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AHC31120

Certificate III in Nursery Operations

Apprentices and trainees complete a qualification, learning skills at work and under the guidance of a training provider. We will work with you and your employer throughout your apprenticeship or traineeship to develop a training plan, deliver training, assess your achievement of skills and issue your qualification upon successful completion.

STUDY LOCATIONS Sunshine Coast Wide Bay Burnett
WAYS TO STUDY Apprenticeships and traineeships
NEXT INTAKE Starts anytime View all intakes

Course overview

This qualification is ideal for anyone looking to work behind the scenes for many of Queensland's top nurseries and florists. You will be set up with the skills needed for production roles handling flowers, shrubbery and vegetables.

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as nursery persons grew very strongly over the past five years and is expected to continue to grow in the future. There's likely to be around 3,000 new job openings in this occupation of the next five years. 

Students must be employed as an apprentice and have a signed Registered Training Contract, stating TAFE Queensland is the Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO).  The Queensland Government's Apprenticeships Info website provides information about apprenticeships and traineeships (including school-based) in Queensland. For further information about probationary periods for this trade qualification, visit Queensland Training Information Service.

What can I do?

  • Production Nursery Tradesperson
  • Vegetable Grower

Course outcome:

AHC31120 Certificate III in Nursery Operations

Free apprenticeships for under 25s

The Queensland government is supporting young Queenslanders up to the age of 25 by providing access to fully subsidised training across a range of priority apprenticeship or traineeship qualifications. Learn more>

Specialised knowledge

Working with nurseries across Queensland we have created a learning program focused on up-to-date specialised skills and knowledge. This ensures you learn the latest in sustainable practices, new plant nutrition methods, business logistics and more.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 7 elective units from the list below.

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • AHCCHM304
    Transport and store chemicals
    UNIT CODE :
    AHCCHM304
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely transport, handle and store liquid and dry chemical formulations across a broad range of industry sectors.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Transport and store chemicals

  • UNIT CODE
  • AHCCHM307
    Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases
    UNIT CODE :
    AHCCHM307
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely prepare and apply chemicals for the control of pests, weeds and diseases, using general application equipment.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases

  • UNIT CODE
  • AHCIRG338
    Troubleshoot irrigation systems
    UNIT CODE :
    AHCIRG338
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to locate and identify irrigation system faulty components and blockages, shut down and isolate components, replace faulty components, clear blockages and return irrigation system to normal operating status.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Troubleshoot irrigation systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • AHCNSY308
    Maintain nursery plants
    UNIT CODE :
    AHCNSY308
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to monitor and maintain the nursery environment, determine water requirements and plant interventions that promote plant growth, and complete nursery plant maintenance work.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Maintain nursery plants

  • UNIT CODE
  • AHCPCM305
    Implement a plant nutrition program
    UNIT CODE :
    AHCPCM305
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement a plant nutrition program, including preparing for the nutrition program, monitoring and controlling the nutritional requirements of plants, preparing fertilisers and application equipment, applying products to plants, and completing plant nutrition program activities.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Implement a plant nutrition program

  • UNIT CODE
  • AHCPCM306
    Provide information on plants and their culture
    UNIT CODE :
    AHCPCM306
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify client issues or requirements, identify the preferred solution, and provide information and solutions to clients.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide information on plants and their culture

  • UNIT CODE
  • AHCPMG302
    Control plant pests, diseases and disorders
    UNIT CODE :
    AHCPMG302
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and assess the effect to plants of plant pests, diseases and disorders and plan and coordinate control measures.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Control plant pests, diseases and disorders

  • UNIT CODE
  • AHCSOL305
    Prepare growing media
    UNIT CODE :
    AHCSOL305
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare growing media for various plants, including preparing for work, confirming specifications for growing media and preparing and storing the media.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Prepare growing media

  • UNIT CODE
  • AHCWHS301
    Contribute to work health and safety processes
    UNIT CODE :
    AHCWHS301
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out enterprise work health and safety policies and procedures.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Contribute to work health and safety processes

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Nambour
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Bundaberg
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

Hervey Bay
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

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Certificate III in Nursery Operations (AHC31120)

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Certificate III in Nursery Operations

COURSE CODE: AHC31120
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

To study an apprenticeship program you must be indentured as an apprentice with your employer.

Employers need to be able to provide the necessary human and physical resources to qualify for an apprentice.

Find out more on how to become an apprentice or trainee

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

You will also be required to have access to and bring to class:

  • a light long sleeved shirt
  • protective footwear with safety toe cap and non-slip soles to AS2210
  • safety glasses
  • ear muffs or plugs
  • a sun safe hat
  • sunscreen
  • secateurs
  • rubber dishwashing gloves
  • gardening gloves

 You may also be required to have access to an 8m retractable tape measure and calculator for select units.

Transition statement

Replacement qualification

This qualification has been replaced by AHC31124 Certificate III in Nursery Operations as of 1 May 2024. A transition period applies to enable current students to complete their study. The transition period finishes on 30 April 2025.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more