To make an informed choice about the suitability of a course, you must consider the essential skills and knowledge, in addition to the critical aspects of assessment of that course.
Please review the inherent requirements listed below and determine whether you might experience challenges in meeting them. If you think you might experience challenges related to your disability, health condition or for any other reason, you should discuss your concerns with the Program Area, a Student Services staff member or a Disability Access and Equity Officer.
The information on this page applies to the following qualifications:
- Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
- Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
- Certificate II in Horticulture
- Certificate III in Horticulture
- Certificate IV in Horticulture
- Certificate III in Landscape Construction
- Certificate III in Parks and Gardens
- Certificate III in Sports Turf Management
- Diploma of Sports Turf Management
- Certificate II in Wine Industry Operations
- Certificate III in Nursery Operations
Core Requirements
Attendance and participation
Horticulture, conservation, and ecosystem management qualifications may include practical, laboratory, workshop, field-based and workplace learning activities.
Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and practical activities and to actively participate in learning and assessment activities throughout their course.
If you are unable to attend a scheduled class or practical activity, you should notify your lecturer as soon as practicable. Depending on the circumstances, supporting documentation may be requested in accordance with South Metropolitan TAFE policies, procedures or program requirements.
Attendance and active participation support the development and assessment of practical skills. Repeated absences or limited participation may affect your ability to demonstrate competency requirements and achieve a competent outcome.
Practical activities may be assessed and contribute to the overall assessment of competency, alongside other assessment methods such as written, verbal and knowledge-based assessments.
Read more about full-time study on our Study Options page.
Physical ability
Students may be required to:
- Perform practical tasks outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Work on uneven terrain and in natural environments.
- Lift and move tools, equipment, and materials using safe manual-handling practices.
- Perform repetitive, physically demanding activities over extended periods.
- Stand, walk, bend and undertake practical tasks for extended periods.
- Work around plants, soils, fertilisers and other industry-related products.
Communication skills
Students should be able to:
- Read, understand and communicate information clearly in both written and verbal formats.
- Communicate effectively with lecturers, fellow students, employers and industry representatives.
- Apply numeracy skills to accurately measure, calculate and interpret information relevant to their course.
- Use computers and online learning platforms to access learning materials, submit assessments and communicate with staff.
Behavioural skills
Students are expected to:
- Take responsibility for their own learning, workload and assessment requirements.
- Respect personal and professional boundaries, including on social media.
- Interact fairly and respectfully with people of all genders, cultures, backgrounds and beliefs.
- Follow workplace health and safety requirements and comply with all safety instructions provided by staff.
Dress and PPE requirements
Students may be required to provide and wear industry-standard clothing and PPE, including:
- Brimmed sun hat and appropriate sun protection.
- Long-sleeved shirts with a collar suitable for outdoor activities.
- Shorts or trousers appropriate for practical work.
- Enclosed, sturdy footwear suitable for practical activities.Steel-capped boots where required.
- Eye protection and other PPE relevant to the activity being undertaken.
Students who do not provide or wear the required PPE may be unable to participate in practical activities or practical assessments.
General safety requirements
Many horticulture, conservation and ecosystem management qualifications involve practical learning activities conducted in laboratories, workshops, outdoor environments, workplaces and industry settings.
Students may be required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and comply with workplace health and safety requirements relevant to their area of study. Students who do not wear required PPE or comply with safety requirements may be unable to participate in practical activities or practical assessments.
Additional requirements for specific courses
Arboriculture
Students enrolled in Arboriculture qualifications must be able to work at heights using rope and harness systems and undertake activities in accordance with industry safety requirements.
Wine Industry Operations
Students enrolled in Wine Industry qualifications must be at least 18 years of age at the time of enrolment.
Sports Turf Management
Students enrolled in Sports Turf Management qualifications must be employed within the sports turf industry at the time of enrolment.
Return to the Informed Choices main page.