The Certificate III in Horticulture (Turf) provides training in the skills for establishment and maintenance of recreational and other turf surfaces. Underpinning these skills will be a sound knowledge in pest and disease management, irrigation and drainage and management of sport turf facilities.
There is a strong emphasis on the development of practical skills. Practical classes are conducted at the nearby Riverside Golf and Tennis Centre and the Altona Lakes Golf Course where NMIT holds the maintenance contracts.
Students at NMIT's Fairfield campus will have access to a plant identification laboratory, irrigation training facilities, soils laboratory, and computer laboratory with the latest versions of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) software.
Course Outline:
The Certificate III in Horticulture (Turf) requires successful completion of 16 units of competency. Seven units are to be selected from Group A (with one designated compulsory unit), another six units from Group A and/or B, and an additional three units from Group A, B and/or C. Group C units may be selected from other Training Packages or they may be from the Amenity Horticulture Training Package from level 2, 3, or 4. At least 12 of the units of competency presented must relate to turf management work procedures, activities or contexts.
In practice NMIT, with industry consultation, has constructed courses that satisfies these packaging rules and are tailored to the requirements of industry.
About the Course
- Local Students
- International Students
- National Code: RTF30803
- Local Fees: fees and charges
Campus: Fairfield
Duration
Part-time: Training may take place as either one day per week or as blocks of five days of training.
Modes of Delivery
Further Study and Careers
Pathways to Further Study
Successful completion of the Certificate III in Horticulture (Turf) will allow for entry into the Diploma of Horticulture (Turf).
Career Opportunities
As graduates from these courses will already be employed in the turf management industry, successful completion of these courses will allow for movement within the turf industry and work in a range of opportunities such as establishment and maintenance of recreational turf, preparation of sports playing surfaces, management of recreational and sports turf facilities, provision of advice on turf irrigation, pest and disease control and management practices.
Entrance Requirements
To be eligible to enrol as an Australian Apprentice, participants must be employed in the turf industry and have a signed Training Agreement with the employer and NMIT. The course coordinator can provide advice on this process. Students Other Than New Apprentices: The Certificate III in Horticulture (Turf), the Recreational Turf Management stream, is offered to participants who have a minimum of three years' work experience in the turf industry. Participants may achieve this qualification by attending evening classes, one day per week for one year. In addition participants will be assessed at their workplace for various practical skills and knowledge. This course is also offered by flexible delivery. To enter the Recreational Turf Management stream, participants must have had three years' employment in the turf industry.
Materials
Assessment Methods
This is a competency-based course where assessment is based on students' abilities to achieve unit outcomes. There is the opportunity for workplace delivery and assessment of competencies. Assessment methods include: demonstration of skills, tests and assignments, oral activities, third party reports.
Materials
List of safety equipment and books that need to be purchased by students will be distributed to students early in the course.
More Information
How to Apply
Local Students
Part-time:
Please contact the department directly if you are interested in studying part time.
You can enrol in part-time courses at an Information and Enrolment Session
Units of Study
| Code | Subject | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTE3713A | Carry out workplace OH&S procedures | N/A | Core |
| BSBEBUS302A | Use and maintain electronic mail system | N/A | Elective |
| RTC3016A | Provide information on plants and their culture | N/A | Elective |
| RTC3310A | Operate specialised machinery and equipment | N/A | Elective |
| RTC3401A | Control weeds | N/A | Elective |
| RTC3404A | Control plant pests, diseases and disorders | N/A | Elective |
| RTC3704A | Prepare and apply chemicals | N/A | Elective |
| RTC3705A | Transport, handle and store chemicals | N/A | Elective |
| RTE3307A | Coordinate machinery and equipment maintenance and repair | N/A | Elective |
| RTE3601A | Install irrigation systems | N/A | Elective |
| RTE3603A | Install drainage systems | N/A | Elective |
| RTE3605A | Troubleshoot irrigation systems | N/A | Elective |
| RTE3611A | Operate pressurised irrigation systems | N/A | Elective |
| RTE3612A | Implement a maintenance program for an irrigation system | N/A | Elective |
| RTE3714A | Maintain and monitor environmental work practices | N/A | Elective |
| RTE3907A | Use hand-held e-business tools | N/A | Elective |
| RTF3001A | Construct turf playing surfaces | N/A | Elective |
| RTF3004A | Implement a grassed area maintenance program | N/A | Elective |
| RTF3010A | Establish turf | N/A | Elective |
| RTF3012A | Implement a plant nutrition program | N/A | Elective |
| RTF3027A | Renovate sports turf | N/A | Elective |
| RTF3503A | Sample soils and analyse results | N/A | Elective |
**Skills Recognition - Exemptions/Transfers
Students may be eligible for exemptions/transfers on the basis of previous qualifications, which must be provided as evidence of completion.
