It is the first step towards a career in Horticulture. It is also suitable for anyone with an interest in horticulture who would like to grow plants more successfully. Full time with student allowances* or part time with evening classes and weekend practical workshops. Zero Fees for eligible learners*.
*Conditions and eligibility criteria apply.
New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (General) (Level 3)
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Course Details
Description
Course Content
Fees
Entry Requirements
Pathways
Intakes
Description
This qualification was designed to provide the basic knowledge and skills to support employment in the horticulture sector. It is also suitable for anyone with an interest in horticulture and who wants to grow plants more successfully.
Graduates will benefit by having a breadth of horticulture knowledge and transferable skills valued by the horticulture community which will facilitate improved performance in the workplace and career progression.
Course Content
Course content includes:
• Plants and how they work;
• Identifying native plants and weeds etc.;
• Types of soil and testing suitability for different plants;
• Using plant and soil science to facilitate growth;
• Selecting the right plants;
• Planting and pruning trees and shrubs;
• Plant propagation;
• Treatment of plant pests and diseases;
• Treatment of weeds;
• Horticulture irrigation systems;
• Nursery growing of plants;
• Applying chemicals.
You will need weather protection gear, tools, and resources to study this programme.
This course can be undertaken either part-time or full-time, giving students the flexibility to manage their home and work commitments along with coursework. The part-time study is typically scheduled in the evenings and weekends.
Fees
The course is Zero Fees for eligible students.
Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for the programme are as below. Talk to us if you are not sure whether you qualify. Our team will help you through this process.
· NZ Citizen or Permanent Resident.
· 16 years of age or over.
· Literacy and Numeracy levels to support studies at level 3.
· Horticulture or primary industry qualifications at level 2 or equivalent knowledge and skills are preferred.
· Enrolment is also subject to an interview process.
Pathways
Education:
This qualification may lead on to the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 4) with strands in Amenity, Arboriculture, Cemetery, Landscape Design, Landscape Construction, and Sports Turf.
Employment:
Graduates of this qualification may be employed or self-employed and move flexibly between a range of horticultural enterprises. This qualification will also be suitable for small block owners or for mature learners who wish to gain knowledge of horticultural science in a range of general horticulture growing systems and practices.
Intakes
Papakura
Start Date: 30th April. Class Timings: 5.30-8.30pm Thursdays. Every second Saturday 9am-3pm (practical). Duration: 40 weeks.
Christchurch
Start Date: 4th April 2024. Class Timings: Tuesdays from 5.30-8.30pm. Every second Saturday from 9am-3pm (practical). Duration: 40 weeks.
Tauranga
Start Date: 9th April 2024. Class Timings: Wednesdays 5.30-8.30pm. Every second Saturday 9am-3pm (practical). Duration: 40 weeks.
Tauranga
Start Date: 29th April 2024. Class Timings: Thursdays 5.30-8.30pm. Every second Saturday 9am-3pm (practical). Duration: 40 weeks.
What are the benefits
This programme is a broad and deep introduction to horticulture that will support employment in a wide range of areas across the horticultural industry. It is also suited to hobbyist horticulturalists keen to learn skills that they can use in their own orchards and gardens.
Graduates leave with a thorough understanding of plants and soils, as theoretical knowledge underpins all practical skills gained.
Content includes ways to look after your soil, and the different options in managing pests, weeds, and plant diseases. A very popular module requires students to propagate plants by many different techniques including seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Study can be undertaken either full-time or part-time, allowing for flexible study around your work and home commitments.
Students testimonials
Enrolling for the horticulture course run by John Grant at Skills Update was one of the best decisions I have made. John is a walking encyclopaedia of knowledge and it has been a privilege to be a part of his class.”
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