
Leave your special mark on green spaces 
This course will assist candidates to become qualified in Parks and Gardens (Gardening) and is available via an apprenticeship.
This qualification will equip apprentices with theoretical and practical skills and knowledge in all aspects of parks and gardens including garden maintenance, weed and pest control and plant establishment and growth.
This qualification is delivered through an Australian Apprenticeship.
Course Outline
Our course includes the following Nationally Accredited Units of Competence:
CORE Units:
- AHCWHS301 Contribute to work health and safety processes
- AHCPCM301 Implement a plant nutrition program
- AHCPCM302 Provide information on plants and their culture
- AHCPMG301 Control weeds
- AHCPMG302 Control plant pests, diseases and disorders
ELECTIVE Units (11 to be selected to suit employer requirements, from the list below):
- AHCCHM303 Prepare and apply chemicals
- AHCCHM304 Transport and store chemicals
- AHCIRG306 Troubleshoot irrigation systems
- AHCLSC301 Set out site for construction works
- AHCLSC302 Construct landscape features using concrete
- AHCLSC303 Construct brick and block structures and features
- AHCLSC304 Erect timber structures and features
- AHCLSC305 Construct stone structures and features
- AHCLSC306 Implement a paving project
- AHCLSC307 Implement a retaining wall project
- AHCMOM304 Operate machinery and equipment
- AHCNAR303 Implement revegetation works
- AHCPCM303 Identify plant specimens
- AHCPGD301 Implement a plant establishment program
- AHCPGD303 Perform specialist amenity pruning
- AHCPGD305 Conduct operational inspection of park facilities
- AHCSOL301 Prepare growing media
- AHCSOL303 Implement soil improvements for garden and turf areas
- AHCTRF302 Establish turf
- AHCWRK309 Apply environmentally sustainable work practices
Who is it for?
This course is designed to provide apprentices with the skills and knowledge to become qualified parks and gardens assistants/gardeners.
Candidates undertaking this qualification must meet the following requirements:
- Be employed in this field with a registered employer;
- Entered into a formal training contract with the employer, apprentice and the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider
Generally, people undertaking this course may meet one of more of the following categories:
- Predominately under 25 years of age with an interest in parks and gardens.
- Mature aged with an interest in parks and gardens.
- Experienced worker but may have no qualification and/or require up-skilling of current knowledge and skills.
Pre-requisites
There are no educational entry requirements for this qualification, however candidates undertaking this qualification must meet the following requirements:
- Be employed in this field with a registered employer;
- Entered into a formal training contract with the employer, apprentice and an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider;
- Have the physical capabilities to lift, dig and walk/stand for long periods of time;
- Withstand a variety of climatic conditions such as cold, heat, wind and rain;
- Complete the language and literacy assessment developed for this program;
- Have basic computer skills and access to the internet.
Pathways
The following employment pathways are available to students who complete this qualification:
- Set up own garden services business
- Employed as a qualified Gardener
Further study pathways available to learners who undertake this qualification include:
- AHC40416 Certificate IV in Horticulture
- AHC40516 Certificate IV in Parks and Gardens
- AHC40916 Certificate IV in Conservation and Land Management
Note: This RTO may not offer all qualifications listed above as possible pathways
Duration
Apprentices who are employed on a full time basis have a maximum of 36 months to complete training. Apprentices who are employed on a part-time basis have a maximum of 72 months to complete training.
As this qualification (Certificate III level) is being delivered as a workplace based apprenticeship, standard delivery timeframes are likely to extend up to 3 years. The qualification is ‘competency based’ with delivery being ‘on the job training’ which means that the learner is assessed when they are competent.
The timeframe may be shortened depending on the learner’s experience and skills which can go towards recognition of prior learning (RPL).
Delivery mode
The program has been developed for workplace based delivery which incorporates practical instruction from a nominated workplace coach, supplemented with theory and practical training/assessment conducted by an Advance trainer/assessor.
- Full time apprentices will be withdrawn from routine work duties for a minimum of three hours per week (averaged over a four week cycle) to complete structured training/learning activities.
- A nominated workplace coach will provide guidance, instruction, feedback and opportunities to learn all aspects of tasks relating to parks and gardens, as set out in the training plan.
- An Advance trainer/assessor will visit the apprentice at least once per month to facilitate training and assessment activities. These visits will be negotiated with the employer.
Costs
Government Subsidised Tuition Fee: FREE
Government Subsidised Concession Fee (for eligible participants): FREE
Materials Fee: FREE
Locations
The location of training for this program will be in the workplace of your employer.
Predominately, Advance will service the South, South East and Mornington Peninsula regions.
Advance trainer/assessors will come to your work location, as predetermined with your employer.
How to apply
Please contact the RTO Manager for further information or to arrange an enrolment session.
- Tim Newman (0400 899 303)
Additional information on the enrolment process can be found at https://advance.vic.edu.au/information-enrolment/
Contact for further information
• Rosebud: Phone 03 5986 4623 or email rosebud@advance.vic.edu.au
• Hastings: Phone 03 5979 1398 or email hastings@advance.vic.edu.au
• Mornington: Phone: 03 5977 2976 or email mornington@advance.vic.edu.au
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Advance respects and values everyone regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, ethnicity, race or religion.
We are committed to child safe practices and equality for all.
These details are correct at 27-02-2020