Certificate II in Horticulture

There are no formal education entry requirements for this course.

Minimum age
You will need to be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18 your enrolment form will need to be signed by a parent or guardian or require guardian/parental consent.

English
Due to requirements such as regarding written assessments, and engaging in online forums and discussions, entry to the course requires:

• The successful completion of English to Year 10 level; or
• Successful completion of a Nationally Recognised Training qualification at Certificate II level or higher; or
• 2 years relevant industry experience in a role that requires the use of written documentation and communication

Computing

This course includes a requirement to record video and/or audio roleplays. These will require participation by 1-2 other people sourced by you.

Tools and equipment
You will need to purchase specific tools and equipment for this course.

IT Requirements
t is recommended that students have the following hardware and additional software:

• Operating System:
• Processor: 2 GHz or faster, 2-core
• Memory: 8GB of RAM or higher z916GB recommended)
• Hard Drive: Space 2 GB free disk space
• Browser: Chrome is the preferred browser for students
• Windows users:
• Microsoft Windows 7 or higher (Windows 10 recommended)
• 1 Ghz or faster processer (2GHz recommended)
• Software:
• Internet Connection: DSL, Cable, or Satellite with at least 2mbps upload speed Note: it is strongly recommended that you have access to the Internet from home. Expecting to access your course from your work internet or a public network like a library or coffee shop may be impractical due to your average weekly study hours.
• Printer/Scanner: Access to printing/scanning devices or facilities may be required for certain course activities
• Peripherals: Speakers or headset for audio playback, microphone for audio recording, webcam or equivalent (such as a smartphone with video recording capability)
• Email Capability: Access to email through an e-mail program or web-based e-mail system (e.g., Gmail, Hotmail, Mail for Android or Mail for iOS apps)

Workplace projects
You will need to have access to a workplace, or workplaces, in which you can complete your projects and presentations (video demonstrations). Your workplace must be approved by Open Colleges as a suitable and safe environment.

You will also require basic computing skills. This includes:

• Creating, saving and editing Microsoft Office documents.
• Accessing and searching the internet.
• Downloading and saving documents from websites.
• Uploading documents through websites.
• Participating in online discussions.
• Compressing image files.
• Connecting digital cameras and downloading and storing images.

Audio visual requirements
You will need access to software to view online videos and images. Software such as Adobe Reader, Windows Media Player, Windows Photo Viewer etc. are available as a free download from the internet.

You’ll also need access to a digital video recording device and/or digital camera and associated software to save and upload video and image files to OpenSpace. Many mobile phones and smart phones include this technology.

Physical requirements
Most of the units of competency include physical requirements, they encompass the need for individuals to maintain physical stamina and endurance for prolonged standing, bending, and movement essential in garden and nursery work. Students need to have the capability to lift and handle moderately heavy items up to 20kg such as gardening tools, pots, and bags of soil is essential, along with the ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. Students should be comfortable moving across different terrains and surfaces commonly found in garden environments.

Other technology requirements

• Office equipment and resources including telephone, photocopier, scanner and printer.

Video assessments

As part of the assessment for some units, you will be required to produce a video of yourself performing certain tasks. Some of these videos may involve another person.

In this AHC20422 Certificate II in Horticulture course, the subjects you may study include:

• AHCPCM204 – Recognise plants
• AHCPCM202 – Collect, prepare and preserve plant specimens
• AHCWHS202 – Participate in work health and safety processes
• AHCPMG201 – Treat weeds
• AHCPMG202 – Treat plant pests, diseases and disorders
• AHCSOL203 – Assist with soil or growing media sampling and testing
• AHCNSY207 – Undertake propagation activities
• AHCNSY205 – Pot up plants
• AHCNSY206 – Maintain nursery plants
• AHCNSY208 – Maintain indoor plants
• AHCWRK211 – Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
• AHCPGD207 – Prepare for planting operations
• AHCWRK216 – Provide information on products and services
• AHCPGD209 – Prune shrubs and small trees

60 hours of work placement is also required – made easy with Open Colleges’ Guaranteed Work Placement initiative. In partnership with leading provider SkilTrak, Open Colleges organises your work placement for you while you focus on study, ensuring students gain real-world experience in their dream career – close to home.