TAFE Queensland
Varies by delivery mode
Develop practical nursery operations skills and gain a nationally recognised Certificate III qualification. This hands-on trade course prepares you for rewarding careers in plant production, floristry, and horticulture with strong employment growth projected.
You must be indentured as an apprentice or trainee with an employer to enrol. Recommended benchmark levels: English level 3, Maths level 3, Digital Technology level 2. You'll need access to a reliable internet connection and computer with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. Personal protective equipment is required including 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, Troubleshoot irrigation systems, Maintain nursery plants, Implement plant nutrition programs, Provide information on plants and their culture, Control plant pests/diseases/disorders, Prepare growing media, and Contribute to workplace health and safety processes. Elective units include: Apply biosecurity measures, Maintain pressurised irrigation systems, Operate machinery and equipment, Pot up plants, Receive and dispatch nursery products, Implement propagation plans, and Control weeds. You'll complete all core units plus 7 elective units.
TAFE Queensland offers specialised knowledge developed through partnerships with leading Queensland nurseries, ensuring you learn up-to-date sustainable practices, new plant nutrition methods, and business logistics. The provider delivers flexible training options including workplace training, block training, day release, mobile training, and online delivery to suit employer and employee needs. With strong industry connections and experienced instructors, TAFE Queensland provides practical, hands-on experience using the same equipment and tools used in industry.
Upon completion, you can pursue careers as a Production Nursery Tradesperson, Vegetable Grower, Landscape Gardener, Greenkeeper, Parks and Gardens Tradesperson, or Landscape Construction Tradesperson. With around 3,000 new job openings projected over the next five years in the nursery and horticulture sector, graduates have strong employment prospects. You may also progress to further qualifications such as Certificate III in Landscape Construction or Parks and Gardens, or pursue university pathways through TAFE Queensland's partner institutions.
