Course description
Are you interested in becoming a greenkeeper? This course will equip you with theoretical and practical skills and knowledge in turf management. It is delivered as a Sports Turf Management apprenticeship, where you are employed in the industry in a parks and gardens environment. You’ll be hands-on with your employer, gaining the skills and knowledge to develop your horticulture career. You will also spend some time at The Gordon to enhance your workplace training.
Possible career outcomes
- Greenkeeper/Turf Manager
Wondering if this industry will suit you?
We have created a very short course quiz to help you gain a little more understanding of what is required and whether you might enjoy a role in this industry. Take the quiz here.
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 Timetable supplied once admitted |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Apply environmentally sustainable work practices | AHCWRK309 | 50 |
| Construct turf playing surfaces | AHCTRF307 | 90 |
| Contribute to work health and safety processes | AHCWHS301 | 50 |
| Control plant pests, diseases and disorders | AHCPMG302 | 80 |
| Control weeds | AHCPMG301 | 70 |
| Establish turf | AHCTRF308 | 60 |
| Implement a plant nutrition program | AHCPCM301 | 60 |
| Implement soil improvements for garden and turf areas | AHCSOL304 | 60 |
| Install drainage systems | AHCDRG305 | 50 |
| Install pressurised irrigation systems | AHCIRG345 | 70 |
| Maintain pressurised irrigation systems | AHCIRG347 | 50 |
| Monitor turf health | AHCTRF310 | 60 |
| Operate machinery and equipment | AHCMOM304 | 40 |
| Operate pressurised irrigation systems | AHCIRG346 | 50 |
| Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases | AHCCHM307 | 70 |
| Prepare sports turf surfaces for play | AHCTRF306 | 80 |
| Renovate sports turf | AHCTRF311 | 60 |
| Transport and store chemicals | AHCCHM304 | 50 |
| Elective Units | Code | Hours |
| Collect basic surveying data | CPPSSI3015 | 60 |
| Communicate effectively with clients and team members | ACMGAS308 | 30 |
| Coordinate machinery and equipment maintenance and repair | AHCMOM301 | 80 |
| Coordinate work site activities | AHCWRK305 | 70 |
| Estimate, measure and calculate measurements for work | FSKNUM23 | 15 |
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 projects
- Workplace tasks
- Written assignments
- Team projects
- Exam
Fees
| Fees | Rate | Unit | Indicative Course Hours | Indicative Tuition | Indicative Gov Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concession Tuition | AUD $0.94 | per hour | 1355 | AUD $1,274.00 | AUD $20,735.00 |
| Standard Tuition | AUD $4.68 | per hour | 1355 | AUD $6,341.00 | AUD $20,735.00 |
| Full Fee Tuition | AUD $20.49 | per hour | 1355 | AUD $27,764.00 |
| Add the costs below to your relevant tuition fee | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excursions | AUD $450.00 | Charged at enrolment | |||
| Education Levy | AUD $203.25 | Charged at enrolment | |||
| Materials | AUD $1,210.00 | Once | charged at enrolment | ||
| Resources | AUD $70.00 | Once | 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
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.