Course Overview

About This Course

The AHC30722 Certificate III in Horticulture from Brisbane College of Horticulture is a comprehensive, nationally recognised qualification designed for those ready to turn a passion for plants and the environment into a professional career. Through a blend of hands-on, nursery-based training and structured classroom study, you will develop practical expertise across all core areas of modern horticulture. You will learn exactly how to establish and maintain plants and structures or features in diverse garden and park environments. The curriculum ensures you can confidently use specialised horticultural machinery and equipment, apply effective pest, weed, and disease management techniques, and maintain complex irrigation and drainage systems. Furthermore, you will develop the vital skills needed to accurately identify plants, products, and treatments. Delivered by industry-recognised trainers at a large, working nursery, this course equips you with the technical skills and practical knowledge employers are actively seeking.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Level 3, 97 Creek St, Brisbane QLD 4000

30 Minnie St, Cairns, QLD 4870

Open in Maps ↗

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Successful completion of Year 10 or an equivalent qualification.
Have an IELTS score of 6.0 (test results must be no more than 2 years old).
English language competence can also be demonstrated through documented evidence of any of the following:
- Educated for 5 years in an English-speaking country; or
- Completed at least 12 months of a Certificate III level course in an Australian RTO; or
- Other English language tests such as PTE and TOEFL can be accepted (students are required to provide their results so that it can be confirmed they are equivalent to IELTS 6.0).

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Certificate III in Horticulture are qualified to pursue a wide range of roles, including: working in nurseries, grounds maintenance for country clubs and resorts, parks and gardens roles within council services, and horticulture roles at visitor attractions and theme parks.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Professional Body

Agricultural Industry Body / AgriFutures

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

VETASSESS

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units17 units

AHCPCM308

Identify and select plants

Learn to accurately identify plant species and select them for specific environments.

AHCPGD309

Perform specialist amenity pruning

Develop techniques for pruning trees and shrubs for health and form.

AHCPMG301

Control weeds

Understand integrated weed management and safe control methods.

AHCPMG302

Control plant pests, diseases and disorders

Learn to diagnose and treat common plant health issues and disorders.

AHCSOL304

Implement soil improvements

Focus on soil assessment and applying amendments for garden and turf areas.

AHCWHS302

Contribute to work health and safety processes

Core safety unit covering hazard identification and workplace compliance.

AHCCHM304

Transport and store chemicals

Learn the safe handling and storage protocols for horticultural chemicals.

AHCCHM307

Prepare and apply chemicals

Develop skills to safely mix and apply treatments for pests, weeds, and diseases.

AHCIRG346

Operate pressurised irrigation systems

Hands-on training with operating modern pressurised irrigation setups.

АНСМОМ304

Operate machinery and equipment

Gain practical experience using essential horticultural machinery safely.

AHCWRK320

Apply environmentally sustainable work practices

Focus on eco-friendly and sustainable industry standards for work sites.

AHCPCM306

Provide information on plants and their culture

Learn to provide accurate information on plants and their culture.

AHCIRG338

Troubleshoot irrigation systems

Develop problem-solving skills for maintaining and repairing water systems.

AHCNSY308

Maintain nursery plants

Master the daily care and maintenance required for plants in a nursery setting.

AHCNSY313

Implement a propagation plan

Learn the fundamental techniques required to implement a propagation plan.

AHCNSY311

Promote sales of plants

Build fundamental skills to promote the sales of plants in retail environments.

AHCWRK317

Coordinate work site activities

Gain foundational skills to coordinate and manage daily work site activities.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Certificate III in Horticulture delivered?

The course is delivered through a blend of classroom study and hands-on, nursery-based training. Participants attend four sessions per week, which remain constant throughout the 52-week course, for a total of 20 hours per week.

Is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) available for this course?

Yes, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is possible for formal training, informal training, and past experience. Students will also be required to sit a range of practical and written assessments.

What are the English language requirements for this course?

Students must have an IELTS score of 6.0 (test results must be no more than 2 years old). English language competence can also be demonstrated through evidence of being educated for 5 years in an English-speaking country, completing at least 12 months of a Certificate III level course in an Australian RTO, or through other tests such as PTE and TOEFL, provided results are confirmed equivalent to IELTS 6.0.

What personal protective equipment do students need to bring to site?

Students must comply with the Work Health and Safety Act and wear minimum protective equipment, including protective footwear complying with AS2210 safety standards, neat casual clothing and a broad-brimmed hat, ear muffs or plugs, non-fogging safety glasses, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a water bottle.

Where are the campuses located for this course?

The course is available at three campus locations: Level 3, 97 Creek St, Brisbane QLD 4000; 30 Minnie St, Cairns City QLD 4870; and Suite 4, Level 2/43 Gordon St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450. All campuses are conveniently close to public transport and shops, and premises are available outside normal study hours for distance study.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $55,000 to $75,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $75,000 to $100,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $100,000 to $130,000 per year

Career Paths

AgronomistAgricultural ScientistCrop Production OfficerLivestock ManagerSoil Scientist

Key Skills

Soil science and land health assessmentCrop and pasture management and agronomyAnimal production and livestock health monitoringAgricultural data collection, analysis and interpretationPrecision agriculture and remote sensing technologies

Full Course Overview

💬

Need guidance?

Free advisor support

Our advisors help international students choose the right course and navigate visa pathways — at no cost.

Promote your Institution with Find the Courses