This fees-free entry-level programme introduces you to the horticulture industry while supporting you to achieve NCEA Level 2. You’ll develop basic skills in plant care, safe work practices, and practical growing tasks, preparing you for further study or entry-level work in horticulture.
Course Details
This Level 2 Horticulture programme provides a practical introduction to horticulture skills and knowledge. You’ll learn core horticulture tasks including plant propagation, crop care, safe use of tools and equipment, and environmentally sustainable growing practices. The programme combines hands-on learning with supporting theory to build foundational skills for working safely and effectively in horticulture environments and supports progression to further study or entry-level roles in the sector.
Outcome Statement
This qualification is not a prerequisite for higher level national certificates in horticulture; however, the higher-level certificates do build on the skills and knowledge recognised by this qualification.Students will gain their NCEA Level 2 with a Vocational Pathway in Primary Industries (Horticulture)
After completing this qualification can lead towards enrolling into our 2677 – New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (General), Level 3.
Duration
This programme runs for 26 weeks.
Entry Criteria
To enrol you will need to be:
A NZ Citizen or Permanent Resident.
16 years of age and over before the start of the course.*
In order to qualify for fees free funding you must be between the ages 16-24.
*15 year olds who hold Ministry-approved early exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
This qualification is Fees Free for anyone aged 16-24
Course Code | Course Name |
VPHO2.01 | Plant Trees or Shrubs |
VPHO2.02 | Maintain a Documented Work Record |
VPHO2.03 | Describe Weather |
VPHO2.04 | Harvest a Horticulture Crop |
VPHO2.05 | Control Weeds |
VPHO2.06 | Soils and Fertilisers |
VPHO2.07 | Hazards and Hazard Control |
VPHO2.08 | Safety Procedures |
VPHO2.09 | Stem Cuttings |
VPHO2.10 | Safe Operation of a Quad Bike |
VPHO2.11 | Write to Communicate |
VPHO2.12 | Read Text |
VPHO2.13 | Spoken Interactions |
VPHO2.14 | Number to Solve Problems |
VPHO2.15 | Statistical Information |
VPHO2.16 | Measurement to Solve Problems |
VPHO2.17 | Safety with Agrichemical |
VPHO2.20 | Sow Seeds and Monitor |
VPHO2.21 | Plant Common Names and Botanical |
VPHO2.22 | Plant out by Hand Under Close Supervision |
Course Start Dates
I got my level 3 Dairy Farming through Land Based Training. It was so cool. I met nice people and the tutor is awesome. I class them all as the naki whanau.
Yeah the best course around to be honest. Learnt so much!
I’m a level 2 Horticulture student and the tutors are so awesome and supportive. The other students are cool, we are a fun bunch. I have learnt so much in a short amount of time.
Awesome course, learning heaps & loving it! Free knowledge, a priceless gift I will always be grateful for.
Vocational Pathway – Horticulture (Level 2) FAQs
This is an 80 credit NZQA course, which gives you an introduction into the horticulture sector.
You will gain your Level 2 NCEA certificate with a vocational pathway in horticulture. Upon graduation, you will have an understanding of various parts of horticulture, that will help you in other courses, or to get a job within the horticulture sector.
This course contains modules from learning to sow seeds, to safety procedures to writing and communicating.
Upon graduation from this course, you will have gained NCEA Level 2 with Vocational Pathway in Primary Industries (Horticulture). This is an NZQA accredited programme and will allow you to go further into your Horticulture career.
After completing this course, you will have learnt practical horticulture skills, making you a valuable asset to an employer.
This course runs for 26 weeks, full time only.
This course is only available full-time. Courses run 4 days a week, with 1 day being available for catch up.
This is a paper and practical based course. Learning will be partially assessed on paper-based theory work, and partially assessed by practical based assessments.
This course is Fees Free! No cost required when you meet the relevant funding pool requirements.
You will have access to LBT equipment, gear and resources needed for this course.
You don’t need any qualifications to apply! This is an entry level course and will help build you up to do higher level courses.
This course is currently held in Hastings, Palmerston North, with more locations to come. Call us on ‘0508 TRAIN ME’ to find the closest course to you or register your interest.