The course is designed to provide the necessary skills and knowledge for people engaged in organic herb and vegetable production. The emphasis is on sustainable production and participants will gain skills and knowledge that can be used in a variety of organic production horticulture situations, including vegetables, herbs, fruit and berries.
Areas covered by this course include plant identification, soils, pest, disease and weed identification and control, cultivation, care harvesting and processing of crops and plant propagation.
As part of this program students will establish and maintain plots of herbs, fruit trees, vegetables and berries, propagate a range of plants, and be involved with the harvesting of herbs and vegetables.
The course includes a large amount of practical work to teach students skills that will make them work ready.
About the Course
- Local Students
- International Students
- National Code: RTE31603
- Local Fees: fees and charges
Campus: Epping
Duration
Full-time: 1 year
Modes of Delivery
Further Study and Careers
Pathways to Further Study
As part of the National Rural Production Training Package this course can be used as credit towards higher studies in agriculture or horticulture.
Career Opportunities
The organic industry is a rapidly expanding area of production horticulture in Australia and there are opportunities for employment with companies involved with the establishment and maintenance of organic farms, those looking at establishing their own farms or a business establishing and maintaining organic farms for others.
Employment opportunities are also available in a range of production horticulture fields as well as traditional horticulture and agricultural areas.
Entrance Requirements
There are no formal requirements for this program but students will be expected to have a reasonable education standard or previous relevant experience in horticulture or agriculture.
Materials
Assessment Methods
This is a competency based training program. Methods of assessment include: Written activities and assignments, Participation in group activities, Practical demonstrations, Projects.
Materials
Students will require boots and clothes suitable for outdoor work activities.
More Information
How to Apply
Local Students
Full-time (2010):
To start this course in 2010 apply directly to NMIT.
Units of Study
| Code | Subject | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTC2307 | Operate machinery and equipment | 30 | Core |
| RTC2309A | Operate tractors | 30 | Core |
| RTC3128A | Undertake a site assessment | 80 | Core |
| RTC3401A | Control weeds | 70 | Core |
| RTC3404A | Control plant pests, diseases and disorders | 80 | Core |
| RTC3805A | Coordinate worksite activities | 70 | Core |
| RTE3002A | Coordinate a crop regulation program | 80 | Core |
| RTE3003A | Coordinate horticultural crop harvesting | 70 | Core |
| RTE3013A | Implement a post harvest program | 70 | Core |
| RTE3506A | Monitor weather conditions | 60 | Core |
| RTE3601A | Install irrigation systems | 70 | Core |
| RTE3713A | Carry out workplace OH&S procedures | 50 | Core |
| RTF3011A | Implement a plant establishment program | 80 | Core |
| RTF3012A | Implement a plant nutrition program | 60 | Core |
| RTF3014A | Implement a propagation plan | 90 | Core |
| RTF3503A | Sample soils and analyse results | 60 | Core |
**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.
