Nursery Hand Courses
A Nursery Hand manages daily tasks in a plant nursery, propagating, cultivating, and caring for plants while ensuring their health.
AI Exposure
Low
Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Nursery Hand
Get qualified to work as a Nursery Hand with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
AHC30722
Duration
6 months - 24 months
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
The AHC30722 Certificate III in Horticulture offers a hands-on learning experience for aspiring horticulturists, covering a diverse range of topics such as plant care, landscaping, and sustainable gardening practices. This nationally recognized certificate program equips students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to succeed in the flourishing field of horticulture.
Career opportunities
Duration
6 months - 24 months
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
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AHC31124
Duration
12 months - 18 months
Study mode
On Campus, Traineeship
The AHC31124 Certificate III in Nursery Operations (Retail Nursery) is a nationally recognised qualification that teaches you how to grow and maintain plants, as well as sell nursery products and services to customer. You’ll learn the basics of plant health and nutrition, as well as on-the-job safety and retail skills. Competencies include: identifying plant specimens, engaging with nursery customers, recommending plants and services, creating visual merchandise displays, using and storing chemicals safel...
Career opportunities
Duration
12 months - 18 months
Study mode
On Campus, Traineeship
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AHC31120
Estimated fee
From $19,420
Duration
12 months - 3 years
Study mode
On Campus, Traineeship
Get a job at a nursery or garden centre with the AHC31120 Certificate III in Nursery Operations. This nationally recognised qualification will teach you how to grow and care for nursery plants, using a range of chemicals and nursery equipment. The course covers: workplace safety, transporting and storing hazardous chemicals, recognising plant species, operating irrigation systems, understanding plant nutrition, recognising pests and diseases, selling plants to customers, operating vehicles and machinery, ...
Career opportunities
Estimated fee
From $19,420
Duration
12 months - 3 years
Study mode
On Campus, Traineeship
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AHC20422
Duration
4 months - 24 months
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
The AHC20422 Certificate II in Horticulture is the qualification you need to get started in a nursery, work as a garden labourer or horticultural assistant. Over 6 months (at an advanced training facility) you will definitely get your hands dirty — as you learn to recognise plants, treat weeds, test plants and soil for diseases, and grow trees and shrubs.
Enquire now for a course schedule, intakes dates, and enrolment options.
Career opportunities
Duration
4 months - 24 months
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Nursery Hand.
Common questions
How much does a Nursery Hand earn?
In Australia, a full time Nursery Hand generally earns $1,000 per week ($52,000 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for a Nursery Hand?
There are 5,400 people working as a Nursery Hand in Australia and this number has dropped slightly over the last five years. Nursery Hand positions can be found in most areas of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
How do I become a Nursery Hand?
A Certificate II or III in Horticulture is a good way to get started in a Nursery Hand role. You could also consider a Certificate II or III in Agriculture.
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More information
A Nursery Hand works on the daily tasks needed to successfully run a plant nursery. Your role might require you to help propagate or cultivate plants or get them ready for sale or transport. You’ll be ensuring the plants are in good condition and may have to adjust conditions to make sure they thrive. A Nursery Hand will have to fertilise, weed and keep plants watered and you’ll be working with manual and automatic irrigation systems. You’ll need a good knowledge of plant types and be able to use a range of tools and equipment.
Nursery Hands have a very physical role and you’ll need to be ready for some heavy lifting. You’ll have to be good at following instructions and be flexible enough to handle a range of different tasks. You’ll spend most of your day outdoors and will need to work in all sorts of weather conditions. A Nursery Hand might also speak with customers so you’ll need good communication skills.
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