Certificate III in Parks and Gardens Apprenticeship
Sorry, this course is not available for international students.
If you are a local student you may be eligible.
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Overview
3 years full time
February, July
Build a strong skill set
Invest in hands-on experience with the Certificate III in Parks and Gardens AHC31021 (Apprenticeship stream). Melbourne Polytechnic offers a course focused on strong technical skills and industry insight, as part of a three-year apprenticeship that will teach you the necessary skills to deliver advanced work practices within parks and gardens across Australia. Public parks and gardens are thriving, with over 6 million visitors to parks around Victoria a year. Learn the skills to maintain parks and gardens, while developing important environmental measures to ensure a healthy future.
Grow your knowledge and techniques
By completing a Certificate III in Parks and Gardens AHC31021, you’ll learn from an array of experienced horticultural trade professionals in purpose-built facilities that simulate a real working environment. Our qualified teachers will share industry-based expertise in the maintenance of public parks, as well as residential and commercial properties. Learn outdoors, on engaging excursions to some of the beautiful parks and gardens around Victoria. Melbourne Polytechnic’s extensive industry connections and partnership with the Nursery and Garden Industry of Victoria, offers the unique experience to apply your new skills at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, granting your qualification immersive experience and a unique credibility with our Certificate III in Parks and Gardens AHC31021 (Apprenticeship stream).
Harvest a rewarding future
Completion of our Certificate III in Parks and Gardens AHC31021 (Apprenticeship stream) means you’ll have the opportunity for a wide range of work within the lush field of horticulture, including local council parks and gardens and landscape maintenance companies. You will also have the skills to be your own boss, and run your own horticultural and garden maintenance business.
Career Pathways
Where will the Certificate III in Parks and Gardens - Apprenticeship AHC31021 take me?
As a fully qualified horticulturist, you’ll have the opportunity for a wide range of work within the lush field of horticulture, including local council parks and gardens and landscape maintenance companies.
- Community Landscape Officer
- Landscape Gardener
- Labourer
- Groundsperson
- Garden Designer
- Community Facility Groundskeeper
Study Pathways
The Certificate III in Parks and Gardens AHC31021 can lead you to further study in into the Certificate IV in Horticulture AHC40422 or Certificate IV in Landscape Design AHC42421.
Course Details
Delivery methods
- Practical Work
How you will study
Each course has a dedicated learning method that is designed to let you thrive in your studies.
On-campus / Virtual classroom
A blend of both face-to-face and virtual learning with scheduled classes taking place on-campus and in virtual classrooms. Visit the How You'll Study page for more information.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is based on your ability to achieve unit outcomes. Methods include demonstration of skills, tests and assignments, folios, oral activities, and third party reports
Units of Study
The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact us for the latest student contact hours information.
| Code | Subject | Elective | Hours |
| AHCCHM304 | Transport and store chemicals | Elective | 50 |
| AHCCHM307 | Prepare and apply chemicals | Elective | 70 |
| AHCIRG346 | Operate pressurised irrigation systems | Core | 50 |
| AHCMOM304 | Operate machinery and equipment | Core | 40 |
| AHCPCM303 | Identify plant specimens | Elective | 80 |
| AHCPCM305 | Implement a plant nutrition program | Elective | 60 |
| AHCPCM306 | Provide information on plants and their culture | Core | 70 |
| AHCPGD307 | Implement a plant establishment program | Core | 80 |
| AHCPGD309 | Perform specialist amenity pruning | Core | 65 |
| AHCPGD310 | Implement a landscape maintenance program | Core | 100 |
| AHCPMG301 | Control weeds | Core | 70 |
| AHCPMG302 | Control plant pests, diseases and disorders | Core | 80 |
| AHCSOL304 | Implement soil improvements for gardens and turf areas | Core | 60 |
| AHCTRF309 | Implement a grassed area maintenance program | Core | 60 |
| AHCWHS301 | Contribute to work health and safety processes | Core | 50 |
| AHCWRK309 | Apply environmentally sustainable work practices | Elective | 50 |
Attend an Information Session
Fees & Costs
| Concession | Government subsidised fee | Non-subsidised fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | $1390 | $6950 | $13250 |
| Materials fee | $155 | $155 | $155 |
| Maximum annual amenities | $175 | $250 | $250 |
| Total payable | $1720 | $7355 | $13655 |
| Per year | $0 |
| Per semester | $0 |
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
Displayed course fees are indicative only. There are many variables that impact the total amount of your full course costs including qualification for government subsidies, concessions or recognition of prior learning. Tuition fees do not include the cost of student amenities or material costs.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. Contact us to find out if you’re eligible for a Government subsidy.
Melbourne Polytechnic offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1st of November. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.
After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.
For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.
Fees explained
The fees for those ineligible for a government-funded enrolment.
The cost of tuition for those eligible for government funding.
Concession fees are charged at 20 per cent of the standard fees for enrolments in Certificate I to IV courses. To be eligible students must meet Skills First eligibility criteria and present a valid:
- Commonwealth Health Care card, or
- Pensioner Concession card, or
- Any dependent spouse or dependent child of one of the above cardholders, or
- Veterans Gold card.
The following groups are eligible for concession fees from Certificate I to Advanced Diploma level:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
- Asylum Seekers and victims of human trafficking
Additional expenses
The Student Services and Amenities Fee is charged at forty cents (40 cents) per student contact hour and is capped over a twelve (12) month period, effective from the enrolment date, to:
- $250 for full fee-paying students; and
- $175 for concession-paying students studying Certificate I, II, III, or IV.
Amenities fees are used to improve non-academic services including libraries, counselling services, student support, and recreational activities.
Materials fees differ for first and second year apprentices. Please ask the department when you enrol.
A list of equipment and reference material that you will need to provide will be distributed at the start of the course. Reference material is also available for loan from the Melbourne Polytechnic library.
You will need to provide your own personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety boots (steel capped), Hi Vis vest, sunscreen, as well as good quality secateurs, a USB flash drive, and writing materials.
Horticulture courses at Melbourne Polytechnic
Requirements
- Apprentices will be eligible for this course if they are employed in the Parks and Gardens industry and have a signed Training Agreement with the employer and Melbourne Polytechnic
- contact the course coordinator (through an ECA) for further information on apprenticeship applications
Next Steps
Apprenticeships are coordinated via the Trade and Traineeship Support Unit (TSU) where you will provide details of your employer, who will register you with an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) provider.
The AASN will register your training contract with EPSILON and you will be allocated an EPSILON number. Melbourne Polytechnic will then be able to enrol you into your training program.
If you have any questions about the application procedures for an apprenticeship, please contact the TSU.
We're Victoria's Large Training Provider of the Year
Study with Melbourne Polytechnic, proud winner of Victoria’s 2024 Large Training Provider of the Year! Recognised for our innovative programs, industry partnerships and commitment to student success, we’re here to help you build the skills for a thriving future.
Recognising Organisations
Nationally Recognised Training This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.