Course Description
Career Opportunities
Course Duration
Course Commencement Dates
Entrance Requirements
Application Procedures
Skills Recognition - Exemptions/Transfers
Pathways to Further Study
Course Outline
Assessment Methods
Materials
Qualification

National Code: RTF20803

Course Location and Contact Information

Course Description

The Certificate II in Horticulture (Turf) course provides training in the skills for establishment and maintenance of recreational turf surfaces. Underpinning these skills will be a knowledge in preparation of sports turf facilities, sports turf renovation, turfgrass establishment, machinery use and maintenance. This course is delivered as the training component of the Australian Apprenticeship only.

There is a strong emphasis on the development of practical skills. Practical classes are conducted at the nearby Riverside Golf and Tennis Centre and the Altona Lakes Golf Course where NMIT holds the maintenance contracts.

Students at NMIT's Fairfield campus will have access to a plant identification laboratory; irrigation training facilities and soils laboratory.

Career Opportunities

As students in these courses will already be employed in the Turf Management industry, successful completion of these courses will allow for movement within the turf industry. Successful completion of the Certificate II in Horticulture (Turf) will allow students to gain employment as Australian Apprentices to continue and complete the Certificate III in Horticulture (Turf).

Course Duration

This course is for Australian Apprentices only.

The Certificate II in Horticulture (Turf) is offered as a one-year part-time program of 320 hours, conducted as either one day per week or as blocks of five days of training.

Course Commencement Dates

Courses commence in February. Additional courses may commence in July if there is sufficient demand.

Entrance Requirements

To be eligible to enrol as an Australian Apprentice, participants must be employed in the turf industry and have a signed Training Agreement with the employer and NMIT. The course coordinator can provide advice on this process.

Application Procedures

Apply directly to the Horticulture department.

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 units in their workplace. Students are eligible for Skills Recognition.

Pathways to Further Study

Successful completion of the Certificate II in Horticulture (Turf) will provide one years of credit in the Certificate III in Horticulture (Turf).

Course Outline

The Certificate II in Horticulture (Turf) requires the successful completion of 17 units of competency. Nine units are to be selected from Group A (with four designated compulsory units), another five units from Group A and/or B, and an additional three units from Group A, B and/or C. Group C units may be selected from other Training Packages or they may be from the Amenity Horticulture Training Package from level 1, 2 or 3. At least 13 units of competency presented must relate to turf management work procedures, activities or contexts.
In practice NMIT, with industry consultation, has constructed a course that satisfies these packaging rules and are tailored to the requirements of industry.

The course will be selected from the following units:

Group A

RTC2307A Operate machinery and equipment
RTC2401A Treat weeds
RTC2404A Treat plant pests, diseases and disorders
RTC2701A Follow OH&S procedures*
RTC2702A Observe environmental work practices*
RTC2704A Provide basic first aid
RTC2705A Work effectively in the industry*
RTC2801A Participate in workplace communications*
RTE2606A Maintain pressurised irrigation systems
RTF2015A Prepare turf surfaces for play
RTF2019A Renovate grassed areas
RTF2020A Assist with turf construction
RTF2023A Support turf establishment
RTF2504A Determine basic properties of soils/growing media

Group B

RTC2012A Plant trees and shrubs
RTC2016A Recognise plants
RTC2210A Maintain properties and structures
RTC2301A Undertake operational maintenance of machinery
RTC2304A Operate and maintain chainsaws
RTC2306A Operate vehicles
RTC2309A Operate tractors
RTC2706A Apply chemicals under supervision
RTE2308A Operate ride-on vehicles
RTE2602A Assist with the operation of pressurised irrigation systems
RTE2603A Lay irrigation and/or drainage pipes
RTE2604A Maintain drainage systems
RTE2707A Follow site quarantine procedures

*Compulsory unit

Assessment Methods

This is a competency-based course where assessment is based on students' abilities to achieve unit outcomes. There is the opportunity for workplace delivery and assessment of competencies. Assessment methods include:

Materials

List of safety equipment and books that need to be purchased by students will be distributed to students early in the course.

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 (Turf).

Links

The Victorian Government makes a significant contribution to these programs.