New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (General)

The purpose of this qualification is to provide the horticulture sector with graduates who have a theoretical knowledge of plant and soils science, and growing systems and environments, to underpin practical capability in a range of horticulture sectors.

Graduates will benefit by having a breadth of horticulture knowledge and transferable skills valued by the horticulture community which will facilitate improved performance in the workplace and career progression, including to higher levels of study.

The horticulture sector will benefit from being able to recruit graduates who have an understanding of the underpinning science and growing practices used in a wide range of horticulture contexts.

This qualification is designed to be flexible enough to reflect regional and sector variations in demand for transferable skills and knowledge.

Graduates will be capable of working under limited supervision in the horticulture community with responsibility for work outcomes.

Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level. 

Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.

All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.

Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.

It also has six additional small community hubs which deliver free digital upskilling and personal development courses.