to perfect techniques.

This course is very hands-on and will cover set units including OH&S, recognise plants, lay paving, pot up plants, propagation, planting, pruning, machinery and equipment chemicals (under supervision), micro-irrigation, weeds, pests, diseases & disorders, soil properties, grass renovation and display plantings.

With increasing urbanisation, amenity horticulture is a growth industry and horticultural food production both at a local level and for wider distribution as a business enterprise is on the rise.

This course will provide you with a well-rounded understanding of key elements of horticulture including:

• understanding plant and soil properties
• managing plant health
• plant naming
• plant propagation methods
• basic planting and landscaping techniques
• tools and machinery used in horticulture

This course will provide a pathway to work in any horticultural enterprise including an apprenticeships or traineeships at Certificate III level. Upon successful completion, you will be ready to start a horticultural career at worker level that can then develop into more specialist areas or managerial positions with further experience and training.

Career opportunities include:

• gardener
• nursery worker
• landscaper
• turf industry worker

This qualification can provide a pathway to further study in the horticulture field including:

• Certificate III in Horticulture
• Certificate III in Parks and Gardens
• Certificate III in Landscape Construction
• Certificate III in Nursery Operations (Apprenticeship)
• Certificates III in Nursery Operations

Why don’t you come along to our next course info session to find out everything you need to start your learning journey? You can chat with our teachers, tour our facilities, learn more about the course, find out about the application process and get your questions answered by our course experts. 

Find the next info session near you

You must be at least 17 years of age.

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.

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 us.

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.

An annual student services fee contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services.

This fee is non-refundable upon commencement of your course. Some students may be exempt from the student service fee. Your fee will be confirmed based on your circumstances when you enrol.

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 a course with us.

1. Apply – Submit your online application form.
2. LLN Assessment – Complete an LLN assessment if required.
3. Chat to our team – Discuss your course and study plan with a teacher or specialist.
4. Enrol – Accept your offer and confirm your details.
5. Pay – Receive your invoice and arrange payment.

Need help? Contact us 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.