In this bulletin:
Date of effect: 22 October 2024
In this Commissioner's Information Bulletin (CIB) the following changes and updates have been made:
One traineeship vocation has been designated and one vocation has been varied to update the qualification code.
Horticulture - Permaculture
Agriculture – Production Horticulture
All other VTOs remain unchanged.
Superseded bulletin
This Commissioners Information Bulletin supersedes Bulletin 749.
Mathew Pearson
The Interim Commissioner for Vocational Training.
Vocational Training Orders
Apprenticeships
Date of effect
9 September 2011
Updated
9 December 2022
Qualification
AHC30921 Certificate III in Landscape Construction
Terms of apprenticeship
Full time:
- 48 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the apprentice holds one of the following qualifications:
- AHC21621 Certificate II in Landscaping
- AHC20621 Certificate II in Parks and Gardens -
- AHC20919 Certificate II in Sports Turf Management
Part time:
- 72 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 54 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the apprentice holds one of the following qualifications:
- AHC21621 Certificate II in Landscaping
- AHC20621 Certificate II in Parks and Gardens
- AHC20919 Certificate II in Sports Turf Management
School based
AHC30921 Certificate III in Landscape Construction
The term for a school based apprenticeship will be the school based component plus 36 months full-time post-school, or until the relevant competencies are achieved. The school based component will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During the school based component of the apprenticeship the school-based apprentice must undertake a minimum of 144 days of on-the-job training.
Probationary period
3 months
Date of effect
9 December 2022
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualification
AHC31124 Certificate III in Nursery Operations
Terms of apprenticeship
Full time:
- 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the apprentice holds AHC20720 Certificate II in Nursery Operations
Part time:
- 54 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the apprentice holds AHC20720 Certificate II in Nursery Operations
School based
AHC31124 Certificate III in Nursery Operations The term for a school based apprenticeship will be the school based component plus 24 months full-time post-school, or until the relevant competencies are achieved. The school based component will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During the school based component of the apprenticeship the school-based apprentice must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.
Probationary periods
Where the nominal term is:
- up to and including 24 months - 2 months
- greater than 24 months - 3 months
Date of effect
9 December 2022
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualification
AHC31124 Certificate III in Nursery Operations (Nursery Production)
Terms of apprenticeship
Full time:
- 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the apprentice holds AHC20720 Certificate II in Nursery Operations
Part time:
- 54 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the apprentice holds AHC20720 Certificate II in Nursery Operations
School based
AHC31124 Certificate III in Nursery Operations (Nursery Production)
The term for a school based apprenticeship will be the school based component plus 24 months full-time post-school, or until the relevant competencies are achieved. The school based component will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During the school based component of the apprenticeship the school-based apprentice must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.
Probationary periods
Where the nominal term is:
- up to and including 24 months - 2 months
- greater than 24 months - 3 months
Date of effect
9 December 2022
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualification
AHC31124 Certificate III in Nursery Operations (Retail Nursery)
Terms of apprenticeship
Full time:
- 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the apprentice holds AHC20720 Certificate II in Nursery Operations
Part time:
- 54 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the apprentice holds AHC20720 Certificate II in Nursery Operations
School based
AHC31124 Certificate III in Nursery Operations (Retail Nursery)
The term for a school based apprenticeship will be the school based component plus 24 months full-time post-school, or until the relevant competencies are achieved. The school based component will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During the school based component of the apprenticeship the school-based apprentice must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.
Probationary periods
Where the nominal term is:
- up to and including 24 months - 2 months
- greater than 24 months - 3 months
Date of effect
9 September 2011
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualification
AHC31024 Certificate III in Parks and Gardens
Terms of apprenticeship
Full time:
- 48 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the apprentice holds AHC20621 Certificate II in Parks and Gardens
Part time:
- 72 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 52 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the apprentice holds AHC20621 Certificate II in Parks and Gardens
School based
AHC31024 Certificate III in Parks and Gardens
The term for a school based apprenticeship will be the school based component plus 36 months full-time post-school, or until the relevant competencies are achieved. The school based component will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During the school based component of the apprenticeship the school-based apprentice must undertake a minimum of 144 days of on-the-job training.
Probationary period
3 months
Date of effect
9 September 2011
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualification
AHC31324 Certificate III in Sports Turf Management
Terms of apprenticeship
Full time:
- 48 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the apprentice holds AHC20919 Certificate II in Sports Turf Management
Part time:
- 72 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 54 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the apprentice holds AHC20919 Certificate II in Sports Turf Management
School based
AHC31324 Certificate III in Sports Turf Management
The term for a school based apprenticeship will be the school based component plus 36 months full-time post-school, or until the relevant competencies are achieved. The school based component will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During the school based component of the apprenticeship the school-based apprentice must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.
Probationary period
3 months
Traineeships
Date of effect
2 March 2012
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualification
AHC41024 Certificate IV in Agribusiness
Terms of traineeship
Full-time:
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds AHC32720 Certificate III in Rural Merchandising
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
2 March 2012
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualification
AHC31824 Certificate III in Beekeeping
Terms of traineeship
Full-time:
- 18 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds AHC21216 Certificate II in Rural Operations
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
School based
AHC31824 Certificate III in Beekeeping***
The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 120 days of on-the-job training.
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
2 March 2012
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualification
AHC30224 Certificate III in Dairy Production
Terms of traineeship
Full-time:
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds AHC20122 Certificate II in Agriculture or AHC20116 Certificate II in Agriculture
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
School based
AHC30224 Certificate III in Dairy Production***
The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 180 days of on-the-job training.
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
2 March 2012
Updated
7 November 2016
Qualification
AHC33316 Certificate III in Feedlot Operations
Terms of traineeship
Full-time:
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds AHC20122 Certificate II in Agriculture or AHC20116 Certificate II in Agriculture
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
2 March 2012
Updated
28 July 2023
Qualifications
AHC20122 Certificate II in Agriculture
AHC30122 Certificate III in Agriculture
AHC40122 Certificate IV in Agriculture
Terms of traineeships
Full-time:
AHC20122 Certificate II in Agriculture
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
AHC30122 Certificate III in Agriculture
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds AHC20122 Certificate II in Agriculture or AHC20116 Certificate II in Agriculture
AHC40122 Certificate IV in Agriculture
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds one of the following qualifications:
- AHC30122 Certificate III in Agriculture
- AHC30116 Certificate III in Agriculture
- RGR30619 Certificate III in Horse Breeding
- AHC30422 Certificate III in Port Production
- AHC30416 Certificate III in Pork Production
- AHC30522 Certificate III in Poultry Production
- AHC30516 Certificate III in Poultry Production
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
School based
AHC20122 Certificate II in Agriculture
AHC30122 Certificate III in Agriculture***
The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days for Certificate II and 180 for Certificate III of on-the-job training.
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
13 March 2020
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualifications
AHC32424 Certificate III in Irrigation Technology
AHC41124 Certificate IV in Irrigation Management
Terms of traineeships
Full-time:
AHC32424 Certificate III in Irrigation Technology
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
AHC41124 Certificate IV in Irrigation Management
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds AHC32422 Certificate III in Irrigation Technology
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
2 March 2012
Updated
28 July 2023
Qualification
AHC30422 Certificate III in Pork Production
Terms of traineeship
Full-time:
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds AHC20122 Certificate II in Agriculture or AHC20116 Certificate II in Agriculture
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
2 March 2012
Updated:
28 July 2023
Qualification
AHC30522 Certificate III in Poultry Production
Terms of traineeship
Full-time:
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
2 March 2012
Updated
22 October 2024
Qualifications
AHC20324 Certificate II in Production Horticulture (Horticulture)
AHC30624 Certificate III in Production Horticulture (Horticulture)
AHC40324 Certificate IV in Production Horticulture
Terms of traineeships
Full-time:
AHC20324 Certificate II in Production Horticulture
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
AHC30624 Certificate III in Production Horticulture
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds AHC20324 Certificate II in Production Horticulture
AHC40324 Certificate IV in Production Horticulture
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds AHC30624 Certificate III in Production Horticulture
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
School Based
AHC20324 Certificate II in Production Horticulture
The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
2 March 2012
Updated
28 July 2023
Qualifications
AHC21216 Certificate II in Rural Operations
AHC32822 Certificate III in Rural Operations
Terms of traineeships
Full-time:
AHC21216 Certificate II in Rural Operations
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
AHC32822 Certificate III in Rural Operations
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds AHC21216 Certificate II in Rural Operations
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
School based
AHC21216 Certificate II in Rural Operations
The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
2 March 2012
Updated
2 July 2021
Qualifications
AHC21316 Certificate II in Shearing
AHC32916 Certificate III in Shearing
Terms of traineeships
Full-time:
AHC21316 Certificate II in Shearing
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
AHC32916 Certificate III in Shearing
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
School based
ACH21316 Certificate II in Shearing
The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
2 March 2012
Updated
13 April 2017
Qualification
AHC41316 Certificate IV in Wool Classing
Terms of traineeship
Full-time:
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds AHC33016 Certificate III in Wool Clipping Preparation
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
2 March 2012
Updated
13 April 2017
Qualification
AHC33016 Certificate III in Wool Clip Preparation
Terms of traineeship
Full-time:
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds AHC21416 Certificate II in Wool Handling
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeship
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
2 March 2012
Updated
13 April 2017
Qualifications
AHC21416 Certificate II in Wool Handling
AHC33116 Certificate III in Advanced Wool Handling
Terms of traineeships
Full-time:
AHC21416 Certificate II in Wool Handling
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
AHC33116 Certificate III in Advanced Wool Handling
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeship
School based
AHC21416 Certificate II in Wool Handling
The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
16 December 2011
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualifications
AHC21024 Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
AHC31424 Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
AHC40924 Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Terms of traineeships
Full-time:
AHC21024 Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
AHC31424 Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
AHC40924 Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
- 30 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
School based
AHC21024 Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.
Probationary periods
Where the nominal term is:
- up to and including 24 months - 2 months
- greater than 24 months - 3 months
Date of effect
16 December 2011
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualification
AHC31424 Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management (Conservation Earthworks)
Terms of traineeship
Full-time:
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
16 December 2011
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualification
AHC31424 Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management (Ecological Restoration)
Terms of traineeship
Full-time:
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieve
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
16 December 2011
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualification
AHC31424 Certificate III Conservation and Ecosystem Management (Indigenous Land Management)
Terms of traineeship
Full-time:
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
16 December 2011
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualification
AHC31424 Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management (Lands, Parks and Wildlife)
Terms of traineeship
Full-time:
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
9 December 2022
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualification
AHC31424 Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management (Mined Land Rehabilitation)
Terms of traineeship
Full-time:
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
Part-time:
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
9 September 2011
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualifications
AHC20520 Certificate II in Arboriculture
AHC30824 Certificate III in Arboriculture
Terms of traineeships
Full time:
AHC20520 Certificate II in Arboriculture
- 18 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
AHC30824 Certificate III in Arboriculture
- 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 30 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds AHC20520 Certificate II in Arboriculture
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
School based
AHC20520 Certificate II in Arboriculture ***
The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.
Probationary periods
Where the nominal term is:
- up to and including 24 months - 2 months
- greater than 24 months - 3 months
Date of effect
2 July 2021
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualification
AHC30824 Certificate III in Arboriculture* (Works Coordinator)
Terms of traineeship
Full time:
- 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 30 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds AHC20520 Certificate II in Arboriculture
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
Probationary periods
3 months
Date of effect
13 April 2017
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualification
AHC30824 Certificate III in Arboriculture (Climbing Arborist)
Terms of traineeship
Full time:
- 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 30 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds AHC20520 Certificate II in Arboriculture
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
Probationary periods
Where the nominal term is:
- up to and including 24 months - 2 months
- greater than 24 months - 3 months
Date of effect
2 July 2021
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualification
AHC30824 Certificate III in Arboriculture (Elevated Work Platform – EWP Arborist)
Terms of traineeship
Full time:
- 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 30 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds AHC20520 Certificate II in Arboriculture
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
Probationary periods
3 months
Date of effect
2 July 2021
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualification
AHC30824 Certificate III in Arboriculture (Environmental arborist)
Terms of traineeship
Full time:
- 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 30 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds AHC20520 Certificate II in Arboriculture
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
Probationary period
3 months
Date of effect
9 September 2011
Updated
29 February 2024
Qualifications
AHC20422 Certificate II in Horticulture
AHC30722 Certificate III in Horticulture
AHC40422 Certificate IV in Horticulture
Terms of traineeships
Full time:
AHC20422 Certificate II in Horticulture
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
AHC30722 Certificate III in Horticulture
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 18 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds AHC20422 Certificate II in Horticulture or AHC20416 Certificate II in Horticulture
AHC40422 Certificate IV in Horticulture
- 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
School based
AHC20422 Certificate II in Horticulture
The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.
Probationary period
Where the nominal term is:
- up to and including 24 months - 2 months
- greater than 24 months - 3 months
Date of effect
9 September 2011
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualifications
AHC20324 Certificate II in Production Horticulture (Floriculture)
AHC30624 Certificate III in Production Horticulture (Floriculture)
Terms of traineeships
Full time:
AHC20324 Certificate II in Production Horticulture (Floriculture)
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
AHC30624 Certificate III in Production Horticulture (Floriculture)
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds AHC20320 Certificate II in Production Horticulture (Floriculture)
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
School based
AHC20324 Certificate II in Production Horticulture (Floriculture)
The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
9 September 2011
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualification
AHC21624 Certificate II in Landscaping
Terms of traineeship
Full time:
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
School based
AHC21624 Certificate II in Landscaping The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 144 days of on-the-job training.
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
9 December 2022
Qualifications
AHC42421 Certificate IV in Landscape Design
AHC50621 Diploma of Landscape Design
Terms of traineeships
AHC42421 Certificate IV in Landscape Design
Full time:
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 18 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds AHC30921 Certificate III in Landscape Construction
Part-time:
- 72 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
AHC50621 Diploma of Landscape Design
Full time:
- 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 18 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds AHC42421 Certificate IV in Landscape Design
Part-time:
- 72 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
Probationary period
Where the nominal term is:
- up to and including 24 months - 2 months
- greater than 24 months - 3 months
Date of effect
9 September 2011
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualification
AHC20724 Certificate II in Nursery Operations
Terms of traineeship
Full time:
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
School based
AHC20724 Certificate II in Nursery Operations
The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
9 December 2022
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualification
AHC20724 Certificate II in Nursery Operations (Nursery Production)
Terms of traineeship
Full time:
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
School based
AHC20724 Certificate II in Nursery Operations (Nursery Production)
The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
9 December 2022
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualification
AHC20724 Certificate II in Nursery Operations (Retail Nursery)
Terms of traineeship
Full time:
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
School based
AHC20724 Certificate II in Nursery Operations (Retail Nursery)
The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
9 September 2016
Updated
2 August 2024
Qualification
Terms of traineeship
Full time:
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
School based
AHC20624 Certificate II in Parks and Gardens
The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
22 October 2024
Qualification
Terms of traineeship
Full time:
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds AHC21722 Certificate II in Permaculture
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
9 September 2016
Updated
21 February 2020
Qualification
Terms of traineeship
Full time:
- 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
School based
AHC20919 Certificate II in Sports Turf Management
The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.
Probationary period
2 months
Date of effect
9 December 2022
Updated:
28 July 2023
Qualification
Terms of traineeship
Full time:
- 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
Part-time:
See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
Probationary period
2 months
Job descriptions
Apprenticeships
Certificate IIIlevel is for people wanting to work in the landscape construction sector of the horticulture industry. Apprentices will learn:
- Work, health and safety processes
- landscaping techniques, including constructing landscape features, brick structures and stone structures and paving work
- project costing
- drainage installation
- plant and soil practices including implementing a plant establishment program, advising on plants and their culture and constructing a soil profile
Certificate III level will work in trade level roles in nursery production and retail nursery. On a core level, apprentices will learn:
- How to prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases
- Transport and store chemicals
- Contribute to work, health and safety processes
- Troubleshoot irrigation systems
- Control plant pests, diseases and disorders
- Implement a plant nutrition program
- Maintain nursery plants
- Prepare growing media
- Provide information on plants and their culture.
Certificate III level apprentices will gain the skills and knowledge for trade level roles carried out under broad supervision in the nursery production industry. The qualification is suitable for people wanting to work in production nurseries. At a core level, apprentices will learn to:
- Contribute to work, health and safety processes
- Transport and store chemicals
- Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases
- Troubleshoot irrigation systems
- Maintain nursery plants
- Implement a plant nutrition program
- Provide information on plants and their culture
- Control plant pests, diseases and disorders
- Prepare growing media
From the elective units, apprentices will also gain specialist skills in biosecurity, pressurised irrigation systems, receiving and dispatching nursery products and implementing a propagation plan.
Certificate III level apprentices will gain the skills and knowledge for trade level roles carried out under broad supervision in the retail nursery industry. The qualification is suitable for people wanting to work in production nurseries. At a core level, apprentices will learn to:
- Contribute to work, health and safety processes
- Transport and store chemicals
- Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases
- Troubleshoot irrigation systems
- Maintain nursery plants
- Implement a plant nutrition program
- Provide information on plants and their culture
- Control plant pests, diseases and disorders
- Prepare growing media
From the elective units, apprentices will also gain specialist skills in customer engagement and service, identifying plant specimens, promoting products and services, and visual merchandise.
Certificate III level is for people wanting to work in the parks and gardens sector of the horticulture industry as a horticulturists and municipal gardeners. Apprentices will learn:
- Work, health and safety processes
- pest management techniques including controlling weeds and plant pests, diseases and disorders
- plant nutrition programs
- soil profile construction
- environmentally sustainable work practices
- turf establishment practices
- tree inspection processes
- park facilities inspection
Certificate III level trainees may work as permaculture systems coordinator or in jobs requiring permaculture skills and knowledge such as farm manager, urban farm manager, community garden coordinator, gardener, landscaper and sustainability assistant and self-employed permaculture educator.
The core units include:
- Maintain integrated plant and animal systems
- Communicate permaculture system principles to stakeholders
- Select plant and animal species for permaculture systems
- Conduct site inspections
- Establish a permaculture system
- Develop recommendations for integrated plant and animal systems
Certificate III level is for people wanting to work in the turf sector of the horticulture industry as greenkeepers and groundsmen. Apprentices will learn:
- Work, health and safety practices
- environmentally sustainable work practices
- irrigation systems installation
- operation of specialised machinery and machinery maintenance
- plant practice techniques including plant nutrition programs and providing information on plant cultures
- pest management techniques of controlling weeds and plant diseases
- turf management practices
Traineeships
Certificate IV level trainees will learn to apply business skills and knowledge to the agriculture and production horticulture industry, in an administrative capacity.
After becoming competent in the core unit of maintaining work, health and safety (WHS) processes, trainees may undertake elective units in:
- agribusiness and business practices
- shearing
- managing crop and livestock production
- legislation compliance
- policy implementation
Certificate III level trainees will seek work in the apiary industry as beekeepers. At the core level will learn to:
- contribute to work, health and safety processes
- manage honey bee swarms
- remove a honey crop from a hive
- extract honey
With elective units, they may gain further skills in beekeeping work, food safety programs, coordinating work site activities including handling bulk materials and operating a forklift. For school based trainees, refer to Approval Requirements - SBTs.
Certificate III level trainees may be already employed in or wish to enter the agriculture industry in the dairy sector. Job roles could include dairy farmhand. At the core level they will learn to:
- contribute to work, health and safety processes
- establish pastures and crops for livestock production
- coordinate milking operations
- implement animal health programs, livestock feeding plans and procedures for calving
- practice safe chemical preparation, storage and handling
- plan and construct an electric fence
With electives, trainees may gain further skills in livestock management, compliance with animal welfare requirements, establishing and maintaining agricultural crops (known as broadacre cropping), implementing property improvements, maintaining irrigation systems, operating and maintaining machinery, operating a dairy recycling system and implementing environmentally sustainable work practices.
Certificate III level trainees will gain employment in beef cattle feedlot operations. At the core level, they will learn to:
- contribute to work, health and safety processes
- identify and report unusual disease or plant pest signs
- prepare, apply, transport and store chemicals
- apply environmentally sustainable work practices
Trainees will then choose electives to become skilled in one of three specializations - feeding and milling, feedlot maintenance or pen riding. The specialist electives will cover property infrastructure development, livestock systems including animal health programs, machinery operation and maintenance, pest management, environmentally sustainable work practices, horticulture practices and broadacre cropping.
Certificate II level trainees will qualify for an entry level occupational outcome in agriculture. They may have little or no experience but want to work in livestock, cropping or mixed farming enterprises as farm assistants or station hands.
At the core level, trainees will learn to participate in work, health and safety processes and sustainable work practices, as well as acquire basic technical skills relevant to the selected industry area. With the elective units, specialisations may include broadacre cropping, dairy, livestock production, irrigation, horse breeding, machinery operation and maintenance, pork production, beekeeping, sheep and wool and pest control.
Job roles include assistant animal attendant or stockperson, assistant farm or station hand, assistant farm or station worker and assistant farm or station labourer.
Certificate III level trainees will develop their technical skills and knowledge for positions with livestock production, cropping or in the case of mixed farming enterprises, both. For school based trainees, refer to Approval Requirements - SBTs.
At the core level, they will learn to contribute to work, health and safety processes and implement and monitor sustainable work practices. With elective units, trainees will achieve higher skills in selected industry areas. These could include broadacre cropping, chemicals use, livestock production, machinery operation and maintenance, horse breeding, irrigation, beekeeping, agribusiness, horticulture, pest management, sheep and wool and hydroponics. Job roles include farm or station hand and farm or station worker.
Certificate IV level trainees will develop "post-trade" skills and knowledge to become specialists within the agriculture industry. The qualification is designed to meet the needs of supervisors or team leaders in the agriculture industry.
Initially, trainees will learn to maintain work, health and safety processes. From elective units, trainees will further specialise in skills areas which could include broadacre cropping, dairy routines, livestock production, agribusiness, chemicals use, irrigation systems, pork production, horse breeding, machinery operation and maintenance, merchandising and sales, organic production, pest management, soils, wool and workplace project management. Job roles include farm team leader, farm supervisor and shed supervisor.
Certificate III level trainees will seek work at operator level in the irrigation industry.
First, trainees will advance on training from the Certificate II level core units. From electives, trainees will gain further skills in:
- connecting and installing irrigation systems
- recommending irrigation products and services
- customer service, product information and sales techniques
- coordinating work site activities, including storing bulk materials
- implementing and monitoring environmentally sustainable work practices
Job roles include irrigation installer and irrigation retail sales assistant.
Certificate IV level trainees will develop "post trade" skills and knowledge in the irrigation industry for positions as specialists or team leaders. They will gain core competencies to:
- determine hydraulic parameters for an irrigation system
- determine seasonal irrigation scheduling tasks
- sample soils and interpret results
From elective units, trainees will acquire skills in supervising and training staff, implementing specialised irrigation systems, marketing and retail techniques, business management, project management and staff supervision.
Certificate III level trainees will further develop their technical skills in agriculture or horticulture for positions such as stockperson or animal attendant in the pork industry. At the core level, they will learn to contribute to work, health and safety processes. From elective units, trainees may gain further competencies in selected skills areas such as artificial insemination, livestock production and pest management.
Job roles include stockperson and pork industry attendant.
Certificate III level trainees will further develop their technical skills for positions within the poultry industry.
At the core level, they will learn to:
- contribute to work, health and safety processes
- comply with industry quality assurance requirements
- implement and monitor sustainable work practices
- implement animal health control programs
- maintain primary production business records
- identify and report plant pest diseases
- participate in food safety programs
Trainees may then specialise in selected skills areas such as chemicals use, livestock production, poultry techniques, machinery operation and maintenance and workplace training. Job roles include owner/manager broiler farm, egg farm supervisor, free range/broiler egg farm supervisor and hatchery supervisor.
Certificate II level trainees will seek work as assistants to tradespeople in the horticulture industry. The qualification enables individuals to select a tree cropping, vegetable or berry production or mushroom production context as a job focus or, in the case of mixed enterprises, both. At the core level, trainees will learn to participate in work, health and safety processes and environmentally sustainable work practices. With electives, trainees may gain further skills in the areas of:
- production horticulture
- soils and media
- quarantine procedures
- chemicals use under supervision
- safe food handling
- property maintenance
- machinery, including bikes and tractors
- nursery processes
- pest management
- tools and equipment
- industry work practices
Job roles include farm or orchard hand, farm or orchard worker and farm or orchard labourer.
Certificate III level trainees will further develop their technical and production skills in the production horticulture industry, in sectors such as tree cropping, vegetable or berry production, or mushroom production or in the case of mixed enterprises, both.
Initially, trainees will learn to contribute to work, health and safety processes. They may then gain further skills in crop harvesting and regulation, plant disease and pest management, soil fumigation, drainage, hydroponics, irrigation systems, maintaining and operating specialised equipment and machinery and managing work sites including assessing weather conditions and responding to emergencies.
Job roles include vegetable farm worker, orchard farm worker, mushroom farm worker and plantation worker.
Certificate IV level trainees will develop "post-trade" skills and knowledge to become specialists within the production horticulture industry. The qualification enables individuals to select a tree cropping, vegetable, berry or flower production or mushroom production context as a job focus or, in the case of mixed enterprises, both. Following initial learning in how to maintain work, health and safety processes, trainees will gain higher level skills in:
- soil and plant nutrition programs
- crop harvesting and mushroom crop development
- nursery programs
- soil sampling and analysing results
- e-business practices
- safe chemical use program development
- food safety programs
- irrigation systems planning and scheduling
- organic soil practices
- promoting industry policies
- staff supervision
Job roles include farm team leader and farm supervisor.
Certificate II level trainees may have little or no expertise in the rural sector but want to work in an industry or agency in rural or regional Australia. Trainees will learn about safe work processes and environmentally sustainable work practices, as well as selected industry-specific skills and knowledge. Depending on the units selected, trainees may be employed not only in rural industries but also other rural and regional sectors, such as local government, tourism, hospitality, transport, construction, community services, information technology and metals.
Certificate III level trainees will build on their expertise and skills for positions within enterprises and agencies in rural/regional Australia. They will learn to implement safe work processes and environmentally sustainable work practices, as well as gain advanced selected industry-specific skills and knowledge. Depending on the units selected, trainees may seek employment not only in rural industries but also in other industry sectors, such as local government, tourism, hospitality, transport, construction, information technology and metals.
Certificate II level trainees will qualify for an entry level occupational outcome as shearers. The shearing industry expects this qualification to be achieved to meet job outcomes at this level. They will learn introductory skills to enable employment as supervised shearers in the shearing industry. The core competencies will include crutching and shearing techniques, equipment maintenance, environmental work practices and monitoring safe working practices.
Certificate III level trainees will seek work as professional shearers in the shearing industry. They will build on skills and knowledge from previous training and/or experience by learning advanced techniques and skills for professional shearing, maintaining equipment, implementing safe working practices and coordinating site activities. The industry expects professional shearers to have a high standard of workmanship at a rate of at least 120 sheep per day.
Certificate IV level trainees will undergo specialist wool classing training. The qualification is the minimum mandatory requirement for persons wishing to apply to the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) for registration as an Australian Wool Classer. They will learn to:
- maintain work, health and safety processes
- apply first aid
- class fleece wool
- manage wool harvesting, wool clip preparation and wool classing
- appraise wool to industry specifications
- prepare fleece wool for classing
- document and review wool harvesting processes
Certificate III level trainees will seek work as owner wool classers. The qualification is the minimum requirement for people wanting to apply to the AWEX for registration as an Owner Wool Classer. They will learn to:
- maintain work, health and safety processes
- apply first aid
- supervise and document wool clips and their preparation
- prepare sheep for shearing and crutching
- oversee and instruct shed staff
Wool Handling trainees will undergo entry level and higher level training for work in the wool handling industry as wool handlers.
Certificate II level trainees will acquire introductory skills and knowledge for working in the industry, including board duties, wool pressing, penning sheep and preparing facilities, safe working practices, and observing environmental work practices.
Certificate III level trainees will further develop their skills and knowledge for specialist positions within the industry. They will learn about preparing wool for classing, preparing facilities, quality assurance in wool preparation, pressing wool, performing shed duties and safe working practices.
Certificate II level trainees will work at an operator level in industry sectors such as indigenous land management, conservation earthworks, lands, parks and wildlife or natural area restoration.
At the core level, they will learn about safe work practices and environmentally sustainable work practices. From elective units, trainees may gain selected skills in areas such as fauna, flora, fire control, indigenous culture and practices, weeds and pest controls, machinery operation and maintenance, and business processes.
Certificate III level trainees will gain general vocational skills in the conservation and land management industry. Work roles may involve Indigenous lands management, national parks and wildlife officers and land revegetation and rehabilitation. At the core level trainees will learn to:
- contribute to work, health and safety processes
- implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices.
From elective units, trainees may gain selected skills in areas such as Indigenous culture and practices, weeds and pest controls, chemicals use; machinery operation and maintenance, parks maintenance and industry work practices.
Certificate IV level trainees will develop higher level skills and knowledge to enable them to work in senior roles as specialists in conservation and in land management.
At the core level, trainees will learn to maintain safe work practices. From elective units, trainees may gain selected skills in community coordination and facilitation, indigenous land management, lands, parks and wildlife, natural area restoration, fire control, soil and water conservation, leading and supervising staff, business practices and pest management.
Certificate III level trainees will be working to construct earthworks on rural properties and rural lands. Job roles may include dam construction and other soil and water conservation activities that are undertaken by earth moving plant operators. At the core level, they will learn to:
- contribute to work, health and safety processes
- construct conservation earthworks for particular purposes
- maintain machinery.
From elective units, trainees may gain selected skills in lands, parks and wildlife, soil and water conservation, natural area restoration, work site management and contingency practices.
Certificate III level trainees will undertake management of natural area restoration programs. Job titles may include revegetation worker and land rehabilitation worker. At the core level, they will learn to:
- contribute to work, health and safety processes
- Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices.
From elective units, trainees may gain special skills in planning a restoration program, inspecting and assessing a site for the replacement of vegetation, monitoring natural area restoration works and reviewing land restoration programs.
Certificate III level trainees will want to work in the conservation and land management industry in roles that require an indigenous focus. At the core level, they will learn to:
- contribute to work, health and safety processes
- implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices.
From elective units trainees will gain knowledge of traditional and culturally specific aspects of land management. They will also acquire special skills in areas including fauna, lands, parks and wildlife, natural area restoration, pest management, business documentation, chemical use and application, landscaping, lands, parks and wildlife, machinery operation and maintenance, plant nutrition, vertebrate pest management, work emergencies and collecting global positioning system (GPS) data.
Certificate III level trainees will want to work across many different sectors in theconservation and land management industry. At the core level, they will learn to:
- contribute to work, health and safety processes
- Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices.
From elective units, trainees may gain special skills in areas including lands, parks and wildlife, indigenous land management, pest and weed management, plant identification, biosecurity, maintaining flora, natural area restoration, application of chemicals, machinery operation and maintenance, soil sampling, responding to work emergencies and tracking GPS data.
Certificate III level trainees will want to work across many different sectors in the conservation and land management industry. At the core level, they will learn to:
- contribute to work, health and safety processes
- Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices.
From elective units, trainees may gain special skills in areas including rehabilitate small mine site, conduct a site inspection for ecological restoration, maintain native ecosystem areas, undertake direct seeding, implement assisted regeneration works and identifying plant specimens.
Certificate II level trainees may work as assistants in arboriculture, in roles of tree worker and ground worker. Compulsorily, they will learn to:
- apply work, health and safety policies and procedures in the construction industry
- fell small trees
- perform above ground pruning
- undertake standard climbing techniques
- undertake stump removal
- perform ground based rigging
- trim and cross cut felled trees
- operate a mobile chipper and mulcher
Trainees may then gain skills in elective areas including arboriculture techniques, applying chemicals, landscaping, machinery operation and maintenance, pest management, recognising plants, soils and soil media and industry work practices.
Certificate III level trainees will seek work as arborists who are very knowledgeable and highly skilled in tree care and tree removal works. Their work includes pruning, complex confined-space tree removal, tree felling and installing cabling systems or bracing. Trainees maintain trees in a variety of environments including tree nurseries, plantations, power-line clearance areas and parks. Compulsorily, they will learn to:
- apply work, health and safety policies and procedures in the construction industry
- perform aerial rigging
- manage trees to create and maintain habitat refuges
- supervise and audit tree operations.
Trainees may then gain higher level skills in elective areas including arboriculture techniques and practices, machinery operation and maintenance, use of chemicals, plant identification, industry work practices, identifying trees, implementing a tree maintenance program, performing pruning operations and inspecting trees for access and work.
A climbing arborist will use specialist climbing equipment including wearing harnesses and other safety equipment to attach and navigate themselves through a tree canopy using ropes. This will require the individual to possess a degree of confidence and the physical and mental capacity to perform well.
An EWP arborist operates above the ground but requires less physicality, since access to the tree using the EWP will negate much of the physical challenge faced by the climbing arborist. However, working above the ground still requires the mental attributes best suited to individuals who do not fear heights.
An environmental arborist is a new specialisation of climbing arborist who work in the canopy of trees to create, install and maintain habitat and refuges for wildlife. This specialisation is suited to the arborist whose goal is to focus on conservation and ecology aspects of the environment and the manipulation of trees to assist in this endeavour.
The arborist works coordinator specialisation has been designed to support workers transferring from an arboriculture-related field, such as forestry, or for those who have developed skills as a ground-based arborist either with a Certificate II in Arboriculture or with significant experience working in the industry.
The Certificate II level trainees may work as horticulture assistants.
Compulsorily they will learn to:
- participate in work, health and safety processes
- maintain environmentally sustainable work practices
From elective areas, trainees may also gain skills in plant care, landscaping, nursery operations, arboriculture practices, turf construction, parks and gardens, use of chemicals, irrigation techniques, machinery operations and maintenance, merchandising and sales and pest management.
The Certificate IIIlevel trainees will work as horticulturists and gardeners in the amenity horticulture industry.
Compulsorily, they will learn to:
- contribute to work, health and safety processes
- implement environmentally sustainable work practices
From elective areas, trainees may also gain a broader range of skills and knowledge in pest management, arboriculture, plants and soils, nursery practices, parks and gardens, landscaping, turf construction and management, biosecurity, use of chemicals, irrigation and water systems, machinery operation and industry work practices.
The Certificate IV level trainees will work as senior horticulturists and horticulture team leaders. Compulsorily, they will learn to maintain work, health and safety processes. Trainees may then gain skills in elective areas including plant and soil health, weed and pest management, maintaining and establishing turf, business management, use of chemicals, design practice, merchandising and sales, plant organics, natural area restoration and industry work practices.
The Certificate II level trainees may work as flower growers in the floriculture industry. Compulsorily, they will learn to participate in work, health and safety processes. Trainees may then gain competencies from elective areas including recognising plants, nursery practices, production horticulture, soils and media, biosecurity; use of chemicals, irrigation and drainage systems, machinery operation and maintenance, pest management and industry work practices.
The Certificate III level trainees may work as flower farm workers in the horticulture industry. Compulsorily, they will learn to contribute to work, health and safety processes. In elective areas, trainees may then gain broader skills and knowledge in plant nutrition and their culture, soils and media, nursery practices, biosecurity, application of chemicals, drainage and irrigation, hydroponics, machinery operation and maintenance, nursery technologies, pest management, production horticulture, water treatment and industry work practices.
Certificate II level trainees may work as landscape labourers and landscape trades assistants. At the core level, they will learn to:
- participate in work, health and safety processes
- assist with landscape construction work
- operate basic machinery and equipment
- plant trees and shrubs
- recognise plants
From elective units, trainees may also gain skills in arboriculture, applying chemicals, irrigation systems, landscaping, machinery operation and maintenance, parks and gardens practices, pest management, soils and media, turf management and industry work practices.
Certificate IV level trainees will be able to work as entry level landscape designers in a landscape design office. Trainees will use computer aided design (CAD) systems to produce basic landscape designs and drawings.
At the core level, trainees will learn:
- Prepare simple landscape drawings
- Apply construction techniques to landscape design
- Develop landscape designs
- Produce computer-aided drawings
- Source and apply information on the history and theory of design
- Recommend plants and cultural practices
- Apply sustainability principles to landscape design
Certificate II level trainees may work as production nursery worker. At the core level, they will learn to:
- participate in work, health and safety processes
- apply chemicals
- apply nursery practices
- recognise plants
- treat weeds
From elective units, trainees may also gain skills in biosecurity, drainage and irrigation, parks and gardens, pest management, machine operation and maintenance, soils and media and industry work practices.
Certificate II level trainees will gain the skills and knowledge for supporting job roles in the production nursery industry including production nursery assistant and production nursery worker. At the core level, they will learn to:
- participate in work, health and safety processes
- care for nursery plants
- recognise plants
From elective units, trainees may also gain skills in machine maintenance and operation, irrigation and drainage, chemicals' application, pest management, biosecurity, determine soil properties, collect and record production data and other industry work practices.
Certificate II level trainees will gain the skills and knowledge for supporting job roles in the retail nursery industry including retail nursery sales assistant and retail nursery maintainer. At the core level, they will learn to:
- participate in work, health and safety processes
- care for nursery plants
- recognise plant
From elective units, trainees may also gain skills in retail and customer service,biosecurity, drainage and irrigation, parks and gardens, pest management, machine operation and maintenance, soils and industry work practices.
Certificate II level trainees may work as assistant gardeners and groundspersons. At the core level, they will learn to:
- participate in work, health and safety processes
- apply chemicals
- maintain irrigation systems
- operate basic machinery and equipment
- plant trees and shrubs and inspect park facilities
- treat weeds
- recognise plants
- determine soil properties
- support turf establishment
From elective units, trainees may also gain skills in landscape construction, arboriculture, irrigation techniques, machinery operation and maintenance, nursery activities, parks and gardens responsibilities, pest management, turf establishment and industry work practices.
Certificate III level trainees may work as permaculture systems coordinator or in jobs requiring permaculture skills and knowledge such as farm manager, urban farm manager, community garden coordinator, gardener, landscaper and sustainability assistant and self-employed permaculture educator.
The core units include:
- Maintain integrated plant and animal systems
- Communicate permaculture system principles to stakeholders
- Select plant and animal species for permaculture systems
- Conduct site inspections
- Establish a permaculture system
- Develop recommendations for integrated plant and animal systems.
Certificate II level trainees may work as grounds persons and assistant green keepers. At the core level, trainees will learn to:
- participate in work, health and safety processes
- apply chemicals
- maintain irrigation systems
- operate basic machinery and equipment
- treat weeds and plant pests, diseases and disorders
- plant trees and shrubs
- prepare and establish turf surfaces
- participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
Certificate III level trainees will operate within Aboriginal Communities, following Community protocols and using a mix of traditional and contemporary ecosystem and land management strategies. This qualification provides a vocational outcome required for an Indigenous land worker. At the core level, trainees will learn to:
- Contribute to work, health and safety processes
- Apply environmentally sustainable work practices
From elective units, trainees may gain knowledge of traditional and culturally specific aspects of ecosystem and land management. They will acquire special skills in areas including fauna, lands, parks and wildlife, natural area restoration, pest management, business documentation, chemical use and application, landscaping, lands, parks and wildlife, machinery operation and maintenance, plant nutrition, vertebrate pest management and work emergencies.
More about Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management - apprenticeships and traineeships
AHCr10.0 Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package includes the following qualifications support apprenticeship and traineeship pathways:
Apprenticeships
- AHC30921 Certificate III in Landscape Construction
- AHC31024 Certificate III in Parks and Gardens
- AHC31124 Certificate III in Nursery Operations
- AHC31324 Certificate III in Sports Turf Management
Traineeships
- AHC20122 Certificate II in Agriculture
- AHC20324 Certificate II in Production Horticulture
- AHC20422 Certificate II in Horticulture
- AHC20520 Certificate II in Arboriculture
- AHC20624 Certificate II in Parks and Gardens
- AHC20724 Certificate II in Nursery Operations
- AHC20919 Certificate II in Sports Turf Management
- AHC21024 Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
- AHC21216 Certificate II in Rural Operations
- AHC21316 Certificate II in Shearing
- AHC21416 Certificate II in Wool Handling
- AHC21624 Certificate II in Landscaping
- AHC30122 Certificate III in Agriculture
- AHC30224 Certificate III in Dairy Production
- AHC30422 Certificate III in Pork Production
- AHC30522 Certificate III in Poultry Production
- AHC30624 Certificate III in Production Horticulture ***
- AHC30722 Certificate III in Horticulture
- AHC30824 Certificate III in Arboriculture
- AHC31424 Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
- AHC31522 Certificate III in On Country Management
- AHC31824 Certificate III in Beekeeping
- AHC32424 Certificate III in Irrigation Technology
- AHC32822 Certificate III in Rural Operations
- AHC32916 Certificate III in Shearing
- AHC33016 Certificate III in Wool Clip Preparation
- AHC33116 Certificate III in Advanced Wool Handling
- AHC33316 Certificate III in Feedlot Operations
- AHC33822 Certificate III in Permaculture
- AHC40122 Certificate IV in Agriculture
- AHC40324 Certificate IV in Production Horticulture
- AHC40422 Certificate IV in Horticulture
- AHC40924 Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
- AHC41024 Certificate IV in Agribusiness
- AHC41124 Certificate IV in Irrigation Management
- AHC41316 Certificate IV in Wool Classing
- AHC42421 Certificate IV in Landscape Design
- AHC50621 Diploma of Landscape Design
Apprentices employed under the Building and Construction General On-Site Award 2020 are able to progress through the apprenticeship on the achievement of competencies rather than time served.
The rate of progress is based on the nominal term of direct entry or advanced entry (where the apprentice holds a lower level qualification specified in the VTO) into the apprenticeship.
For information on the competency based progression model and the rates of progress, see below.
Note: Competency based progression (CBP) applies to apprentices employed under any award that incorporates CBP provisions - for more information see Industrial arrangements.
Apprenticeships with a full-time nominal term of 48 months - direct entry
The rate of progress will be determined as follows:
| Stage of apprenticeship | Entry, progression and exit requirements |
| Stage 1 | Nil entry requirements. |
| Progression to Stage 2 | Apprentices progress to Stage 2:
or
|
| Progression to Stage 3 | Apprentices progress to Stage 3:
or
|
| Progression to Stage 4 | Apprentices progress to Stage 4:
or
|
| Exit |
|
Apprenticeships with a full-time nominal term of 36 months - direct entry
The rate of progress will be determined as follows:
| Stage of apprenticeship | Entry, progression and exit requirements |
| Stage 1 | Nil entry requirements. |
| Progression to Stage 2 | Apprentices progress to Stage 2:
or
|
| Progression to Stage 3 | Apprentices progress to Stage 3:
or
|
| Exit |
|
Advanced entry
The rate of progress for apprenticeships with a full-time nominal term of 36 months or part-time nominal term of 54 months - reduced from full-time nominal term of 48 months where the apprentice holds the lower level qualification specified in the VTO - will be determined as follows:
| Stage of apprenticeship | Entry,progression and exit requirements |
| Apprentices enter Stage 2 | |
| Progression to Stage 3 | Full-time and part-time apprentices progress to Stage 3:
or
and
|
| Progression to Stage 4 | Full-time and part-time apprentices progress to Stage 4:
or
and
|
| Exit |
|
The rate of progress for apprenticeships with a full-time nominal term of 24 months or part-time nominal term of 36 months - reduced from full-time nominal term of 36 months where the apprentice holds the lower level qualification specified in the VTO - will be determined as follows:
| Stage of apprenticeship | Entry,progression and exit requirements |
| Apprentices enter Stage 2 | |
| Progression to Stage 3 | Full-time and part-time apprentices progress to Stage 3:
or
and
|
| Exit |
|
On successful completion of the relevant qualification
- parties may apply to the Commissioner for Vocational Training for completion of the apprenticeship/traineeship prior to the nominal completion date of the training contract or;
- Training Services may issue letters from the Commissioner to both parties inviting them to consider competency based completion if it has received advice from the training organisation that the apprentice or trainee is eligible to receive their qualification.
Download a Request for Competency Based Completion form.
Applications under the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001 to establish an apprenticeship or traineeship, whether full-time or school based will not be approved unless the Commissioner for Vocational Training is satisfied that appropriate industrial arrangements are in place.
Apprentices and trainees may be employed under the following awards:
Modern Awards
Agriculture
- Food, Beverage and Tobacco Manufacturing Award 2020
- General Retail Industry Award 2020
- Horticulture Award 2020
- Local Government Industry Award 2020
- Pastoral Award 2020
- State Government Agencies Award 2020
- Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020
- Wine Industry Award 2020
Conservation and Ecosystem Management and Horticulture and Landscaping
- Gardening and Landscaping Services Award 2020
- Horticulture Award 2020
- Local Government Industry Award 2020
- Nursery Award 2020
Conservation and Ecosystem Management (additional)
- Amusement, Events and Recreation Award 2020
- Pastoral Award 2020
- Pest Control Industry Award 2020
- Silviculture Award 2020
- State Government Agencies Award 2020
Horticulture and Landscaping (additional)
- Building and Construction General On-Site Award 2020 ^
- General Retail Industry Award 2020
- Commercial Sales Award 2020
- Registered and Licensed Clubs Award 2020
- Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020
- Timber Industry Award 2020
NSW State Awards
^ Competency Based Progression now applies to apprentices employed under this award. The relevant Vocational Training Orders have been varied to reflect these provisions.
All private sector employers and employees in New South Wales are now covered by the Fair Work national workplace relations system. The industrial instrument that applies will be a national (modern) award or a current enterprise agreement registered with Fair Work Australia. Further information is available from the Fair Work Ombudsman by telephoning 13 13 94.
The following apprenticeship and traineeship qualifications are suitable for delivery in schools:
Apprenticeships
- AHC30921 Certificate III in Landscape Construction
- AHC31024 Certificate III in Parks and Gardens
- AHC31124 Certificate III in Nursery Operations
- AHC31324 Certificate III in Sports Turf Management
Traineeships
- AHC20122 Certificate II in Agriculture
- AHC20422 Certificate II in Horticulture
- AHC20520 Certificate II in Arboriculture***
- AHC20624 Certificate II in Parks and Gardens
- AHC20724 Certificate II in Nursery Operations
- AHC20919 Certificate II in Sports Turf Management
- AHC21024 Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
- AHC21216 Certificate II in Rural Operations
- AHC21316 Certificate II in Shearing
- AHC21416 Certificate II in Wool Handling
- AHC20324 Certificate II in Production Horticulture
- AHC21624 Certificate II in Landscaping
- AHC30122 Certificate III in Agriculture***
- AHC30224 Certificate III in Dairy Production***
- AHC31824 Certificate III in Beekeeping***
For information about the delivery of training for school based part-time apprenticeships and school based part-time traineeships, refer to Training Arrangements.
***Approval Requirements - School Based Traineeships (SBTs)
- AHC20520 Certificate II in Arboriculture
- AHC30122 Certificate III in Agriculture
- AHC30224 Certificate III in Dairy Production
- AHC31824 Certificate III in Beekeeping
School based trainees undertaking vocations which include the above qualifications must comply with the Training Package rules and only select units which are listed in the NESA approved units of competency. The syllabus is available at https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/stage-6-learning-areas/vet/primary-industries-syllabus and is standard across all school sectors in NSW.
In addition to the current Training Plan Guidelines (which includes the requirement that a Training Plan be developed for every apprenticeship or traineeship established), the following requirements must be applied for the above qualifications as SBTs:
- Schools: Applications for the above School Based Traineeships will be assessed by the Training Services Regional Office on a case by case basis. Applications must be fully supported by the school sector.
- Trainees Eligibility: To be eligible to participate in the above School Based Traineeships students must:
- Provide two referees to support their level of experience, one of which is the Primary Industries teacher at their school.
- Employer Eligibility: In order for an employer to take on a trainee in the above qualifications, they must:
- Provide one to one supervision during high risk activities for AHC20520 Certificate II in Arboriculture.
- Have the full range of work with a minimum of paid work placement days as required in the Vocational Training Orders for the following qualifications:
- Cert II in Arboriculture 100 days
- Cert III in Beekeeping 120 days
- Cert III in Agriculture 180 days
- Cert III in Dairy Production 180 days
- Have capacity to supervise and train in the workplace. Prior to any application being considered Training Services will undertake a Duty of Care assessment on the prospective employer to ensure that this and other traineeship requirements are met.
- Registered Training Organisations: Training providers must demonstrate through the full training plan that the qualification and preparation for the NESA exam can be delivered and assessed within the nominal term and meet requirements for the student’s HSC.
- Business case - Applications must also include a business case developed by the employer and Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Applications will be assessed on a case by case basis to determine whether the establishment of the traineeship is appropriate. The business case must:
- Outline on-the-job training model including job tasks/activities and opportunities for practice.
- Provide information on the integration of on and off the job training including the duties and responsibilities of the trainee and specific goals to be achieved.
- Provide information about supervisory arrangements appropriate to trainee’s knowledge, skill and experience.
- Identify any regulatory requirements to be complied with e.g. workplace health and safety
- Identify constraints or risks such as resources, legal or physical environment
- The business case must be signed off by a senior manager in the employer organisation.
For further information on the delivery of training for school based apprenticeships and traineeships refer to Training Arrangements.
Vocational Training Orders marked with an indicator #
For apprenticeship or traineeship vocations marked with an indicator #, apprentices or trainees may not be engaged in Residential Building and Specialist Work except:
- As an employee of an individual, partnership or corporation that is the holder of contractor licence pursuant to Section 4, 12 and 13 of the Home Building Act 1989 or
- Under the supervision and subject to the direction of the holder of an endorsed contractor licence (a contractor licence with a supervisor endorsement) or supervisor certificate, corresponding to the work being performed pursuant to Division 2 of the Home Building Act 1989. A licence number is required to be placed on the Training Plan Proposal (TPP) and the Training Plan (TP).
Note:
- The definition of Residential Building Work and Dwelling, as well as what is excluded from Residential Building Work, are set out in Schedule 1 of the Home Building Act 1989.
- Specialist Work means any plumbing work, drainage work, gasfitting work or electrical wiring work as defined by the Home Building Act 1989.
High risk workplace activities
Workers or businesses involved in carrying out high risk activities in the workplace may be subject to specific licences or work restrictions governed by Safework NSW. This is applicable to all apprenticeship and traineeship vocations where work or business activity is governed by regulatory requirements pursuant to Part 4.5 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and advice and instructions provided by Safework NSW Licenses and Registrations.
This may include those dealing with:
- the operation of vehicles, machinery and equipment such as chainsaws, motor vehicles, tractors, forklifts and earthmoving machinery
- the driving or transporting of machinery and equipment on public roads
- firearms
- chemical purchase and use
- access to and activities on private or protected lands
- management activities related to particular animal and plant species
- wastewater
- soil disturbance and conservation
- irrigation
- water allocations
- underground water
- landscape construction
- natural bush clearing.
Further information is available from:
For registered training providers which can deliver the qualifications go to training.gov.au.
A list of training organisations which are in contract with the NSW Department of Education to be paid for the delivery of the training is here. When developing Training Plans, registered training providers should ensure that the training program satisfies the qualification packaging requirements and, at the same time, reflects the nature of the business. Training Plans should be customised so that workplace activities support and align with the qualifications units of competency.
On 1 January 2015 the NSW Government introduced new fee arrangements for government subsidised vocational education and training (VET). Under Smart and Skilled, all apprenticeship and most traineeship qualifications are subsidised. For a full list of all the qualifications refer to the current NSW Skills List. Information on the types and levels of subsidies can be found in the Smart and Skilled Fee Administration Policy. Training for existing-worker trainees is not subsidised.
Training Services and Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) transition arrangements are aligned.
Registered training organisations (RTOs) may commence training in either the new or superseded qualification but must meet the requirements of ASQA. For more information refer to ASQA's General Direction - Learner Transition.
Copies of the Vocational Training Orders are available for inspection on this internet site below or at any Training Services centre of the NSW Department of Education.
Contacts and enquiries
To sign up an apprentice or trainee call the Skilling Australia hotline on 1800 020 108. To find information about a job in an apprenticeship or traineeship search here.
For implementation of new pathways in relation to this Training Package profile, please contact NSW ITAB Agriculture, Food and Animal Management (AFAM) Jess Cleary mobile 0402 128 312.
For additional questions contact us.
Email: Online enquiry form
Phone: 13 28 11