Certificate II in Horticulture

National Code: RTF20103

Course Location and Contact Information

Course Description

This course has been designed as a pre-apprenticeship training program, which will provide a general introduction to all areas of horticulture. Students will be able to use this course to help them decide which area of horticulture they will pursue for employment and / or further training. The course consists of units of competency from landscaping, nursery, parks & gardens, turf and revegetation. Other areas such as computers, machinery use and communications provide the basis for students to move onto the Certificate III in Horticulture (streams) and other further horticultural studies. The training is practical-based.

The Greensborough campus provides training in a simulated workplace environment. Where possible training will be introduce industry sites. NMIT has a fully operational nursery at the Fairfield campus, well-equipped laboratories for plant identification and PC laboratories. NMIT has contracts at Riverside and Altona Lakes Golf Courses for students to undertake some practical training.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities exist as positions in landscape companies, garden maintenance companies, local government, historic gardens, botanic gardens and institutions.

Course Duration

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Full-time: 17 weeks (9:00am - 4:30pm)

Course Commencement Dates

February and July.

Entrance Requirements

Prospective students may contact the horticulture department to establish if this course is best suited to their needs.

Application Procedure

Students need to complete the enrolment process and payment of fees during a Greensborough campus enrolment session.

Application to the Horticulture department is not required.

Skills Recognition - Exemptions/Transfers

Students enrolling in this course who have completed studies at other institutions should discuss the possibility of being exempted from related units in this course. If a student can demonstrate a full understanding of the unit from their work then they may discuss the option of being assessed for this in their workplace. Students are eligible for Skills Recognition.

Pathways to Further Study

This course provides pre-apprenticeship training in Horticulture. Graduates of the Certificate in Horticultural Operations will be able to complete a Certificate II in Horticulture (National code: 20103). Graduates may further their training in horticulture as part of a Certificate III in Horticulture Australian Apprenticeship provided they have employment and a signed training agreement with NMIT and the employer from the horticulture industry. Students may continue training in the Certificate III in Horticulture as private students.

Course Outline

This is an NMIT accredited course consisting of units of competency from the Amenity Horticulture Training Package. The units of competency are from level 2, which are designed to be carried out in industry under close supervision.
These units will be in the following areas of horticulture:

• Landscape
• Parks and Gardens
• Nursery
• Turf.

RTC2701A Follow OH&S procedures
RTC2702A Observe environment work practices
RTC2801A Undertake workplace communications
RTC2705A Work effectively in the industry
RTD2022A Carry out natural area restoration works
RTC2016A Recognise plants
RTC2404A Treat plant pests, diseases and disorders
RTC2706A Apply chemicals under supervision
RTE2607A Install a mirco-irrigation system
RTF2208A Lay paving
RTF2014A Prepare and maintain plant displays
RTF2023A Support turf establishment
RTF2017A Prune shrubs and small trees
RTF2504A Determine basic properties of soils/growing media
RTF2215A Assist with landscape construction work
RTC2307A Operate machinery and equipment
RTC2704A Provide Basic First Aid

A practical placement in industry is included in the Certificate II in Horticulture and must be completed.

Assessment Methods

A competency based course assessment is based on student's abilities to achieve unit outcomes. There is the opportunity for workplace delivery and assessment of competencies. Assessment methods include:

• Demonstration of skills
• Tests and assignments
• Folios
• Oral activities
• Third party reports.

Materials

All students will be required to purchase the following books and equipment:

• Pens
• Note books or ring folders with notepaper
• Plastic sleeve covers and dividers
• Steel capped boots
• Outdoor work gloves
• Earmuffs or earplugs
• Safety goggles
• Secateurs
• Safety vest

Qualification

As part of the Australian Qualifications Framework this program is nationally recognised. On successful completion students will be awarded the Certificate II in Horticulture.

Links

The Victorian Government makes a significant contribution to these programs.