AHC20324 Certificate II in Production Horticulture

The AHC20324 Certificate II in Production Horticulture is a nationally recognised qualification that equips learners with the skills and knowledge required to support job roles in the production horticulture and floriculture industry. This qualification covers practical competencies related to growing, maintaining, and harvesting a variety of horticultural crops, including tree crops, vegetables, berries, grape growing, or mushroom production. It is suitable for traineeships and entry-level roles in production horticulture enterprises.

Certificate Ii In Production Horticulture

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Certificate II in Production Horticulture, learners will be able to:

Participate in workplace health and safety processes relevant to horticulture.
Recognise and identify plants commonly encountered in horticulture and land management.
Assist with soil or growing media sampling and testing to support crop health.
Undertake propagation activities and maintain propagated plants.
Plant horticultural crops including vegetables, flowers, and tree crops.
Treat weeds, pests, diseases, and disorders under supervision.
Assist with pressurised irrigation system operations.
Operate basic machinery such as side-by-side utility vehicles.
Prune shrubs and small trees according to horticultural standards.
Apply chemicals safely under supervision in a horticultural context.
Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices.

To achieve this qualification, competency must be demonstrated in:

  • 15 units of competency:
  • 4 core units plus
  • 11 elective units.

Elective units must ensure the integrity of the qualification’s Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) alignment and contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.
Electives can be chosen to provide a general qualification or a qualification with a specialisation.

For the award of the Certificate II in Production Horticulture choose:

  • At least 8 units must be selected from Groups A, B or C
  • Up to 3 units from the remaining electives listed in Groups A, B or C or any currently endorsed Training Package or accredited course at Certificate II or III

For the award of Certificate II in Production Horticulture (Horticulture), choose:

  • At least 3 electives must be selected from Group A
  • Up to 5 units from the remaining units listed in Groups A, B or C
  • Up to 3 units from the remaining units listed in Groups A, B or C, or any currently endorsed Training Package or accredited course at Certificate II or III

For the award of Certificate II in Production Horticulture (Floriculture), choose:

  • At least 3 electives must be selected from Group B
  • Up to 5 units from the remaining units listed in Groups A, B or C
  • Up to 3 units from the remaining units listed in Groups A, B or C, or any currently endorsed Training Package or accredited course at Certificate II or III
  • AHCBIO204 Follow site biosecurity procedures
  • AHCWHS202 Participate in workplace health and safety processes
  • AHCWRK212 Work effectively in industry
  • AHCWRK213 Participate in workplace communications

Group A – Horticulture

  • AHCCHM201 Apply chemicals under supervision
  • AHCMOM203 Operate basic machinery and equipment
  • AHCPHT214 Support horticultural crop harvesting
  • AHCPHT215 Plant horticultural crops
  • AHCPHT218 Carry out post-harvest operations
  • AHCSOL203 Assist with soil or growing media sampling and testing
  • AHCWRK211 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
  • FBPFSY2002 Apply food safety procedures

Group B – Floriculture

  • AHCNSY205 Pot up plants
  • AHCNSY206 Care for nursery plants
  • AHCNSY207 Undertake propagation activities
  • AHCPCM204 Recognise plants
  • AHCPHT214 Support horticultural crop harvesting
  • AHCPHT215 Plant horticultural crops
  • AHCPHT218 Carry out post-harvest operations
  • AHCSOL203 Assist with soil or growing media sampling and testing
  • AHCWRK211 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

Group C – General Electives

  • AHCBIO203 Inspect and clean machinery, tools and equipment to preserve biosecurity
  • AHCDRG202 Maintain drainage systems
  • AHCINF207 Maintain properties and structures
  • AHCIRG219 Assist with low volume irrigation operations
  • AHCIRG221 Assist with pressurised irrigation operations
  • AHCMOM202 Operate tractors
  • AHCMOM203 Operate basic machinery and equipment
  • AHCMOM216 Operate side by side utility vehicles
  • AHCPHT212 Perform manual pollination of crops
  • AHCPMG202 Treat plant pests, diseases and disorders
  • AHCWRK210 Observe and report on weather
  • AHCWRK214 Observe workplace quality assurance procedures
  • AHCWRK216 Provide information on products and services
  • FBPVIT2003 Hand prune vines
  • FBPVIT2008 Train vines
  • FBPVIT2011 Operate vineyard equipment

Education and Training Pathways

Successful completion of this qualification can lead to Certificate III and IV qualifications in Production Horticulture or related specialisations such as Viticulture.
Provides a pathway to apprenticeships and traineeships within commercial horticulture enterprises.
Enables progression into advanced roles in crop production, nursery management, or agricultural science.
Further study options can include diplomas in horticulture, agriculture, or broader environmental management fields.

This qualification prepares learners to join the horticulture production workforce with practical skills aligned to industry needs, and supports career growth and specialisations in various horticultural production contexts including vegetable, berry, tree crop, grape, and mushroom production.

Careers

Field worker in production horticulture
Crop picker or harvester
Pruner of shrubs, vines, or small trees
Packer of horticultural products
Farm, vineyard, or orchard hand or labourer
Nursery assistant supporting propagation and plant care
Assistant in floriculture operations
Worker supporting crop maintenance, pest control, and harvesting activities

These roles typically involve routine tasks under supervision within commercial production horticulture and floriculture environments. The qualification enables entry-level employment in diverse sectors such as vegetable, fruit, flower, berry, grape, mushroom, and tree crop production. These positions often provide a foundation for advancing to supervisory or specialist roles with further experience and training