Horticultural Assistant (NSW/ACT)

State/Territory Specific Information

Education and Training:

You can work as a horticultural assistant without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications. You may like to consider a VET qualification or short course in horticulture or a related area. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

You can also become a horticultural assistant through a traineeship in Horticulture. Various specialisations are available. Entry requirements may vary but employers usually require Year 10. Ask your career adviser about the possibility of starting some of this training in school.

Additional Information:

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Amenity Horticulture Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

  1. Chemical Application Refresher - SMARTtrain Level 3 (Training Program)
  2. Chemical Application Refresher - SMARTtrain Level 4 (Training Program)
  3. Horticulture Industry Program
  4. Operate and Maintain Chainsaws (AHC Unit) *
  5. Plant Identification and Culture (Training Program)
  6. Certificate I in AgriFood Operations *
  7. Certificate II in Arboriculture *
  8. Certificate II in Floriculture *
  9. Certificate II in Horticulture *
  10. Certificate II in Horticulture (03) *
  11. Certificate II in Horticulture - Arboriculture *
  12. Certificate II in Horticulture - Landscape *
  13. Certificate II in Horticulture - Parks and Gardens *
  14. Certificate II in Horticulture - Retail Nursery *
  15. Certificate II in Horticulture - Retail Nursery (03)
  16. Certificate II in Horticulture - Turf *
  17. Certificate II in Horticulture - Wholesale Nursery *
  18. Certificate II in Landscaping *
  19. Certificate II in Parks and Gardens *
  20. Certificate II in Permaculture
  21. Certificate II in Production Horticulture *
  22. Certificate II in Production Horticulture (03) *
  23. Certificate II in Production Nursery *
  24. Certificate II in Retail Nursery *
  25. Certificate II in Sports Turf Management *
  26. Certificate III in Horticulture *
  27. Certificate III in Horticulture - Retail Nursery *
  28. Certificate III in Horticulture - Turf *
  29. Certificate III in Permaculture
  30. Certificate III in Rural Operations *
  31. Certificate III in Rural Operations (03)
  32. Diploma of Permaculture
  33. Advanced Diploma of Horticulture

Employment Opportunities:

Horticultural assistants are mainly employed by retail and wholesale nurseries, plantation timber companies, local governments, parks authorities and private gardening and landscaping companies to assist professionals. The popularity of this occupation makes competition strong for entry-level positions.

For Further Information:

AgriFood Skills Australia

(02) 6163 7200

Australian Institute of Horticulture Inc.

(02) 8001 6198

Rural Skills Australia

Information for other states and territories: