This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification describes the skills and knowledge for a range of skilled job roles in permaculture, including permaculture system operators, who work independently and/or in teams to establish and maintain permaculture systems for private clients, organisations or community entities.
Permaculture system operators require a wide range of knowledge about bioregion/s and individual properties, specific permaculture projects or programs, wide ranging permaculture and sustainability information, and the ability to research additional information. They use judgement and discretion to plan and organise tasks, coordinate resources, select and operate tools and equipment, and solve problems to achieve permaculture project and program outcomes.
Some units of competency in the electives of the qualification are subject to licencing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements. These units must be implemented according to the requirements specified in the unit.
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Financial help
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Government funding is not available for this course.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Qualification only:
1–2 years
- Qualification only:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Communicate permaculture system principles to stakeholders | Core |
| Conduct site inspections | Core |
| Develop recommendations for integrated plant and animal systems | Core |
| Establish a permaculture system | Core |
| Maintain integrated plant and animal systems | Core |
| Select plant and animal species for permaculture systems | Core |
| Coordinate community projects | Elective |
| Coordinate preparation and storage of produce from a permaculture system | Elective |
| Coordinate propagation activities for a permaculture system | Elective |
| Establish organic garden and orchard systems | Elective |
| Follow Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols | Elective |
| Implement crop maintenance and harvesting programs for permaculture systems | Elective |
| Implement erosion and sediment control measures | Elective |
| Implement property improvement, construction and repair | Elective |
| Install and maintain permaculture water management systems | Elective |
| Install gravity fed irrigation systems | Elective |
| Install pressurised irrigation systems | Elective |
| Install structures for permaculture systems | Elective |
| Maintain native ecosystem areas | Elective |
| Mitigate plant pests, diseases and disorders in a permaculture system | Elective |
| Monitor weather conditions | Elective |
| Operate within a sustainable community and bioregional development program | Elective |
| Provide work skill instruction | Elective |
| Read and interpret property maps and plans | Elective |
| Slaughter livestock | Elective |
| Test, improve and maintain healthy soil in a permaculture system | Elective |
| Use the characteristics of plant resilience in a permaculture system | Elective |
| Work with an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Community or organisation | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in Permaculture sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Other Crop Farmer
ANZSCO 121299
Plant, cultivate and harvest various crops.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Agricultural Technician
ANZSCO 311111
Agricultural Technicians perform tests and experiments, and provide technical support to assist Agricultural Scientists in areas such as research, production, servicing and marketing.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Gardener (General)
ANZSCO 362211
Gardeners (General) plant, cultivate and maintain parks and gardens.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV
Training providers delivering Certificate III in Permaculture
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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AG Training (RTO code 31304)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.