Agriculture, Animals, Science and the Environment

Are you barking mad for animals?

Do you want to gain experience working with animals? This course is an entry point into the animal care industry and prepares you for job roles such as an animal attendant in a kennel, cattery, animal shelter, or pet shop.

The course provides the skills and knowledge required for the care and maintenance of animals in a variety of workplaces. You will learn about the animal care industry and careers available in its many sectors. We will provide you with access to practical experience with animals throughout the course.

Are you looking to join a school of fish lovers?

This qualification is the crucial first step towards an exciting career in aquaculture. This course provides students with a range of core skills and knowledge relevant to working in the aquaculture industry. Graduates go on to further studies or working in a range on environments including onshore aquaculture facilities, offshore culture facilities and the ornamental fish industry.

Gain the following skills and knowledge:

• Handling and harvesting stock,
• Preparing stock for live transport,
• Monitoring stock and environmental conditions,
• Producing algal cultures, and
• Working effectively in the seafood industry

Aquaculture is a fast-growing industry. In fact, The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) issued a report in 2018 stating that ‘aquaculture is fastest growing food production sector worldwide’. Typical entry-level jobs for those holding Certificate II include:

• Australian and overseas aquaculture farms
• Hatcheries and nurseries   
• Live post-harvest holding facilities, such as processing plants, wholesalers or 
• Transporters, pet shops, public aquaria, zoos or other facilities with aquatic animals 

Study Modes

This course is offered fulltime classroom based in semester one, and offered via blended, flexible delivery in semester two.  This enables remote students or students with other commitments to pursue their passion for aquaculture. Flexible delivery includes 2.5 weeks of compulsory practical classes on campus.

Study in a specialised facility in the maritime heart of Fremantle:

Fremantle campus features extensive salt and freshwater aquaculture facilities, and experienced staff which offers plenty of relevant hands-on opportunities. Our staff have involved students in the culture and applied research projects of many marine and freshwater organisms over the last two decades including species such as abalone, dhufish, yellowtail kingfish, marron and barramundi.

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This qualification is directly aligned with priority industry areas where the jobs are today, and into the future. As part of the state government Lower fees, local skills initiative, from 1 January 2021 through to 31 December 2021 you'll only pay half the course fees (plus resource fee), capped at $1,200; or $400 if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession. Find out more.

This higher level qualification will provide you with the practical skills and knowledge to manage the operations of fish farms, marine farms and hatcheries. It is suitable for students that hold a certificate 3 in aquaculture or have substantial aquaculture industry experience.

You will learn skills in:

• Developing and implementing a breeding strategy
• Planning ecologically sustainable practices
• Biosecurity
• Managing stock health
• Developing a stock production plan and
• Managing an aquaculture research trial. 

You will also learn skills in planning and designing a water supply and disposal system, and stock culture systems and structures. You will learn the skills necessary to supervise and manage staff.

The environments in which our graduates work include:

• aquaculture farms or fishout/put-and-take operations
• hatcheries and nurseries
• live post-harvest holding facilities, such as processing plants, wholesalers or transporters
• pet shops, public aquaria, zoos or other facilities with aquatic animals

Prospective students should have already achieved, SFI30111 Certificate III in Aquaculture before applying for entry into this qualification.

Are you looking to join a school of fish lovers?

This course is ideal for those looking to expand on the skills and knowledge they gained in Certificate II in Aquaculture. It also comes packed with opportunities to upskill with either boating or diving skills. While a solid foundation in aquatic science is essential, the aquaculture sector prefers to hire staff with additional boating and/or diving qualifications.

You will gain the following knowledge and skills:

• Care for and maintain fish stocks, culture and holding environments 
• Installing or constructing stock culture or holding structures and other allied structures
• Assessing and controlling biosecurity and stock health and treating aquatic stock for diseases
• Monitoring and maintaining water quality
• Co-ordinating feeding activities, handling and harvesting operations for aquatic stock
• Operating high technology water treatment components
• Implementing emergency procedures, occupational health and safety policies and guidelines

Further skills from the maritime industry

Open Water and Advanced Diving Skill Sets (PADI)

• Basics of Scuba diving (Open Water)
• Increase your diving skills and confidence in the water with lots of ocean diving activities
• Gain more experience in deep diving, and night diving (Advanced)

Accredited diving skills are strongly encouraged for anyone wishing to work in the offshore aquaculture industry.

Specialist facilities in the maritime heart of Fremantle

Our Fremantle campus features a working aquaculture facility with hatchery tanks and filtration systems and is within convenient walking distance to the fishing industry in Fremantle. Our lecturers have a strong relationship with the Australian Centre for Applied Aquaculture Research (ACAAR) in the neighbouring facility.

Are you looking to join a school of fish lovers?

This course is ideal for those looking to expand on the skills and knowledge they gained in Certificate II in Aquaculture. It also comes packed with opportunities to upskill with either boating or diving skills. While a solid foundation in aquatic science is essential, the aquaculture sector prefers to hire staff with additional boating and/or diving qualifications.  

You will gain the following knowledge and skills:

• Care for and maintain fish stocks, culture and holding environments 
• Installing or constructing stock culture or holding structures and other allied structures
• Assessing and controlling biosecurity and stock health and treating aquatic stock for diseases
• Monitoring and maintaining water quality
• Co-ordinating feeding activities, handling and harvesting operations for aquatic stock
• Operating high technology water treatment components
• Implementing emergency procedures, occupational health and safety policies and guidelines

Further skills from the maritime industry

Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)

• Commanding and operating a vessel less than 12 metres long with unlimited outboard engine propulsion, or inboard engines less than 100 kilowatts

Coxswain's can gain employment in the small vessel sector in commercial workboats, aquaculture, fisheries and tourism.

Specialist facilities in the maritime heart of Fremantle

Our Fremantle campus features a working aquaculture facility with hatchery tanks and filtration systems and is within convenient walking distance to the fishing industry in Fremantle. Our lecturers have a strong relationship with the Australian Centre for Applied Aquaculture Research (ACAAR) in the neighbouring facility.

Branch out with Aboriculture

Learn a wide range of theoretical and practical skills specifically required by the Arboriculture industry.

The course also aims to develop your awareness of safety issues, particularly in regards to machinery, tools and equipment use.

The course requires a high level of physical participation in practical activities.

Fancy a career outdoors?

Branch out with a Certificate III in Arboriculture and combine your love of the outdoors with a fascinating career as an arborist.

Gain a range of knowledge and skills to undertake arboriculture related work, and use this qualification as a pathway for further learning required to become an aborists. You will cover both ground-based work and working at heights.

You will learn:

• Tree identification
• Pruning operations
• Using and maintaining arboriculture equipment 
• First aid 
• Workplace safety and health.

Pave your way to a successful career

Looking to get a basic knowledge of paving practices and techniques? In this class you will learn how to screed, lay and cut paving, the principles and practices behind paving techniques, whilst learning to operate all the machinery, equipment and tools necessary to complete a basic paving job. 

Upcoming dates:

2021 dates coming soon.

Now is the time to build your career 

Looking to get a basic knowledge of brick and block retaining walls? In this class you will learn to lay, level, set out and prepare sites for low profile retaining wall jobs. You will learn the fundamental skills and knowledge behind building retaining walls in the landscape industry.

Upcoming dates:

2021 dates coming soon.

This course is suitable for training supervisors and managers with risk management skills to manage the transportation, storage, application and record keeping of agricultural chemicals (including biological pesticides). Participants must be accredited at Level 3 to achieve competence at Level 4.

Course structure

• Introduction to risk management
• Integrated resistance and pest management
• Chemical application management
• Chemical risk management
• Environmental risk management
• Residue risk management
• Records management
• Comply with mandatory codes of practice and relevant legislation to safely transport, store and handle chemicals in the workplace
• Identify integrated management strategies to control pests
• Select appropriate chemicals for application to an identified pest problem at a particular site
• Establish procedures to ensure chemicals are applied according to the label
• Assess the risk of residues in commodities and as contaminants in the environment during and following chemical application
• Design and implement recording systems for chemical storage

Competency units covered in this course

• BAL98 AHCPMG302 Control plant pests, diseases and disorders
• BAM93 AHCCHM401 Develop procedures to minimise risk in the use of chemicals
• BAL49 AHCCHM402 Plan and implement a chemical use program

Competent students will receive a Statement of Attainment

Upcoming dates:

2021 dates coming soon.

Are you looking for a career talking to the animals?

When you complete the Certificate III in Companion Animal Services you will have what employers are looking for as a kennel attendant, cattery attendant, or animal care receptionist.

You will have the skills and knowledge to work effectively with companion animals, monitoring and maintaining their health, nutrition, wellbeing, animal first aid, grooming, and workplace safety and health.

Are you looking for a career working in a sustainable, growing industry?

SM TAFE's conservation and land management qualifications focus on sustainability and sustainable development.

On completion of this qualification, you will have gained the following skills and knowledge to work effectively in the land conservation industry:

• operating machinery
• recognising flora and fauna
• planting shrubs and trees 
• organising propagation 
• restoring and maintaining wildlife habitat refuges
• treating weeds
• safely handling chemicals
• implementing workplace safety and health measures.
   

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This qualification is directly aligned with priority industry areas where the jobs are today, and into the future. As part of the state government Lower fees, local skills initiative, from 1 July 2020 through to 31 December 2021 you'll only pay half the course fees, capped at $1,200; or $400 (plus resource fee) if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession. Find out more.

Are you looking for a career working with plants and animals?

When you complete the Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management you'll be ready for a career in Indigenous land management, lands, parks and wildlife or natural area management. 

On completion of this qualification, you will have gained the following skills and knowledge to work effectively in the land conservation industry:

• maintaining natural areas and wetlands
• providing cultural knowledge
• implementing revegetation and natural area restoration works
• safely prepare, apply and store chemicals, treat weeds, plant pests and disorders
• identifying plants and collecting seeds
• operating machinery and workplace safety and health.

Please note: Conservation and Land Management involves physical labour and students will be required to demonstrate a reasonable level of fitness and mobility.

Please note: this qualification has been superseded. Students enrolling in 2021 will need to successfully complete all units before 22 December 2021 or transition to the new qualification when available.

Are you looking for a career working with plants and animals?

When you complete the Certificate IV in Conservation and Land Management you will be ready for a career in conservation work, parks and wildlife, or regeneration work.

You will have the skills and knowledge to specialise in the land conservation industry, including natural resource management, land management, mine site rehabilitation, developing and leading teams to implement conservation, and land management strategies.

It is a requirement that students provide their own Wifi-enabled Laptop (capable of word processing etc) . Enrolled students will be have access to Office 365.

South Metropolitan TAFE's Murdoch Campus has extensive horticulture facilities, including large work sheds and sheltered nursery areas. The large grounds area surrounding Murdoch Campus also provides ample practice areas for students.

Please note: this qualification has been superseded. Students enrolling in 2021 will need to successfully complete all units before 22 December 2021 or transition to the new qualification when available.

Are you looking for a career working with plants and animals?

When you complete the Diploma of Conservation and Land Management you will be ready for a career in conservation work, parks and wildlife, or regeneration work.

You will have the skills and knowledge to lead in the land conservation industry, across such areas as natural resource management, land management, mine site rehabilitation, managing staff and leading teams to implement conservation programs, and land management strategies.

South Metropolitan TAFE's Murdoch Campus has extensive horticulture facilities, including large work sheds and sheltered nursery areas. The large grounds area surrounding Murdoch Campus also provides ample practice areas for students.

It is a requirement that students provide their own Wifi-enabled Laptop (capable of word processing etc) . Enrolled students will be have access to Office 365.

Please note: this qualification has been superseded. Students enrolling in 2021 will need to successfully complete all units before 22 December 2021 or transition to the new qualification when available.

Are you looking for a career among the trees?

If you are passionate about the environment and sustainable practices, launch your horticulture career by completing this entry-level qualification. Horticulture is one of the fastest growing industries in Australia with the sector playing an important role in delivering economic, social and environmental value. 

On completion of this course you will gain horticulture skills and knowledge in the following:

• plant identification and care
• improving soil conditions
• operating machinery and equipment
• propagating
• pruning and fertilising
• maintaining gardens and nurseries, and
• workplace safety and health.

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This qualification is directly aligned with priority industry areas where the jobs are today, and into the future. As part of the state government Lower fees, local skills initiative, from 1 July 2020 through to 31 December 2021 you'll only pay half the course fees, capped at $1,200; or $400 (plus resource fee) if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession. Find out more.

Are you looking for a career among the trees?

When you complete the Certificate III in Horticulture you will be ready for a career working with plants as school or council gardener, groundskeeper, or self-employed landscaper.

On completion of this qualification, you will have gained the following skills and knowledge to work effectively in the horticulture industry:

• implement propagation plans
• control weeds, pests, and diseases
• safely prepare, store, and apply chemicals
• install irrigation
• create plant displays
• plant identification and nutrition, and
• workplace safety and health.

Please note: Conservation and Land Management involves physical labour and students will be required to demonstrate a reasonable level of fitness and mobility.

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This qualification is directly aligned with priority industry areas where the jobs are today, and into the future. As part of the state government Lower fees, local skills initiative, from 1 July 2020 through to 31 December 2021 you'll only pay half the course fees, capped at $1,200; or $400 (plus resource fee) if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession. Find out more.

Sow the seeds of a supervisory role

This course provides graduates with skills suited to a variety of occupations at a supervisor level or as a small business owner. Employment prospects exist in local and state government, nursery and turf, floriculture, gardening and the landscape industry. You can choose to learn skills from a range of subjects that enable you to cost and supervise projects, develop and implement programs and provide training. You can also choose subjects that will further develop your technical expertise in horticulture.

It is a requirement that students provide their own Wifi-enabled Laptop (capable of word processing etc) . Enrolled students will be have access to Office 365.

See our Horticulture Facebook page @murdochstudentgardencentre(opens in a new tab) to see what you will do when you study this course, such as hosting plant sales and providing customer service to retail customers.

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This qualification is directly aligned with priority industry areas where the jobs are today, and into the future. As part of the state government Lower fees, local skills initiative, from 1 January 2021 through to 31 December 2021 you'll only pay half the course fees (plus resource fee), capped at $1,200; or $400 if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession. Find out more.

This course provides graduates with skills suited to a variety of occupations at a management level. Employment prospects exist in local government, state government, nursery and turf, floriculture, gardening and the landscape industry.

It is a requirement that students provide their own Wifi-enabled Laptop (capable of word processing etc) . Enrolled students will be have access to Office 365.

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This qualification is directly aligned with priority industry areas where the jobs are today, and into the future. As part of the state government Lower fees, local skills initiative, from 1 January 2021 through to 31 December 2021 you'll only pay half the course fees (plus resource fee), capped at $1,200; or $400 if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession. Find out more.

Are you a budding scientist?

Launch your career in science with this entry-level course that qualifies you to work as a laboratory assistant in food technology, pathology, schools or trades.

On completion of this qualification you will gain practical skills in collecting and preparing samples, as well as carrying out, measuring and recording the results of experiments. This qualification will give you skills in maintaining and working in a laboratory in the physical, chemical, biological and life sciences.

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This qualification is directly aligned with priority industry areas where the jobs are today, and into the future. As part of the state government Lower fees, local skills initiative, from 1 July 2020 through to 31 December 2021 you'll only pay half the course fees, capped at $1,200; or $400 (plus resource fee) if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession. Find out more.

Build on your Certificate III in Laboratory Skills with units in quality control, performance of instrumental and non-instrumental tests, standardisation and use of solutions. This qualification will give you the skills to work as a technical assistant, technician or instrument operator.

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This qualification is directly aligned with priority industry areas where the jobs are today, and into the future. As part of the state government Lower fees, local skills initiative, from 1 July 2020 through to 31 December 2021 you'll only pay half the course fees, capped at $1,200; or $400 (plus resource fee) if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession. Find out more.

Learn the practical skills and knowledge you need to use laboratory application software, plan and conduct laboratory/field work and communicate and provide information to customers. This course will also teach you how to analyse, process and interpret data, report results and apply quality system and continuous improvement processes.

Please note: part time study is available in both Semester 1 and 2 for this course.

Your career outdoors is calling

This qualification provides the practical skills and knowledge to construct, renovate and maintain garden landscapes.

Training is provided in the areas of hard landscaping, irrigation, plant knowledge, soil nutrition, turf maintenance, landscape machinery use and horticultural safety, building on the skills gained in the Certificate II in Landscaping.

On completion of this qualification, you will have gained the following skills and knowledge to work effectively in the landscaping industry:

• select materials and plants for landscape projects
• set-out and landscape a range of sites
• construct stone, brick, block and timber structures and features
• learn about irrigation installation and troubleshooting 
• safety in the workplace.

Please note: Landscaping involves physical labour and students will be required to demonstrate a reasonable level of fitness and mobility.

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This qualification is directly aligned with priority industry areas where the jobs are today, and into the future. As part of the state government Lower fees, local skills initiative, from 1 January 2021 through to 31 December 2021 you'll only pay half the course fees (plus resource fee), capped at $1,200; or $400 if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession. Find out more.

The Certificate IV in Landscape Design course gives you a range of the skills and knowledge needed to work as a landscape designer, topics include:

• The History of Design
• Designing Plant Displays
• Identifying, Recommending and Providing Information on Plants 
• Producing Technical Drawings
• Sampling Soils & Interpreting the Results
• Preparing Reports and Work Health & Safety

This course is delivered at South Metropolitan TAFE over 1 semester ( 6 months) of full time study OR 2 semesters ( 12 months) of part-time study. 

Note: Due to this Qualification being replaced in Semester 2 2021, students will be required to complete this Qualification full-time in Semester 1 2021 OR transition to the replacement qualification in Semester 2 2021 onwards. 

It is a requirement that students provide their own Wifi-enabled Laptop (capable of word processing etc) . Enrolled students will be have access to Office 365.

Watch your career grow with a landscaping qualification

This entry-level qualification provides you with the practical skills and knowledge to assist in the construction of garden landscapes or renovation of existing gardens.

On completion of this course you will gain landscaping skills and knowledge in the following:

• hard landscaping 
• soils and plant knowledge
• planting and pruning trees and scrubs
• irrigation
• turf establishment
• applying chemicals and treating weeds
• plant pests and diseases
• horticultural safety and machinery operations.

2020 dates:

This course runs for five full days on campus on the following dates.

• 16 - 20 November

2021 dates:

2021 dates coming soon.

In this course you'll learn how to cross-cut fallen timber and the cutting techniques to maximise volume and quality recovery. You'll also learn about complying with the mandatory codes of practice and legislation to safely operate a chainsaw in the workplace.

Application of skills and knowledge to cross-cut fallen timber 
Identify cutting techniques to maximise volume and quality recovery 
Comply with mandatory codes of practice and relevant legislation to safely operate chainsaws in the workplace along with duty of care to self, others and the environment 
This course is suitable for people who operate chainsaws in an urban environment (it does not cover remote operators working in state forest.

Competency unit covered in this course:

BAS06 AHCMOM213 Operate and Maintain Chainsaws 
Additional Requirements 

Participants are required to wear appropriate PPE (All PPE must comply with the relevant Australian Standards) for this course:

Safety helmet 
Safety glasses AS1337 min 
Hearing protection class 5 
Steel capped safety boots 
Gloves (optional) 
Long trousers 
No loose fitting items of clothing, jewellery, long hair contained.

2021 dates:

This course runs for five full days on campus.

2021 dates coming soon.

This qualification provides a vocational outcome in parks and gardens.  The parks and gardens industry expects this qualification to be achieved to meet job outcomes at this level. Job roles and titles vary across different industry sectors. Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include: - Municipal/city gardener - Horticulturist

Enjoy a well-groomed career

This course will provide you with comprehensive training in all aspects of pet grooming services and qualifies you to work under supervision in a pet grooming establishment.

Gain these skills:

• salon reception and housekeeping duties
• bathing, brushing, trimming and other grooming services for domestic pets, usually dogs and in some cases cats
• patience and genuine empathy for animals
• customer service skills
• cleanliness and professionalism.

This course builds a strong foundation for future employment in any facility offering pet grooming services including, mobile or shop front salons, veterinary clinics, boarding kennels and pet retail outlets. 

Applicants must have empathy for animals and possess the communication skills and physical ability to successfully perform work placement in the pet grooming industry.

This qualification provides a general vocational outcome for a nursery person working in a production nursery. The nursery industry expects this qualification to be achieved to meet job outcomes at this level. Job roles and titles vary across different industry sectors. Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include: Nursery worker

Learn the fine art of greenkeeping

Join the sports turf industry at a level where you will be expected to curate and manage a wide range of turf and horticultural practices. A considerable amount of outdoor and physical activity is required while you apply your skills to green spaces such as golf courses, bowling clubs and elite sports facilities.

Gain these skills:

• Manage safety issues and work site activities
• Operate and maintain turf machinery and chainsaws
• Irrigation installation, operation and maintenance
• Installing drainage systems
• Sample, test and improve soils
• Plant nutrient application and monitoring
• Safely preparing, applying, transporting and storing of chemicals
• Controlling weeds, plant pests and disorders
• Renovating turf, preparing turf surfaces for play and monitoring turf health

Sports turf management is a unique course to SM TAFE and proudly boasts three previous students have won the Western Australia Apprentice of the Year in the WA Training Awards.

Do you have what it takes to offer the best in pest management?

This qualification will provide students with the practical skills and knowledge to apply pesticides and carry out appropriate pest management treatments for domestic and commercial properties.

You will learn skills in how to advise clients on pest prevention and control, maintain equipment, detect pest damage and the presence of pests in buildings and surrounding areas, and implement a pest management plan.

This course is aimed at existing workers who are currently employed in the industry. It will provide you with the skills to apply for a full pest management license.

Want a career caring for animals?

When you complete the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing you will be ready for a career as a veterinary nurse, or animal welfare worker.

You will have the skills and knowledge to work effectively in a veterinary practice, providing care to a wide variety of animals, assisting with surgery preparation and procedures, performing pathology and imaging procedures, providing post-surgery care and advice, and workplace safety and health.

This course is popular and highly competitive to get into. Please ensure you enter all your work and work experience, both related to the field and unrelated, in your application.

Part time studies – study this course with us part time including one day a week at campus in Semester 1 and one day a week at a workplace in industry. Your work placement must be arranged by you prior to applying to study. To take up this option, revisit here when Semester 1 applications are open.