Get a start on your career in horticulture with this entry-level course that will qualify you to work as a horticultural assistant, or garden or nursery labourer.
AHC20416 Certificate II in Horticulture
Kick start your career in horticulture with this entry-level course. This qualification will give you the foundation knowledge needed work with plants.
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 and knowledge needed to recognise and identify plants, treat weeds, assist with landscape construction work, and propagate plants. Our highly experienced staff are still strongly embedded in the industry and will give you the one-on-one guidance you need to succeed.
Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work as a horticultural assistant, or a nursery or garden labourer. You will also get the foundation knowledge needed to undertake further study in this field.
We take our lessons out of the classroom and into the field. Get your hands dirty in our industry-standard nurseries and play a pivotal role in our plant sales, which are open to the public.
At TAFE Queensland we pride ourselves on the strong industry connections we have with local businesses. Our courses are designed so you get on-the-job experience while studying. It also means you get the chance to meet employers before you graduate.
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 10 elective units from the list below.
UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
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AHCPCM201Recognise plantsUnit code: AHCPCM201 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise commonly encountered plants. Plants include desired species as well as weeds. |
Recognise plants | |
AHCPMG201Treat weedsUnit code: AHCPMG201 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise significant weed species and apply a range of weed treatment control options. |
Treat weeds | |
AHCPMG202Treat plant pests, diseases and disordersUnit code: AHCPMG202 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to treat plant pests, diseases and disorders. |
Treat plant pests, diseases and disorders | |
AHCSOL202Assist with soil or growing media sampling and testingUnit code: AHCSOL202 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assist with the sampling and testing of soil or growing media sampling and testing. |
Assist with soil or growing media sampling and testing | |
AHCWHS201Participate in work health and safety processesUnit code: AHCWHS201 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise and report hazards in the workplace. It also describes the skills and knowledge required to follow workplace safety procedures and directions. |
Participate in work health and safety processes |
UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
---|---|---|
North and Far North Queensland | ||
AHCCHM201Apply chemicals under supervisionUnit code: AHCCHM201 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to apply chemicals using workplace specific application equipment under supervision. |
Apply chemicals under supervision | |
AHCLSC201Assist with landscape construction workUnit code: AHCLSC201 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide support to others undertaking landscape works in public, commercial and domestic situations. |
Assist with landscape construction work | |
AHCLSC204Lay pavingUnit code: AHCLSC204 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to lay modular paving in landscape projects. |
Lay paving | |
AHCNSY201Pot up plantsUnit code: AHCNSY201 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to transplant established plants with developed root systems. |
Pot up plants | |
AHCNSY202Care for nursery plantsUnit code: AHCNSY202 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain and care for containerised nursery plants. |
Care for nursery plants | |
AHCNSY203Undertake propagation activitiesUnit code: AHCNSY203 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out a range of propagation tasks. |
Undertake propagation activities | |
AHCPCM202ACollect, prepare and preserve plant specimensUnit code: AHCPCM202A Unit description: This unit covers the process of collecting, preparing and preserving plant specimens and defines the standard required to: select the most suitable plant specimens for collection; collect and identify each plant specimen; press the plant specimens collected; identify plant specimens and store collection information; store and catalogue specimens correctly. |
Collect, prepare and preserve plant specimens | |
AHCPGD201Plant trees and shrubsUnit code: AHCPGD201 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to manually plant trees and shrubs and other containerised and bare-rooted plants. |
Plant trees and shrubs | |
AHCPGD203Prune shrubs and small treesUnit code: AHCPGD203 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prune shrubs and small trees that are less than three meters in height while standing on the ground. |
Prune shrubs and small trees | |
AHCWRK204Work effectively in the industryUnit code: AHCWRK204 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to work effectively on an individual basis and with others as well as within a hierarchy of management. |
Work effectively in the industry | |
Greater Brisbane (excluding Ipswich) | ||
AHCINF203Maintain properties and structuresUnit code: AHCINF203 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain and repair properties and structures in situations that don’t require the specialist skills of another trade. |
Maintain properties and structures | |
AHCIRG215Assist with low volume irrigation operationsUnit code: AHCIRG215 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to assist with installing, operating and maintaining low volume irrigation systems. These systems use emitters such as drippers and generally use poly pipe. |
Assist with low volume irrigation operations | |
AHCLSC201Assist with landscape construction workUnit code: AHCLSC201 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide support to others undertaking landscape works in public, commercial and domestic situations. |
Assist with landscape construction work | |
AHCLSC202Construct low-profile timber or modular retaining wallsUnit code: AHCLSC202 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to construct low-profile timber or modular retaining walls in landscape settings. |
Construct low-profile timber or modular retaining walls | |
AHCLSC204Lay pavingUnit code: AHCLSC204 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to lay modular paving in landscape projects. |
Lay paving | |
AHCMOM203Operate basic machinery and equipmentUnit code: AHCMOM203 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate and maintain machinery and equipment. |
Operate basic machinery and equipment | |
AHCNSY202Care for nursery plantsUnit code: AHCNSY202 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain and care for containerised nursery plants. |
Care for nursery plants | |
AHCNSY203Undertake propagation activitiesUnit code: AHCNSY203 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out a range of propagation tasks. |
Undertake propagation activities | |
AHCPGD201Plant trees and shrubsUnit code: AHCPGD201 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to manually plant trees and shrubs and other containerised and bare-rooted plants. |
Plant trees and shrubs | |
AHCPGD203Prune shrubs and small treesUnit code: AHCPGD203 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prune shrubs and small trees that are less than three meters in height while standing on the ground. |
Prune shrubs and small trees | |
AHCTRF204ASupport turf establishmentUnit code: AHCTRF204A Unit description: This unit covers the process of supporting the establishment of turf and defines the standard required to: work in a team on a turf establishment project; use a range of turf establishment machinery and equipment; follow procedures and sequence work during the course of the growing-in period and transport; clean, maintain and store turf establishment machinery and equipment. |
Support turf establishment | |
AHCWRK204Work effectively in the industryUnit code: AHCWRK204 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to work effectively on an individual basis and with others as well as within a hierarchy of management. |
Work effectively in the industry | |
AHCWRK209Participate in environmentally sustainable work practicesUnit code: AHCWRK209 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to follow workplace procedures and instructions and to participate in environmentally sustainable work practices. |
Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | |
Wide Bay Burnett | ||
AHCCHM303Prepare and apply chemicalsUnit code: AHCCHM303 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare and apply chemicals for the control of pests across a range of industry sectors. |
Prepare and apply chemicals | |
AHCCHM304Transport and store chemicalsUnit 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. |
Transport and store chemicals | |
AHCIRG217Assist with pressurised irrigation operationsUnit code: AHCIRG217 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to assist installing, operating and maintaining pressurised irrigation systems. These systems use sprinklers and generally use glued PVC pipe. |
Assist with pressurised irrigation operations | |
AHCMOM213Operate and maintain chainsawsUnit code: AHCMOM213 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely operate a hand-held chainsaw and maintain it in working condition. |
Operate and maintain chainsaws | |
AHCPCM203Fell small treesUnit code: AHCPCM203 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to fell small trees where hazards have been assessed as low risk. |
Fell small trees | |
AHCPGD202Prepare and maintain plant displaysUnit code: AHCPGD202 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare and maintain a plant display. |
Prepare and maintain plant displays | |
AHCPGD206Conduct visual inspection of park facilitiesUnit code: AHCPGD206 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out routine visual inspections of park and recreational facilities to identify visible hazards and existing and potential risks |
Conduct visual inspection of park facilities | |
AHCPMG301Control weedsUnit code: AHCPMG301 |
Control weeds | |
AHCTRF203Renovate grassed areasUnit code: AHCTRF203 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake basic seasonal renovation practices to restore turf health and condition on a range of grassed areas. |
Renovate grassed areas | |
AHCWRK209Participate in environmentally sustainable work practicesUnit code: AHCWRK209 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to follow workplace procedures and instructions and to participate in environmentally sustainable work practices. |
Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | |
FWPCOT2239Trim and cut felled treesUnit code: FWPCOT2239 Unit description: This unit describes the outcomes required to trim and cut felled trees with a chainsaw and to complete operator maintenance. It applies to situations where the production of timber is not the primary focus of the activity. |
Trim and cut felled trees | |
MEM18002BUse power tools/hand held operationsUnit code: MEM18002B Unit description: This unit covers using a range of hand held power tools and fixed power tools for hand held operations for a variety of general engineering applications. |
Use power tools/hand held operations | |
Gold Coast | ||
AHCCHM201Apply chemicals under supervisionUnit code: AHCCHM201 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to apply chemicals using workplace specific application equipment under supervision. |
Apply chemicals under supervision | |
AHCIRG215Assist with low volume irrigation operationsUnit code: AHCIRG215 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to assist with installing, operating and maintaining low volume irrigation systems. These systems use emitters such as drippers and generally use poly pipe. |
Assist with low volume irrigation operations | |
AHCMOM203Operate basic machinery and equipmentUnit code: AHCMOM203 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate and maintain machinery and equipment. |
Operate basic machinery and equipment | |
AHCNSY204Maintain indoor plantsUnit code: AHCNSY204 |
Maintain indoor plants | |
AHCPGD201Plant trees and shrubsUnit code: AHCPGD201 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to manually plant trees and shrubs and other containerised and bare-rooted plants. |
Plant trees and shrubs | |
AHCPGD203Prune shrubs and small treesUnit code: AHCPGD203 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prune shrubs and small trees that are less than three meters in height while standing on the ground. |
Prune shrubs and small trees | |
AHCPGD204Transplant small treesUnit code: AHCPGD204 |
Transplant small trees | |
AHCTRF204ASupport turf establishmentUnit code: AHCTRF204A Unit description: This unit covers the process of supporting the establishment of turf and defines the standard required to: work in a team on a turf establishment project; use a range of turf establishment machinery and equipment; follow procedures and sequence work during the course of the growing-in period and transport; clean, maintain and store turf establishment machinery and equipment. |
Support turf establishment | |
AHCWRK204Work effectively in the industryUnit code: AHCWRK204 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to work effectively on an individual basis and with others as well as within a hierarchy of management. |
Work effectively in the industry | |
AHCWRK205Participate in workplace communicationsUnit code: AHCWRK205 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to participate in workplace communications. |
Participate in workplace communications | |
Darling Downs and South West (including Ipswich) | ||
AHCCHM201Apply chemicals under supervisionUnit code: AHCCHM201 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to apply chemicals using workplace specific application equipment under supervision. |
Apply chemicals under supervision | |
AHCCHM304Transport and store chemicalsUnit 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. |
Transport and store chemicals | |
AHCINF203Maintain properties and structuresUnit code: AHCINF203 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain and repair properties and structures in situations that don’t require the specialist skills of another trade. |
Maintain properties and structures | |
AHCIRG217Assist with pressurised irrigation operationsUnit code: AHCIRG217 Unit description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to assist installing, operating and maintaining pressurised irrigation systems. These systems use sprinklers and generally use glued PVC pipe. |
Assist with pressurised irrigation operations | |
AHCLSC201Assist with landscape construction workUnit code: AHCLSC201 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide support to others undertaking landscape works in public, commercial and domestic situations. |
Assist with landscape construction work | |
AHCLSC202Construct low-profile timber or modular retaining wallsUnit code: AHCLSC202 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to construct low-profile timber or modular retaining walls in landscape settings. |
Construct low-profile timber or modular retaining walls | |
AHCLSC204Lay pavingUnit code: AHCLSC204 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to lay modular paving in landscape projects. |
Lay paving | |
AHCMOM203Operate basic machinery and equipmentUnit code: AHCMOM203 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate and maintain machinery and equipment. |
Operate basic machinery and equipment | |
AHCMOM213Operate and maintain chainsawsUnit code: AHCMOM213 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely operate a hand-held chainsaw and maintain it in working condition. |
Operate and maintain chainsaws | |
AHCNSY201Pot up plantsUnit code: AHCNSY201 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to transplant established plants with developed root systems. |
Pot up plants | |
AHCNSY202Care for nursery plantsUnit code: AHCNSY202 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain and care for containerised nursery plants. |
Care for nursery plants | |
AHCNSY203Undertake propagation activitiesUnit code: AHCNSY203 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out a range of propagation tasks. |
Undertake propagation activities | |
AHCPCM203Fell small treesUnit code: AHCPCM203 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to fell small trees where hazards have been assessed as low risk. |
Fell small trees | |
AHCPGD201Plant trees and shrubsUnit code: AHCPGD201 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to manually plant trees and shrubs and other containerised and bare-rooted plants. |
Plant trees and shrubs | |
AHCPGD202Prepare and maintain plant displaysUnit code: AHCPGD202 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare and maintain a plant display. |
Prepare and maintain plant displays | |
AHCPGD203Prune shrubs and small treesUnit code: AHCPGD203 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prune shrubs and small trees that are less than three meters in height while standing on the ground. |
Prune shrubs and small trees | |
AHCPMG301Control weedsUnit code: AHCPMG301 |
Control weeds | |
AHCTRF203Renovate grassed areasUnit code: AHCTRF203 Unit description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake basic seasonal renovation practices to restore turf health and condition on a range of grassed areas. |
Renovate grassed areas |
Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.
Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more
Campus | START DATES
![]() When your course is scheduled to begin |
Duration | WORKLOAD
![]() How much time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course, combining face-to-face and self-directed study and any required placements. |
STUDY MODE
![]() Also known as delivery mode, this is how your training is delivered. Learn more |
COST
![]() The cost of your course may vary, depending on your eligibility for funding, subsidies or concessions. See the payment options section for more information. Learn more |
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Mt Gravatt | 12 July 2021 | 6 months | Full time 3 days per week | Mixed mode | Full fee: $5,325 |
Grovely | 12 July 2021 | 6 months | Full time 3 days per week | Mixed mode | Full fee: $5,325 |
Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.
At TAFE Queensland, we understand that employers need options and flexibility in employee training. We are committed to delivering the flexible training plans you need to get the job done. Choose from workplace training, block training, drop in days, mobile training, day release, or a mix of all these options. Learn more
Campus | Apprenticeship / Traineeship | Delivery Mode
![]() The way your training is delivered. |
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Workplace
![]() Train and be assessed in your current workplace. |
DROP IN DAYS
![]() Train with a teacher at a TAFE Queensland facility without an appointment. |
BLOCK TRAINING
![]() Flexible training offered in blocks ranging from three days to six weeks. |
DAY RELEASE
![]() Weekly scheduled training at a TAFE Queensland facility, planned in advance. |
MOBILE VAN
![]() Training undertaken at your workplace with TAFE Queensland tools and equipment. |
Mixed mode
![]() A combination of two or more delivery modes. |
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Hervey Bay | Traineeship |
Campus | Apprenticeship / Traineeship | Delivery Mode
![]() The way your training is delivered. |
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Workplace
![]() Train and be assessed in your current workplace. |
DROP IN DAYS
![]() Train with a teacher at a TAFE Queensland facility without an appointment. |
BLOCK TRAINING
![]() Flexible training offered in blocks ranging from three days to six weeks. |
DAY RELEASE
![]() Weekly scheduled training at a TAFE Queensland facility, planned in advance. |
MOBILE VAN
![]() Training undertaken at your workplace with TAFE Queensland tools and equipment. |
Mixed mode
![]() A combination of two or more delivery modes. |
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Ashmore | Traineeship |
Campus | Apprenticeship / Traineeship | Delivery Mode
![]() The way your training is delivered. |
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Workplace
![]() Train and be assessed in your current workplace. |
DROP IN DAYS
![]() Train with a teacher at a TAFE Queensland facility without an appointment. |
BLOCK TRAINING
![]() Flexible training offered in blocks ranging from three days to six weeks. |
DAY RELEASE
![]() Weekly scheduled training at a TAFE Queensland facility, planned in advance. |
MOBILE VAN
![]() Training undertaken at your workplace with TAFE Queensland tools and equipment. |
Mixed mode
![]() A combination of two or more delivery modes. |
||
Ipswich | Traineeship |
Campus | Apprenticeship / Traineeship | Delivery Mode
![]() The way your training is delivered. |
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Workplace
![]() Train and be assessed in your current workplace. |
DROP IN DAYS
![]() Train with a teacher at a TAFE Queensland facility without an appointment. |
BLOCK TRAINING
![]() Flexible training offered in blocks ranging from three days to six weeks. |
DAY RELEASE
![]() Weekly scheduled training at a TAFE Queensland facility, planned in advance. |
MOBILE VAN
![]() Training undertaken at your workplace with TAFE Queensland tools and equipment. |
Mixed mode
![]() A combination of two or more delivery modes. |
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Toowoomba | Traineeship |
You must already be employed to enrol as an apprentice or trainee with TAFE Queensland. Speak to your employer about choosing TAFE Queensland as your Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO).
Eligible apprentices and trainees that meet the Queensland state funding requirements will be charged a set fee per nominal hour. These fees are calculated at a regulated rate of $1.60 per nominal hour. Concession rates apply for students who hold a current Health Care Card or who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Non-funded apprentices and trainees will be charged a fee for service cost. These will be confirmed prior to the commencement of training.
Information regarding costs will be outlined on the agreed training plan, which will be provided to the employer and apprentice or trainee at time of induction.
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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 pathwaysNo 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.
This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
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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.
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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