AHC31024 - Certificate III in Parks and Gardens
Overview
This apprenticeship qualification is designed to provide skills needed to work as a gardener, greenkeeper or grounds person in the parks and garden industry. CQUniversity provides apprentices with the abilities required to safely and productively work in this industry.
This qualification describes the skills and knowledge for trade level roles in the parks and gardens industry including gardeners, greenkeepers and grounds persons.
Individuals with this qualification perform tasks under broad supervision, involving a wide range of skills that are applied in a variety of contexts. The skills taught under this qualification equips individuals to facilitate using discretion and judgement in selecting and operating equipment as well as coordinating resources and applying contingency measures during work.
Work must comply with work health and safety regulations, environmental regulations and legislation that apply to the workplace.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
This is a nationally recognised course.
QUALITY EDUCATION, WHEREVER YOU ARE
Between our reputation for learning, teaching and research, our renowned online education offering, and our status as Australia’s largest regional university, rest assured you will get a world-class education when you choose CQUniversity.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CREDIBILITY IS KEY
In just 25 years, CQUniversity has achieved some amazing feats and emerged as one of Australia’s truly great universities. We have been ranked among the best in the world for our teaching and learning, and are internationally recognised for our focus on Social Innovation. Our graduates are some of the most sought-after in Australia, due to our reputation for work integrated learning and industry-aligned courses, and experience some of the nation’s best graduate outcomes in terms of full-time employment and starting salary. CQUni is also regarded as the nation’s most inclusive and engaged university, with our award-winning academic and research staff making a real impact on the communities and industries we serve.
A UNI THAT LEADS IN ONLINE EDUCATION
A pioneer in online study, CQUniversity has more than two decades of experience providing high quality online learning experiences across the country and even internationally. We work hard to deliver the latest techniques in online study, and have even planned our physical sites to provide more services to our widespread online study cohort.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CONVENIENCE COUNTS
CQUniversity is truly focused on our students’ needs, and that means responding to what, how and where they want to study. It is why we are now Australia’s largest regional university, with more than 20 metropolitan and regional locations across five states, delivering TAFE and university qualifications in on-campus, online and supported online modes to more than 30 000 students.
A UNI THAT KNOWS YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS
CQUniversity’s strong focus on student experience ensures that you are prepared and supported on your student journey. Support services include on-campus or online orientation to assist your transition into university life, course and career advice, financial support options, study support, ongoing assistance through the Student Mentor program, counselling services, support for students with disability or medical conditions, Indigenous student support and more.
“CQU has friendly approachable teachers who are always available to help answer questions.
Anyssa Mason
Certificate III in Parks and Gardens
Career Opportunities
Individuals with this qualification perform tasks under broad supervision involving a broad range of skills that are applied in a wide variety of contexts, which will involve discretion and judgement in selecting and operating equipment, coordinating resources and applying contingency measures during work. Career opportunities for this qualification include trade level roles in the parks and gardens industry including gardeners, greenkeepers and grounds persons.
Structure & Availability
Apprenticeship Course structure
Duration:| Full Time Duration |
|---|
| 3 Years |
This program is typically delivered over a three year period depending on industry requirements. As it is competency based, it may be possible for learners to complete their training sooner if they have reached the required skill level.
Core
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCMOM304 | Operate machinery and equipment |
| AHCPCM306 | PROVIDE INFORMATION ON PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE |
| AHCPGD307 | Implement a plant establishment program |
| AHCPGD309 | Perform specialist amenity pruning |
| AHCPGD310 | Implement a landscape maintenance program |
| AHCPMG301 | Control weeds |
| AHCPMG302 | Control plant pests, diseases and disorders |
| AHCSOL304 | IMPLEMENT SOIL IMPROVEMENTS FOR GARDEN AND TURF AREAS |
| AHCTRF309 | IMPLEMENT A GRASSED AREA MAINTENANCE PROGRAM |
| AHCIRG346 | Operate pressurised irrigation systems |
| AHCWHS302 | Contribute to workplace health and safety processes |
Elective
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCECR311 | Implement ecosystem reconstruction works |
| AHCCHM304 | Transport and store chemicals |
| AHCCHM307 | Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases |
| AHCPCM303 | Identify plant specimens |
| AHCWRK317 | Coordinate work site activities |
| AHCWRK320 | Apply environmentally sustainable work practices |
| AHCIRG338 | Troubleshoot irrigation systems |
| AHCIRG347 | MAINTAIN PRESSURISED IRRIGATION SYSTEMS |
| AHCIRG345 | INSTALL PRESSURISED IRRIGATION SYSTEMS |
| AHCPCM305 | Implement a plant nutrition program |
| AHCPCM307 | Report on health and condition of trees |
| AHCPGD308 | Plan and maintain plant displays |
| AHCPGD311 | Conduct operational inspection of park facilities |
| AHCTRF308 | ESTABLISH TURF |
| AHCTRF310 | MONITOR TURF HEALTH |
| AHCECR301 | Maintain native ecosystem areas |
| AHCNSY308 | Maintain nursery plants |
Apprentices can be accepted throughout the year. Training dates are structured upon intake. On-campus training is conducted on the CQUniversity’s Rockhampton City, Mackay, Bundaberg, Gladstone and Emerald Campuses.
This course has no residential schools.
Requirements
This course is for apprentices only. Students must be employed as apprentice municipal gardeners.
Completion of the Basic Key Skills Builder (bksb) online literacy and numeracy assessment prior to enrolment, unless the student has completed an equal or higher level course.
Fees & Scholarships
Fee for Service/ Full Fee
Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE.
Co-Contribution and Co-Contribution Concessional Fee
Some government-funded training programs, such as Certificate 3 Guarantee and Higher Level Skills, require students to contribute to the cost of their education through a co-contribution fee. This fee varies depending on the course and the student's eligibility for a concessional rate. Additional costs, such as uniforms and course resources, may also apply. More details on eligibility and exemptions can be found on How to Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.
Starting the 1st of July 2025, the Queensland Government is updating its TAFE subsidy offerings. Students commencing from this date will need to be reassessed, potentially requiring additional documentation to maintain their funding. Those who do not provide the necessary documents, or are no longer eligible, may lose their subsidy and continue as full-fee-paying students. For more information visit Paying for TAFE and review Important Changes to TAFE Subsidies from July 2025.
If you are unsure of your eligibility or wish to discuss your options further, please connect with us on 13 27 86.
Queensland Government subsidies are available for eligible applicants to greatly reduce the cost of apprentice and trainee training.
User Choice funding provides a contribution that reduces the cost of training. Eligible apprentices and trainees will be charged $1.60 per nominal hour. Concession rates apply to eligible students based on provided evidence. If you are required to pay Student Contribution Fees, you may be eligible for partial or full exemption, you can find more information on Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.
Free apprenticeships for under 25s will cover the cost of training for employers who commence an eligible new apprentice or trainee, or already have an existing apprentice or trainee aged under 25. Find out more.
At CQUniversity, we believe that studying should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more
How to Apply
How to Apply
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
