Advice and Instructions

Horticulture Industry Trades - Qualification to be held by persons seeking trade recognition

Issued: 11 April 2003
Revised: 17 May 2005

In view of increased public health requirements the Vocational Training Tribunal requires persons seeking trade recognition in horticulture industry trades to provide evidence of chemical handling training.Trades involved are:

• Nursery Trade
• Landscape Trade
• Parks & Garden Trade
• Greenkeeping Trade

The VTT has determined that as a minimum requirement, applicants seeking trade recognition in any of the above trades must provide evidence of their successful completion of a recognised Chemical Handling course at the time of lodgement of their application.

The following TAFE courses and/or units/modules will be recognised by the Environment Protection Authority (under the Pesticides Act 1999). Courses 9016 and 9017, but not individual modules, are recognised by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority for the purchase of some restricted pesticides. Equivalent courses can also be used.

Either
9016 SMARTtrain Chemical Application course

Or
all of the following units/modules as part of other courses:
NSWTHAZ301A Manage residues in products
RTC3704A/8186A Prepare and Apply Chemicals
RTC3705A/8186B Transport, Handle and Store Chemicals
RTC2701A/8195V Follow OH&S Procedures

Or
9017 SMARTtrain Chemical Risk Management course

Or
all of the following units/modules as part of other courses:
NSWTHAZ406A Manage persistent chemicals
RTC4702A/8187A Minimise Chemical Risk
RTC4703A/8187B Plan & Implement a Chemical use Program
RTC4701A/8187C Implement and Monitor OH&S

Contact the TAFE Plus Commercial Course Information Office on 1300 131 499 for the nearest TAFE College offering these courses or the Department of Agriculture through the Murrumbidgee College of Agriculture on (02) 6951 2529.

Note: The qualification must have been obtained within the last 5 years from the date of application for trade recognition.

For any enquiries regarding these training arrangements, please contact the Vocational Training Tribunal on (02) 9266 8450.