TAFE Queensland
1 year
Develop practical horticulture skills in plant care, landscape management, and nursery operations. This hands-on qualification prepares you for careers as a horticulturist, nursery worker, or parks and gardens professional with industry-experienced instructors.
Domestic students must complete a Skills Check with recommended benchmark levels of 3 in English, Maths, and Digital Technology. International students must be at least 18 years old, have Academic IELTS 6.0 (no band less than 5.5) or equivalent, and completion of Year 10 or equivalent. You will need access to a reliable internet connection and computer with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. Protective equipment required includes long-sleeved shirt, safety footwear, safety glasses, ear protection, sun hat, sunscreen, secateurs, rubber gloves, and gardening gloves.
Core units cover: Transport and store chemicals, Prepare and apply chemicals to control pests/weeds/diseases, Operate pressurised irrigation systems, Operate machinery and equipment, Identify and select plants, Perform specialist amenity pruning, Control weeds, Control plant pests/diseases/disorders, Implement soil improvements for garden and turf areas, and Contribute to workplace health and safety processes. Elective units include: Apply biosecurity measures, Operate and maintain chainsaws, Pot up plants, Care for nursery plants, Undertake propagation activities, Maintain nursery plants, Install and maintain plant displays, Promote sales of plants, Implement a propagation plan, Identify plant specimens, Implement a plant nutrition program, Provide information on plants and their culture, Implement a plant establishment program, Implement a landscape maintenance program, Establish turf, and Implement a grassed area maintenance program.
TAFE Queensland offers highly-experienced staff who are strongly embedded in the horticulture industry, providing one-on-one guidance for student success. The provider features strong industry connections with hands-on, practical experience using the same equipment and tools used in industry. Fee-Free TAFE options are available for eligible students, allowing you to focus on studies rather than finances. TAFE Queensland is an internationally recognised education provider with purpose-built classrooms, laboratories, and workshops across multiple Queensland locations.
Upon completion, you can pursue careers as a Nursery Worker, Parks and Gardens Worker, or Horticulturist. The Australian Government's Job Outlook service indicates stable growth in gardens and nurseries employment. Employers seek qualified candidates who are hardworking, reliable, and have a positive attitude. You may also advance to further qualifications such as Certificate III in Rural Operations or pursue university pathways through TAFE Queensland's partner institutions.