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 supervisory/managerial job roles in the production horticulture industry including grower, field manager, supervisor, crop grower, plant manager, integrated pest manager, quality assurance, compliance manager and human resources manager.
Individuals with this qualification perform tasks involving technical skills, problem solving and supervisory skills to operate, monitor and improve performance of production horticulture systems and may supervise staff.
Work must comply with work health and safety and environmental regulations and legislation that apply to the workplace.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
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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:
6 months – 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 effectively as a workplace leader | Core |
| Implement quality assurance procedures | Core |
| Maintain workplace health and safety processes | Core |
| Operate within a budget framework | Core |
| Plan and implement a biosecurity program | Core |
| Apply knowledge of plant physiology to horticultural practices | Elective |
| Assess marketing opportunities | Elective |
| Assess olive oil for style and quality | Elective |
| Control Phase II mushroom substrate process | Elective |
| Determine hydraulic parameters for an irrigation system | Elective |
| Develop a crop regulation program | Elective |
| Develop a soil health and plant nutrition program | Elective |
| Develop a soil use map for a property | Elective |
| Develop harvesting and processing specifications to produce an olive oil | Elective |
| Develop procedures to minimise risks in the use of chemicals | Elective |
| Implement an integrated pest management program | Elective |
| Implement an irrigation-related environmental protection program | Elective |
| Implement and monitor a horticultural crop harvesting program | Elective |
| Implement the pest monitoring and evaluation plan | Elective |
| Lead effective workplace relationships | Elective |
| Manage biodynamic production | Elective |
| Manage mushroom crop development | Elective |
| Manage mushroom substrate preparation | Elective |
| Manage organic soil improvement | Elective |
| Manage surface irrigation systems | Elective |
| Oversee vineyard practices | Elective |
| Participate in an e-business supply chain | Elective |
| Plan a growing-on program | Elective |
| Plan a propagation program | Elective |
| Plan and implement a chemical use program | Elective |
| Provide information on issues and policies | Elective |
| Recommend plants and cultural practices | Elective |
| Sample soils and interpret results | Elective |
| Schedule irrigations | Elective |
| Supervise work routines and staff performance | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate IV in Production Horticulture sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Mixed Crop Farmer
ANZSCO 121216
Plant, cultivate and harvest a variety of crops.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Vegetable Grower
ANZSCO 121221
Plant, cultivate and harvest vegetables.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Other Crop Farmer
ANZSCO 121299
Plant, cultivate and harvest various crops.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Nursery Hand (Horticulture)
ANZSCO 841412
Nursery Hands (Horticulture) assist in propagating, cultivating and harvesting plants in horticultural nurseries.
Recommended education level:
Certificate I or secondary education
Training providers delivering Certificate IV in Production Horticulture
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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AGRICULTURE INSTITUTE AUSTRALIA (RTO code 46475)
Contact this provider
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AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE & HORTICULTURE (RTO code 21316)
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.