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.

During the course you will be required to complete work placement somewhere that houses and cares for any type of companion animals.

Certificate II in Arboriculture is designed to equip students with a wide range of theoretical and practical skills specifically required by the Arboriculture industry.

The course also aims to develop student 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.

The qualification covers both ground-based work and those working at heights. Completion of this course provides a general vocational outcome in arboriculture, arming graduates with a range of knowledge and skills to undertake related work, and as a pathway for further learning required for aborists in the arboriculture industry.  

You will learn:

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

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
• collecting seeds, and
• implementing workplace safety and health measures.
   

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
• re-vegetation programs
• planting shrubs and trees
• treating weeds
• collecting seeds, and
• workplace safety and health.

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.

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.

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.

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
• landscape management
• propagating
• pruning and fertilising
• maintaining gardens and nurseries, and
• workplace safety and health.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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
• safety in the workplace.

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

This 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 is a pathway into the Diploma of Landscape Design.  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

This course gives you the skills and knowledge you need to work as a landscape designer, topics include assessing sites and preparing a landscape design, site surveys and designing for construction of landscape features, providing specialist advices to clients, preparing estimates quote and tender. The Diploma is a potential pathway to a Bachelor of Science (B1317) at Murdoch University, with a Major in Environmental Management and Sustainability or a potential pathway to a Degree in Landscape Architecture at UWA.  This course is delivered at South Metropolitan TAFE over 1 semester ( 6 months) of full-time study  OR  part-time over 12 months.

Watch your career grow with a landscaping qualification

This entry-level qualification provides you with the practical skills and knowledge to assist in the design and 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
• irrigation
• turf establishment
• treating weeds
• plant pests and diseases
• horticultural safety and machinery operations.

2019 Dates

• Monday September 16 - Friday September 20, 2019
• Monday November 11 - Friday November 15, 2019

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.

2019 Dates

• Thursday November 7 and Thursday November 14, 2019

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

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.

A Grooming assistant or Assistant Stylist undertakes salon reception and housekeeping duties as well as bathing, brushing, trimming and other grooming services for domestic pets, usually dogs and in some cases cats.

In addition to specific pet grooming skills, you will be assisted to develop the critical skills of patience and genuine empathy for animals, excellent customer service skills as well as high standards of 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. There is the additional pathway of moving on to the Certificate IV in Pet Styling which will then prepare you to own and operate your own pet grooming business.

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

Students will participate in substantial blocks of industry work placement during their second semester.

    
This qualification is for persons who are engaged or employed to provide pet stylist services. An experienced pet stylist will know the styling standards for different breeds, understand small animal anatomy and be able to identify pet hygiene issues that may indicate a health concern. In addition to patience and a genuine empathy for animals, a pet stylist must maintain high standards of cleanliness and professionalism. Excellent customer service skills are required and stylists who own or manage a salon will also require good business management and organisational skills. Dogs may be the animal to most commonly visit a stylist, but stylists should be prepared to care for cats and other pets.

It is highly recommended that whilst undertaking this qualification, the individual has access to a workplace that provides pet grooming services through either paid employment or substantial periods of work placement or work experience blocks.

This qualification provides a general vocational outcome for a nurseryperson 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

A course for residential and commercial Lawnmowing/Lawncare contractors or employees.

This course covers a wide range of topics, all relevant to the domestic and small commercial mowing contractor.

Topics include WHS, fertilisers and pricing, soils and soil preparation, turf recognition, plant structure and function, mowing techniques, turf renovation, irrigation, pests and diseases, sales and marketing, planning, debtor control and summer and winter survival.

Content:

• WHS –  Workplace Health & Safety
• Plant nutrition, Soil Wetting Agents, Calibration, Application
• Turf Recognition, Different Species, External Features, Growth Habits
• Plant Physiology, Structure and Function, Root Systems
• Soil Components, pH Levels, Soil Preparation, Install and Establish Turf
• Lawn Care and Maintenance,
• Mowing Techniques and Renovation
• Preparation of machinery and equipment
• Pests and Diseases, Identification, Treatment
• Irrigation Systems, Installation, Maintenance, Troubleshooting
• Sales and Marketing in Lawnmowing Buying and Selling Clients, Maximising Income
• Planning Your Work, Expanding Your Business
• Maintaining Your Business, Debtors, Summer/Winter Survival

Competency Units in this course:

• BAL98 AHCPMG302 Control Plant Pests, Diseases and Disorders
• BAO01 AHCPM301 Implement a plant nutrition program
• BAO73 AHCTRF303 Implement a grassed area maintenance program
• BAP15 AHCBUS404 Operate within a budget framework

This course is for people who use pesticides with powered and hand-held application equipment. You will gain the skills and knowledge to apply, transport and store chemicals safely.

• Determine the need for chemical use
• Identify the appropriate chemical
• Prepare for chemical use according to label and MSDS
• Identify conditions for safely applying chemicals
• List procedures for cleaning up following chemical application
• Record application details
• Determine how to transport and handle chemicals
• Identify how to store chemical safely
• Record storage details
• Read and interpret label and MSDS directions for safe transport, handling and storage

Competency units covered in this course:

• BAP97 AHCPMG301 Control Weeds
• BAN65 AHCCHM303 Prepare and Apply Chemicals
• BAN70 AHCCHM304 Transport and Store Chemicals

Competent students will receive a Statement of Attainment. Successful completion of this course will give participants the qualifications required to apply for a basic weed spraying licence from WA Department of Health.

Other Information:

• Covered shoes or boots must be worn
• Pen and calculator required

Participants will receive the following resources:

• A reference manual
• An assessment guide

2020 Dates

The dates below are being planned for 2020. Please use the course enquiry form at the bottom of this page to confirm the dates are running.

• 3 and 4 February
• 24 and 25 February
• 23 and 24 March
• 11 and 12 May
• 8 and 9 June
• 29 and 30 June

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

2020 Dates

We are planning our delivery of this course in 2020. Check back soon for new dates in Semester 1.

This qualification provides a general vocational outcome in greenkeeping. The sports turf industry expects this qualification to be achieved to meet job outcomes at this level. This course is designed to provide theoretical and practical skills in a diverse range of areas related to the turf management industry. A considerable amount of outdoor and physical activity is required. The course aims to equip the students with skills in safety issues, machinery operation and maintenance, irrigation operation and maintenance, nutrient application and monitoring as well as numerous skills applicable to the turf and horticulture industries. Three previous South Metropolitan TAFE turf management students have won the award of “Western Australia Apprentice of the Year”. Job roles and titles vary across different industry sectors. Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include: Greenkeeper Groundsman

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.

Are you looking for a career talking to the 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 – this course is offered on a part time basis but has only one intake per year. Application for part time studies open in September each year.  Part time studies consist of 1 day per week attendance and you would be required to undertake work experience 1 day per week in industry. Students must organise their own work placement before they apply.

The course is also offered via Correspondence but only available to students residing outside the metropolitan area. Correspondence students must have a veterinary practice organised for work experience.

Delivery location plans for Semester 1, 2020:

This course will transfer to a new study package ACM40418 (State ID) BED9 prior to Semester 1, 2020.  Please apply for the new course (BDE9).

You can apply now - be sure to enter the national course code ACM40418 and state code BED9 in your online application, along with Bentley as your campus.