New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (General) (Level 3)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 3 |
|---|
About the course
About the programme
This new programme will get your green fingers working whether you want to grow vegetables at home or pursue a career on the land.
You might want to move on to study landscape design, become an arborist, get started in the nursery or fruit and vegetable growing industries, or simply learn a little more about your own backyard garden. Whatever you want to achieve, the NZ Certificate in Horticulture help start you on your journey.
The programme is available in both Westport and Greymouth with flexible hours and learning available. A blended mix of class and online study, (plus all the benefits of campus facilities and support) you can make your study suit your lifestyle.
You'll learn propagation techniques (how to successfully grow plants from seedlings and cuttings), industry best practice, how different soils and fertilisers help plants to grow, sustainable growing practices, pest control, weed control, pruning, landscaping and plant naming.
It's a great way to get started in a horticultural career and you'll get support and encouragement to follow your learning and career pathway.
Studying part-time
We know full-time study isn't always possible. This programme is also available part-time. This option involves one day's self-directed online learning per week, one day's tutor-guided learning a week (either face to face or online) and one day's practical learning on site (which can be at the weekend, depending on a minimum number of students).
Core elements
This programme of study includes a range of topics relevant to a range of horticulture enterprises, such as;
- Propagation of plants including budding, grafting and layering
- Plant nursery practices
- Soils and fertilisers and how this influence plant growth
- Sustainable soil practices for horticulture
- Identifying, preventing and controlling plant pests, diseases and disorders
- Identifying weeds and exploring ways to control them
- Techniques for pruning and training plants
- How to select plants for landscaping
- How plants are named
Further study options
This qualification may lead on to the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 4) with strands in Amenity, Arboriculture, Cemetery, Landscape Design, Landscape Construction, and Sports Turf.
New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) with strands in Amenity, Arboriculture, Cemetery, Fruit Production, Indoor Crop Production, Outdoor Vegetable Production, Landscape Construction, Nursery Production, Post-Harvest, Sports Turf.
Career opportunities
This qualification provides an entry point for people to move into a career in a range of horticulture areas - such as, fruit or vegetable growing, nursery work, and general gardening.
On completing this qualification, you will be better prepared to successfully operate your own horticulture enterprise or to better manage your current horticulture business or lifestyle block.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
- Be 16 years of age or older
- Have attained NCEA Level 1, or equivalent
- Have their application reviewed by Tai Poutini staff to ensure the prospective learner understands what they are committing to and that they have a reasonable chance of success
- Have access to a computer and internet
- Applicants for whom English is a second language must meet general or academic IELTS 5 with no band score lower than 5 or equivalent
About the provider
Tai Poutini Polytechnic (TPP), based on New Zealand’s spectacular West Coast and with campuses in Wanaka, Christchurch and Auckland, offers students exciting opportunities to get a head start in their career or take the next step on their learning journey.
TPP offers popular study options that meet local employment needs and are tailored to help people get into real jobs in the community or get ahead in their chosen career. With two West Coast campuses, in addition to other New Zealand locations, TPP makes the most of the opportunities on its doorstep.
The institute’s popular Outdoor Education programmes teach technical, leadership and teamwork skills on West Coast rivers and mountains along with a Ski Patrol programme based in Wanaka that makes the most of the South Island’s world-famous ski fields. A base on the West Coast also allows Jade and Hard Stone Carving students to get right to the cultural and historic source of their material. Likewise, Civil Plant students prepare for jobs in the roading, forestry and mining industries on purpose-built work sites in Greymouth and Auckland, while agriculture students have the use of the TPP Reefton farm.
These are just some of TPP’s many popular full-time, part-time or short programmes, which include business, trainee chef, tourism and hospitality, carpentry, automotive and engineering. All programmes are focused on industry expectations and tutors enjoy strong relationships with local businesses so learning is relevant and useful to the market. The institute’s aim is to get students into real jobs in the community and help create better futures for everyone.
West Coast students also have the option of living in TPP’s own student accommodation facilities. A home away from home while you’re studying. Tai Poutini Village offers 58 individual rooms and shared facilities for students. Village staff provide you with a living environment which encourages and supports the educational mission of the Polytechnic, supporting students in their chosen programme of study, and helping them to develop personally, socially and culturally.
Our reputation for the quality of graduates is outstanding.