Overview
The Diploma of Production Horticulture reflects the role of personnel working on production horticulture farms. The qualification can be contextualised for a tree cropping, vegetable, berry or flower production or mushroom production context as a job focus or, in the case of mixed enterprises, both. No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
CRICOS Course Code:
116156E
Duration:
53 weeks
Mode:
National Students:
Classroom Face to Face,
Online – Moodle,
Distance
International Students:
Classroom Face to Face (20 hours per week)
Units & Assessment Information
Completion of ten (10) units as below:
Overview
This qualification describes the skills and knowledge for trade level roles carried out under broad supervision in the nursery production and retail nursery industry. It is assumed that participants undertaking this qualification as a direct entry qualification would have nursery or horticulture industry experience prior to undertaking this qualification.
Individuals with this qualification perform tasks autonomously involving a broad range of skills that are applied in a wide variety of contexts, which will involve discretion and judgement in planning tasks, selecting and operating equipment, coordinating resources and applying contingency measures during work.
Work must comply with work health and safety and environmental regulations and legislation that apply to the workplace.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
CRICOS Course Code:
116149D (VIC/QLD)
Course Duration:
53 Weeks
Study Mode:
National Students:
Classroom face to face
Online – Moodle – for persons employed in the industry
Distance – for persons employed in the industry
Apprenticeship
VET in Schools
International Students:
Classroom face to face only (20 hours per week).
Unit & Assessment Information:
Completion of sixteen (16) selected units below.
| Unit | Assessment |
| AHCPMG302 Control plant pests, diseases and disorders and |
Assessment 1: Written questions – Assess pest, disease and disorders Assessment 2: Worksite base report – Plan the implementation of plant pests, diseases and disorder control measures Assessment 3: Practical activity / Simulated workplace exercise Assessment 4: Quiz / Examination |
| AHCPMG301 Control Weeds |
Assessment 1 : Practical Activity Weed Identification & Infestation assessment
Assessment 2 : Weed control measures (Plan, Implement and Control) Assessment 3 : Online Quiz |
| AHCWRK320 Apply environmentally sustainable work practices | Assessment 1 : Identify resources and sustainable practices on at ACAH Demonstration Assessment 2 : Case study
Assessment 3 : Checklist/Survey. Workplace environmental survey Online quiz : 45 questions |
| AHCMOM304 Operate machinery and equipment | Assessment 1 : Short answer questions
The following key areas will be covered during this assessment.
Assessment 2 : Practical activity – demonstrate the on-site item of one of the following equipment/machineries under |
| AHCNSY313 Implement a propagation plan | Assessment 1 : Written Short and Extended Answer Questions- growing media components, Propagation techniques, OH&S hazards, propagation material selection and Australian Standards for potting mixes
Assessment 2 : Practical/ Stimulated or demonstrated activities – propagation techniques |
| AHCPCM305 Implement a plant nutrition program | Assessment 1 : Interpreting site plans and specifications, Material, equipment, tools and plant nutrition program, safety checks on equipment & machinery, site hazard management, PPE selection maintenance & storage and keeping work site safe
Assessment 2 : Short answers questions & calculations covering follow key areas
Assessment 3 : Practical activity (Visual inspection checklist ) : Determine nutritional problems in plants |
| AHCSOL305 Prepare growing media | Assessment 1 : Written Short and Extended Answer Questions, Definitions, Terminology, growing media components, Water Theory, Extended Answer Questions on Soil and water relationships.
Assessment 2 : Written Extended Questions – Prepare and store media Assessment 3 : Practical activities
|
| AHCWRK317 Coordinate work site activities |
Assessment 1 : Written questions covering below key criteria
Assessment 2 : Practical Activity (daily workplace activities) Task reporting, rostering, document control and pre start checks. Assessment 3 : Online Quiz (competency grade 70%) |
| AHCWRK315 Respond to emergencies |
Assignment 1 : Written Short and Extended Answer Questions, Definitions and Terminology Assignment 2 : First Aid Case Scenarios – Emergency situation exercises. Practical Activities : Workplace hazard identification, assessment of risk, risk rating, hierarchy of control, procedures for hazards identification, assessing and controlling risks |
| AHCNSY314 Operate fertigation equipment | Assessment 1 : Short answer questions covering the following key areas
Assessment 2 : Practical activities
|
| AHCIRG338 Troubleshoot irrigation systems | Assessment 1 : written questions covering the following key areas
Assessment 2 : Practical activities – Irrigation system description questionnaire for all the different types of irrigation systems Assessment 3 : Examination – knowledge skills and terminology, assessing Trouble irrigation systems |
| AHCNSY308 Maintain nursery plants | Assessment 1:Part A: Short answers questions
Part B: Extended answers questions Assessment 2: Practical activities/Practical Demonstration covering the following key areas
|
| AHCWHS302 Contribute to work health and safety processes | Assessment 1: Written questions – WHS legislations, code of practices, national standards, enterprise WHS policies and procedures
Assessment 2 : Written questions and practical assessment – WHS legislations, code of practices, national standards, enterprise WHS policies and procedures Assessment 3: Written questions – PPE, Incident, Accident reporting Assessment 4: Online quiz |
| AHCCHM304 Transport and store chemicals/AHCCHM307 Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases | Assessment 1 : 40 Questions
Assessment 2 : Calibration activity (100% required)
Assessment 3 : Exam (label & SDS reading) (100% required)
Assessment 4 : Demonstration Practical activity (100% required)
|
| AHCPCM306 Provide information on plants and their culture | Assessment 1 : Written Questions & Case Studies – Identifying Horticulture Issues, questioning techniques, information gathering, relevant issues & providing expert advice
Assessment 2 : Extended Answers Questions – Plant Identification techniques, Plant selection, Plant Physiology, Plant habit and growth characteristics. Assessment 3 : Developing plants profile Assessment 4 : Weekly Quiz Assessment 5 : Examination
|
Classifications
ANZSCO 362411 Nurseryperson
Entry requirements
| Age: | 16 plus |
| English Proficiency Requirement: | all students must complete a Language Literacy & Numeracy Assessment, assessed by the Language Studies Department. |
| Academic Requirement: | Completion of equivalent to certificate II or higher or Year 10 equivalent completed or an interest in horticultural studies or currently employed in the Horticulture Industry, with at least 12 months equivalent employment or a genuine interest in commencing a career in horticulture. |
Applications, enquiries & tuition fees
More information about applications for this course and intake dates should be directed to info@acah.edu.au or by phone on 03 9654 8822.
Overview
This qualification allows individuals to develop post-trade and knowledge to become specialists within the production nursery industry. The nursery industry expects this qualification to be achieved to meet job outcomes at this level.
The production horticulture supervisor is likely to have significant responsibilities in managing planting, growing and harvesting activities.
These responsibilities include:
• developing a plant nutrition program
• managing irrigation
• developing canopy management and crop regulation programs
• supervising crop harvesting
• supervising machinery maintenance, supplies and services
• operating a budget
• promoting plant health
CRICOS Course Code:
116154G (VIC/QLD)
Course Duration:
53 weeks
Study Mode:
National Students:
Classroom face to face
Online – Moodle
Distance
International Students:
Classroom face to face only ( 20 hours per week)
Unit and Assessment Information:
Completion of twelve (12) selected units as below.
| Unit | Assessment |
| AHCIRG437 Schedule irrigations | Assessment 1 – Written Short and Extended Answer Questions, Definitions, Terminology, Water Theory, Extended Answer Questions on Soil and water relationship. Assessment 2 – Written Extended Questions: Irrigation Scheduling, Health and Safety, Water Pressure, Calculations Exercises: Uniformity / Irrigation Scheduling Calculations, as detailed in the exercises Assessment 3 – Practical exercise: Irrigation System Uniformity Test Assessment 4 – Online examination
|
| AHCPHT409 Develop a crop regulation program | Assessment 1 – Create a crop regulation poster Assessment 2 – Written Short and Extended Answer Questions on preparing and documenting the crop regulation program and specifications Assessment 3 – Prepare a detailed nutrients crop regulation program. |
| AHCNSY403 Plan a growing-on program / AHCNSY404 Plan a propagation program | Assessment 1 : Written questions covering follow key areas Identify issues affecting the growing-on program Develop the growing-on plan Assessment 2 : Project report on plan a grow-on program in a nursery or field production Assessment 3 : Oral presentation on the project report Online quiz |
| AHCPCM406 Develop a soil health and plant nutrition program | Assessment 1 – Written questions on determining relevant regional data and site characteristic |
| AHCSOL406 – Sample soils and interpret results | Assessment 1- Written Short and Extended Answer Questions, Definitions, Terminology, Preparing for soil surveying & sampling activities, soil physical and chemical characteristics & parameters for specific plants, RAW, soil ameliorant and improvement techniques Assessment 2- Practical / Simulated or Demonstrated Activities Soil depth and colour (Munsell Chart) Soil texture test (Ribbon test) Soil structural stability in water Soil pH, soil EC Soil Microbes Test Moisture Analysis Assessment 3 – Written questions covering follow key areas Determine relevant regional data and site characteristics Define the requirements for plant nutrition Document the soil health and plant nutrition program and specifications Monitor plant growth and evaluate the program properties are identify for testing Assessment 4 – Calculation of fertilisers Assessment 5 Part A-Writing report : Research botanical specifications, site assessment, growing conditions and environmental context for a selected crop. Part B – Oral/ Recorded PowerPoint |
| AHCWRK404 Implement quality assurance procedures | Assessment 1 Task 1: Definition Questions Task 2: Quality specification scenario Assessment 2 – Case study : Risk Assessment in a Quality Assurance Process Assessment 3 – Short answer questions and case study covering follow key areas Identify hazards and critical control points in the production of quality product Assist in planning of quality assurance procedures Assessment 4– Written questions/scenario covering follow key area Assist in planning of quality assurance procedures Assessment 5 – Case study about Responsibility Allocation Matrix and trained staff Assessment 6 – Practical activities to determine product quality include colour, pH, firmness, and sugar content Assessment 7 – Freshcare online quiz ( Competency grade : 80%) Assignment 8 – Online examination |
| AHCWHS402 Maintain work health and safety processes | Assignment 1 – Written questions on WHS legislations, code of practices, national standards, enterprise WHS policies and procedures. Assignment 2 – Workplace hazard identification, assessment of risk, hierarchy of control, procedures for hazards identification, assessing and controlling risks & safety training. Assignment 3 – PPE, basic safety checks, hazardous substances, noise hazards, manual handling risks, monitoring and report workplace safety issues, raising WHS issues. Assessment 4 – Participation in consultation, procedures for emergency event, WH&S training and maintaining occupational health & safety records and response to emergencies. Assessment 5 – Online Examination |
| AHCPCM404 Recommend plants and cultural practices | Assessment 1 : Wiki task on Identify a range of web-based information sources about the genus and species of plants. Assessment 2 Short answer questions on Identify client preferences and requirements, Select and advise on plants for specific situation Plant observation activities and class/laboratory activities Assessment 3 : Recorded Power Point – Provide a specialist advise Assessment 4 : Plant resource package on Identify a range of plants suitable for specific situations Assessment 5 : Weekly plant ID test Assessment 6 : Online Examination and Plants observation test |
| AHCBUS408 Operate within a budget framework | Assignment 1 – Create a budget for a production horticulture operation Assignment 2 – Complete the excel worksheet provided for a selected crop production for horticultural food production and addressing financial transactions in creating journal entries for debits and credits. |
| BSBLDR412 Communicate effectively as a workplace leader | Assessment 1 – Prepare, engage and review communication on at least four occasions with different individuals or |
| AHCBIO401 Plan and implement a biosecurity program | Assignment 1 Part A : Biosecurity online training course Part B : Animal health disease online course Assignment 2 Part A : Plan and implement a biosecurity program Part B : farm biosecurity risk checklist Assessment 3 – Recorded PowerPoint : Present a biosecurity plan training plan |
Classifications
ANZSCO 121616 Vegetable Grower (AUS) / Market Gardner (NZ)
Entry requirements
| Age: | 16 plus |
| English Proficiency Requirements: | all candidates must complete a Language Literacy & Numeracy Assessment, assessed by the Language Studies Department. |
| Academic Requirements: | Completion of Certificate III in Horticulture or related field or equivalent to Australian Year 11 general schooling or 2 years work experience in horticultural related field. |
Applications, enquiries & tuition fees
More information about applications for this course and intake dates should be directed to info@acah.edu.au or by phone on 03 9654 8822.
AHC20324 Certificate II in Production Horticulture (CRICOS Course Code: 116148E )
Overview
A production horticulture outcome enables individuals to select a tree cropping, vegetable or berry production, grape growing or mushroom production context as a job focus, or a mixture in the case of mixed enterprise. This program is ideal for Traineeships and, pre – apprenticeship programs conducted through an approved Group-training provider.
Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include:
• Farm, vineyard or orchard hand
• Farm, vineyard or orchard worker
• Farm, vineyard or orchard labourer
There are several ways to get work as a production horticulturist. Most of them have either progressed from working as farmhands or have completed Level 2 Traineeship in Production Horticulture, which involves formal learning while working on-the-job
Client base:
International and Australian Permanent Resident Student, or other visa holders with study rights.
Duration:
Domestic students – 20 weeks
International students – 53 weeks
Intakes:
Fortnightly
Mode:
Domestic students – Online, traineeship
International students – Classroom face to face Only ( 20 hours per week).
Training & Employment Outcomes
The qualification enables individuals to select a tree cropping, vegetable or berry production, grape growing or mushroom production context as a job focus, or a mixture
in the case of mixed enterprises. No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
Unit & Assessment Information:
Completion of fifteen (15) units as below.
| Unit | Assessment |
| AHCWHS202 Participate in work health and safety processes |
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to observe and contribute to positive environmental work practices. The following activities will be covered in this unit :
Practical task End of unit test |
| AHCWRK212 Work effectively in the industry
|
This unit of competency covers the process of working effectively on an individual basis and with others and defines the standard required to: meet the standards required in the industry for dress and work practices; implement the quality standards for workplace products or services; interpret instructions and establish work tasks and priorities; demonstrate communication skills with supervisors and co workers. The following activities will be covered in this unit:
|
|
AHCBIO204 Follow site biosecurity procedures
|
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to follow the workplace biosecurity procedures for accessing and leaving a quarantine site to reduce and contain the transfer of diseases or pests. The following activities will be covered in this unit:
|
| AHCWRK213 Participate in workplace communications
|
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to participate in workplace communications. The skills and knowledge described in this unit underpin a broad range of activities applicable to a variety of job roles throughout industries at various levels. The following activities will be covered in this unit:
|
| AHCPHT215 Plant horticultural crops |
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plant horticultural crops in the annual, vegetable and flower growing industries. The following activities will be covered in this unit:
|
| AHCSOL203 Assist with soil or growing media sampling and testing |
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. Following activities will be covered in this unit:
|
| AHCWRK211 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices |
This unit covers the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to effectively measure current resource use and to carry out improvements including reducing the negative environmental impact of work practices. This unit requires the ability to access industry information, and applicable legislative and Work Health and Safety (WHS) guidelines. The following activities will be covered in this unit :
|
| AHCIRG221 Assist with pressurised irrigation operations |
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assist with installing, operating and maintaining pressurised irrigation systems. These systems use sprinklers and The unit applies to individuals who assist with pressurised irrigation operations under general supervision with limited autonomy and accountability. The following activities will be covered in this unit:
|
|
AHCPMG201 Treat weeds | This unit covers the process of treating weeds and defines the standard required to: identify significant weed species for the enterprise; apply a range of weed treatment control options; recognize and control risks to environment (including spray drift and chemical spillage); clean and store equipment correctly; monitor treatment site; record weed treatment. The following activities will be covered in this unit:
|
| AHCPMG202 Treat pests, diseases and disorders |
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise plant pests, diseases and disorders, determine the treatment options and apply treatments under supervision. The unit applies to individuals working in a broad range of job contexts who undertake defined routine activities under supervision. They exercise limited autonomy within established and well-known parameters, providing solutions to a limited range of predictable problems. The following activities will be covered in this unit:
|
|
AHCNSY207 Undertake propagation activities | This unit covers the process of undertaking propagation activities and defines the standard required to: collect and maintain suitable plant material; apply a range of propagation techniques; maintain and monitor propagated plants; maintain plant hygiene. The following activities will be covered in this unit:
|
| AHCPGD209 Prune shrubs and small trees | 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. It applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work. They undertake defined activities and work in a The following activities will be covered in this unit:
|
| AHCMOM216 – Operate side by side utility vehicles | The following activities will be covered in this unit :
|
|
AHCCHM201 Apply chemicals under supervision |
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to apply chemicals using workplace specific application equipment under supervision. The following activities will be covered in this unit:
|
| AHCPCM204 Recognise plants | This unit covers the process of recognising plants that are commonly encountered in horticulture or land management situations and defines the standard required to inspect and research enterprise plants; observe and record the habits; characteristics and significant features of plants; use available processes to recognise plants; update a plant reference collection. The following activities will be covered in this unit:
|
Classifications
ANZSCO 842219 Crop Farm Workers
Entry requirements
| Age: | 16 plus |
| English Proficiency Requirements | All candidates must complete a Language Literacy & Numeracy Assessment, assessed by the Language Studies Department. |
| Academic Requirement: | Completion of Equivalent to Certificate I, or Primary school equivalent, or currently employed in the parks and gardens industry or interested in career in horticulture |
Applications, enquiries & tuition fees
More information about applications for this course and intake dates should be directed to info@acah.edu.au or by phone on 03 9654 8822.
Overview
A production horticulture outcome has responsibility for a number of workers and planting, growing and harvesting activities. Work undertaken by a production horticulture tradesperson could include:
• operating advanced and specialised machinery
• coordinating crop planting and maintenance
• harvesting crops
• processing produce
• installing irrigation and drainage
• controlling weeds and pests
• constructing glasshouses and shade houses
There are several ways to get work as a production horticulturist. Most of them have either progressed from working as farmhands or have completed a Level 3
Traineeship in Production Horticulture which involves formal learning while working on-the-job.
CRICOS Course Code:
116150M (VIC / QLD / SA)
Course Duration:
53 Weeks
Study Mode:
National Students
Classroom (Face-to-Face)
Apprenticeship, VET in Schools,
Online – Moodle and Distance (for employed persons in the industry).
International Students – Classroom face to face Only ( 20 hours per week).
Unit & Assessment Information:
Completion of fifteen (15) selected units as below.
Classifications
| Unit | Assessment |
| AHCPMG301 Control weeds/ AHCPMG302 Control plant pests, diseases and disorders | Assessment 1: Written questions – Assess pest, disease and disorders
Assessment 2: Worksite base report – Plan the implementation of plant pests, diseases and disorder control measures Assessment 3: Practical activity / Simulated workplace exercise Assessment item 4: Quiz / Examination |
| AHCWRK320 Apply environmentally sustainable work practices | Assessment 1- Identify resources and sustainable practices on at ACAH Demonstration
Assessment 2 – Case study Assessment 3 – Checklist/Survey. Workplace environmental survey Online quiz – 45 questions |
| AHCMOM304 Operate machinery and equipment | Assessment 1 – Short answer questionsThe following key areas will be covered during this assessment.
Assessment 2 – Practical activity – demonstrate the on-site item of one of the following equipment/machineries under |
| AHCNSY313 Implement a propagation plan | Assessment 1 : Written Short and Extended Answer Questions- growing media components, Propagation techniques, OH&S hazards, propagation material selection and Australian Standards for potting mixes
Assessment 2 : Practical/ Stimulated or demonstrated activities – propagation techniques |
| AHCBIO303 Apply biosecurity measures | Assessment 1 – Online based assignment on identifying biosecurity threats and determine control measures for site
Assessment 2 Short answer questions: Definitions and application of biosecurity measure for on-farm or for an enterprise. Locate information, animal / plant diseases and pest. Apply control measures in work routines, records maintenance, effectiveness of control measures, participation in training and reporting bio security concerns and issues. Assessment 3 – Practical tasks: Accurate complete workplace and regulatory biosecurity records using an industry |
| AHCWRK317 Coordinate work site activities | Assessment 1 – Written questions covering below key criteria
Assessment 2 – Practical Activity (daily workplace activities) Task reporting, rostering, document control and pre start checks. Assessment 3 – Online Quiz (competency grade 70%) |
| AHCWRK315 Respond to emergencies | Assignment 1 – Written Short and Extended Answer Questions, Definitions and Terminology Assignment 2 – First Aid Case Scenarios – Emergency situation exercises. Practical Activities – Workplace hazard identification, assessment of risk, risk rating, hierarchy of control, procedures for hazards identification, assessing and controlling risks |
| AHCNSY314 Operate fertigation equipment | Assessment 1 – Short answer questions covering the following key areas
Assessment 2 – Practical activities
|
| AHCIRG346 Operate pressurised irrigation systems | Assessment 1 – Short answer questions on carry out pre-start checks; inspect and operate the system; monitor irrigation system performance.
Assessment 2 – Written questions and practical activities on operating of irrigation system at ACAH demonstrated farm. |
| AHCWRK318 Comply with industry quality assurance requirements | Assessment 1 – Written questions and Quality specification scenario Assessment 2 – Practical activities/ exercise – Record the procedure for production at demonstrate farm in accordance with workplace requirements ; write a flow diagram from point of seed to dispatch for any “one” horticultural crop grown Examination |
| AHCWHS302 Contribute to work health and safety processes | Assessment 1 : Written questions – WHS legislations, code of practices, national standards, enterprise WHS policies and procedures Assessment 2 : Written questions & Practical assessment – Workplace hazard identification, assessment of risk, hierarchy of control & safety training Assessment 3 : Written questions – PPE, Incident, Accident reporting Assessment 4 : Online quiz |
| AHCCHM304 Transport, handle and store chemicals/AHCCHM307 Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases | Assessment 1 – 40 Questions Assessment 2 – Calibration activity (100% required
Assessment 3 – Exam (label & SDS reading) (100% required)
Assessment 4 – Demonstration Practical activity (100% required)
|
| AHCPHT315 Establish horticultural crops | Assignment 1 – Interpreting site plans and specifications, materials, equipment, tools and machinery for crop establishment, safety checks on equipment and machinery, site hazards and risks, PPE selection maintenance and storage and keeping work site safe, completed for a range of two crops (different). Assignment 2 – Written questions addressing the following key areas
Assignment 3 – Practical activities addressing the following key areas
Assignment 4 – Complete the given record pertaining to soil cultivation, planting site preparation, and land preparation operations |
ANZSCO 842218 Vegetable Farm Worker (AUS) / Market Garden Worker (NZ)
Entry requirements
| Age: | 16 plus |
| English Proficiency Requirements: | all candidates must complete a Language Literacy & Numeracy Assessment, assessed by the Language Studies Department. |
| Academic: | Completion of Certificate II in Horticulture or related field or equivalent to Australian Year 10 general schooling or 2 years’ work experience in horticultural related field or interested in commencing a career in horticulture. |
Tuition applications, enquiries & tuition fees
More information about applications for this course and intake dates should be directed to info@acah.edu.au or by phone on 03 9654 8822.
