Course description
This qualification provides the skills and knowledge for a broad range of roles carried out in the nursery industry. Participants entering this course should already be employed under an apprenticeship contract with some prior experience. The training will be across the industry's retail and production sectors, providing the expertise for developing specialist skills.
Students will learn how to apply a broad range of skills in a variety of nursery settings, plan and perform tasks autonomously, select and operate equipment and coordinate resources.
Possible career outcomes
- Nursery worker
- General nursery hand
- Wholesale nursery worker
Applications & attendance
Applications for this course are not currently open.
Please contact customer service on 1300 769 279 during business hours to discuss upcoming intake dates.
Apprenticeship and traineeship applicants
To become an apprentice or trainee, you will first need to find an employer willing to employ you. An Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Provider can assist you with this and will also start your application and enrolment process. Find a local provider here
| Intake | Applications | Attendance | Classes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Full Year East Geelong Campus |
Open: 1 Aug 2024 Close: 15 Dec 2025 |
Class Day | Part Time |
Class times are indicative and may change before the course starts. Students may need to complete some self-paced learning and assessments outside class, varying by course and skill level, or may be required to attend classes both on campus and online.
Follow the link for more information on attendance mode definitions and offer timing.
An application doesn't guarantee a place in the course.
Many courses have limited spots and may fill quickly, so apply early and ensure your application is fully completed, as only successful applicants will receive offers, issued as soon as possible. If numbers are low, intakes or courses may be cancelled.
Entrance requirements
- Applicants must be 16 years and over at the time of course commencement.
- Applicants are expected to have literacy and numeracy skills at Year 10 or Year 11 or Australian Core Skills Framework Level 2.
- Any student under the age of 17 must provide an Exemption from School form prior to undertaking the course.
- You must reside in Victoria to access Victorian Government Subsidised Fees and any incentive such as Free TAFE. Full fees apply to all non-Victorian residents.
Apprenticeship and traineeship requirements
Apprenticeship and traineeship applicants must be currently employed under a training contract and referred by their employer.
Personal Learning Requirements
There are personal learning requirements for each qualification at The Gordon. These are essential personal capabilities and skills required to successfully complete the course and be ready to work in the industry.
Please review the requirements here and consider any challenges you may have in meeting them. When applying for your course, please let us know what support you may need.
Pre-training review
Each student must complete a pre-training review as part of their application. The outcome of your pre-training review assists our teachers and trainers to better understand your capabilities prior to training and enables you to be matched to the right program. Your literacy and numeracy skills will be evaluated and you may be required to undertake a separate assessment. Follow this link for more information about literacy and numeracy skills.
Units & assessments
| Core Units | Code | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Contribute to work health and safety processes | AHCWHS301 | 50 |
| Control plant pests, diseases and disorders | AHCPMG302 | 80 |
| Implement a plant nutrition program | AHCPCM305 | 60 |
| Maintain nursery plants | AHCNSY308 | 40 |
| Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases | AHCCHM307 | 70 |
| Prepare growing media | AHCSOL305 | 40 |
| Provide information on plants and their culture | AHCPCM306 | 70 |
| Transport and store chemicals | AHCCHM304 | 50 |
| Troubleshoot irrigation systems | AHCIRG338 | 50 |
| Elective Units | Code | Hours |
| Apply biosecurity measures | AHCBIO303 | 100 |
| Identify plant specimens | AHCPCM303 | 80 |
| Implement a propagation plan | AHCNSY313 | 90 |
| Maintain pressurised irrigation systems | AHCIRG347 | 50 |
| Prepare specialised plants | AHCNSY312 | 50 |
| Receive and dispatch nursery products | AHCNSY309 | 40 |
| Recognise plants | AHCPCM204 | 40 |
Please note that the listed electives are delivered by The Gordon but you may not need to complete all of these units to successfully complete this qualification. If you have previously completed any of the units of competency relevant to this course, you may be eligible for Credit Transfer (CT). Any previous relevant experience may qualify you for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Find out more about CT or RPL here.
Assessment is based on:
- Hands-on work
- Written assignments
- Team projects
- Observations
Fees
| Fees | Rate | Unit | Indicative Course Hours | Indicative Tuition | Indicative Gov Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concession Tuition | AUD $0.82 | per hour | 960 | AUD $787.00 | AUD $14,500.00 |
| Standard Tuition | AUD $4.12 | per hour | 960 | AUD $3,955.00 | AUD $14,500.00 |
| Full Fee Tuition | AUD $19.57 | per hour | 960 | AUD $18,787.00 |
| Add the costs below to your relevant tuition fee | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | AUD $560.00 | Charged at enrolment | |||
| Excursions | AUD $240.00 | Charged at enrolment | |||
| Education Levy | AUD $144.00 | Charged at enrolment | |||
All fees and charges are correct at time of publication but may change without notice. The student tuition fees are indicative only. Additional fees may apply. Where GST is applicable to any courses or materials, the fee displayed is inclusive of the GST.
Which fee will I pay?
Your fees will be charged according to your eligibility for government funding. For more information, visit our Fees & Payments pages.
Fee help
Payment plans may be available for eligible students who need assistance to manage their fee payments.
Further study options
- Certificate IV in Horticulture
- Diploma of Horticulture
- Diploma of Leadership and Management
Many Gordon courses offer pathways to higher qualifications within The Gordon and in some cases, to university degrees. Your Gordon course may provide credit points which could reduce further study time. Follow the link to find more information about pathways, or contact Customer Service.