New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Nursery Production) (Level 3) - on campus
Growing & Vines
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Develop your green thumb by propagating, transplanting, and caring for plants in our Central Otago nursery. Gain practical skills and knowledge to grow commercial nursery crops, identify and select plants, and gain hands-on experience in modern nursery facilities.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Cromwell, Cromwell
It will take a total of 20 weeks
Core skills this course teaches
Propagate plants and commercial nursery crops
Develop practical skills to propagate a variety of plants, including commercial nursery stock, suitable for various environments.
Care for plants in a nursery environment
Gain hands-on experience in transplanting and maintaining plant health within campus nursery and modern glasshouse facilities.
Identify and select plants for different sites
Build the ability to correctly identify, name, and select plants appropriate for varying sites and uses.
What You're Signing Up For
This hands-on programme develops skills in propagating, transplanting, and caring for plants with a strong practical experience component in a nursery environment. Students learn to identify and select plants for a variety of sites, apply techniques to grow commercial nursery crops, and receive both theoretical and practical knowledge in campus nurseries and glasshouses. The qualification is delivered part-time over 20 weeks and prepares students for work or further study in the horticulture and nursery production sectors.
Course Content
- Communication (10 credits)
- Nursery Plant Care (15 credits)
- Plant Identification and Selection (15 credits)
- Propagation (20 credits)
- Plant Science (15 credits)
What you need to know first
Open Entry
Enjoyment of working outdoors
Physical fitness
Planning and organisational skills
Good communication skills
An eye for detail
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Horticulture
Nursery production
Plant propagation
Future employment opportunities might be
Nursery plant technician
Nursery plant production worker
Horticulture assistant
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.