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AHC31021

Certificate III in Parks and Gardens

Get a head start on your career in horticulture with this entry-level course designed for apprentices working in the industry.

STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Gold Coast Darling Downs and South West Wide Bay Burnett Far North Queensland North Queensland
WAYS TO STUDY Apprenticeships and traineeships
NEXT INTAKE Starts anytime View all intakes

Course overview

Get qualified while you work with this entry-level course in horticulture. This qualification is designed for apprentices already employed in the industry. It will give you the core skills required to work in a diverse range of settings in gardens or public parks.

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working in gardens and nurseries grew over the past five years and is expected to continue to see stable growth in the future. Employers are looking for qualified candidates who are hardworking, reliable, and have a positive attitude. 

This course will give you the practical skills to control weeds, plant pests, diseases and disorders, identify plants and determine appropriate treatment options and safely operate and maintain machinery and equipment.

Our highly-experienced team of industry experts will give you the guidance you need to succeed in your studies.

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work in your chosen place of employment as a landscape gardener, greenkeeper, or Parks and Gardens tradesperson.

What can I do?

  • Parks and Gardens Tradesperson
  • Landscape Gardener
  • Greenkeeper

Course outcome:

AHC31021 Certificate III in Parks and Gardens

Work and study

We put theory into practice, which is why we believe in on-the-job training. Our strong industry partnerships mean you'll graduate with confidence, knowing you have all the skills you need to get right to work.

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>

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 5 elective units from the list below.

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • AHCIRG346
    Operate pressurised irrigation systems
    UNIT CODE :
    AHCIRG346
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to pre-start check, inspect, start up, operate, monitor and shut down pressurised irrigation systems.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Operate pressurised irrigation systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • AHCMOM304
    Operate machinery and equipment
    UNIT CODE :
    AHCMOM304
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate and maintain machinery and equipment.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Operate machinery and equipment

  • 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
  • AHCPGD307
    Implement a plant establishment program
    UNIT CODE :
    AHCPGD307
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to establish planting areas, including preparing, implementing, reviewing and completing plant establishment work, in new projects and in programs of extensive replacement and renovation works across a range of situations and environments.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Implement a plant establishment program

  • UNIT CODE
  • AHCPGD309
    Perform specialist amenity pruning
    UNIT CODE :
    AHCPGD309
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to perform specialist amenity pruning, including preparing, undertaking and completing amenity pruning work using specialist pruning techniques.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Perform specialist amenity pruning

  • UNIT CODE
  • AHCPGD310
    Implement a landscape maintenance program
    UNIT CODE :
    AHCPGD310
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement a landscape maintenance program, including interpreting the program requirements, and monitoring and maintaining landscape areas of newly constructed or established landscapes.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Implement a landscape maintenance program

  • UNIT CODE
  • AHCPMG301
    Control weeds
    UNIT CODE :
    AHCPMG301
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and coordinate weed control activities using appropriate strategies to provide effective, economic control while minimising environmental damage.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Control weeds

  • 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
  • AHCSOL304
    Implement soil improvements for garden and turf areas
    UNIT CODE :
    AHCSOL304
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to collect and test soil samples for their physical and chemical characteristics and take corrective action to improve the soil for garden beds and turf areas.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Implement soil improvements for garden and turf areas

  • UNIT CODE
  • AHCTRF309
    Implement a grassed area maintenance program
    UNIT CODE :
    AHCTRF309
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain general turf grass surfaces involving the general procedures for cutting and trimming grass, dethatching older grassed areas, applying fertilisers and treatments for managing grass health.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Implement a grassed area maintenance program

  • 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
Ipswich
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

Grovely
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
Ashmore
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
Toowoomba
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
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

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Cairns
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
Townsville - Trade Training Centre Bohle
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

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 or traineeship program you must be indentured as an apprentice or trainee with your employer.

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

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.

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