NATIONAL CERTIFICATE:HORTICULTURE

Getting a qualification is not enough, on its own, to prepare you to traverse the rapidly changing world of work, where industry 4.0 and 5.0 are rendering many professions obsolete. We will work with you throughout your studies to help you develop six critical attributes to navigate the new world order, along with the skills and knowledge you need to excel in any environment.

PURPOSE

This qualification provides learners with a comprehensive base of portable skills that will enable them to progress within all spheres of the horticultural industry. This qualification forms an integral step in the career paths of the various disciplines in ornamental horticulture and follows on from the NQF Level 1 Certificate. For those already employed in the industry, this qualification will offer learners the opportunity to hone their skills and receive recognition for their competencies.

A Learner achieving this qualification will be able to work effectively and productively within the field of horticulture knowing how to:

• Identify the major soil types and their uses in plant propagation and landscaping.
• Utilise manual irrigation systems to provide the correct application of water to plants.
• Produce ornamental plants from stem cuttings.
• Apply pest control practices in plant production and landscaping.
• Utilise the principles and practices of providing plant care and nutrition for ornamental plants and landscapes.
• Recognition of common ornamental plants and their uses.

For those wishing to enter the industry, whether unemployed or as an Entrepreneur, this qualification offers a solid foundation in all aspects of the horticultural industry. This qualification represents a vital step in the development of a career and learning pathway of individuals, both from a vocational point of view, as well as from a learning point of view.

Rationale:

South Africa is renowned as an ideal tourist destination. The beauty of the gardens and landscapes in leisure facilities, parks and gardens, is an important factor in assuring that South Africa is considered a prime tourist attraction. To advance and improve our position in this important economic area the “Green Industry” must up-skill its workforce, for the creation of excellent landscapes.

The provision and maintenance of sports fields to world class standards is a perquisite for the 2010 World Cup Soccer tournament. This qualification addresses the industry’s need to provide the basic skills to establish and maintain sports turf facilities.

The skills gained through this qualification will ensure that quality ornamental plants will be produced and marketed to the consumers.

The qualification will facilitate job creation and self employment opportunities, while furthering the aims of economic empowerment in South Africa.

The qualification includes the skills necessary to safely use various chemicals, including fuels, fertilisers, pest control agents, accordingly, the principles of health and safety are embedded in all the learning aspects of the qualification.

As the core is generic to all sectors of the horticultural industry, the qualification embodies the principle of portability and is integral to further learning. Through the wide scope of electives, the specialisations of the various sectors are catered for.

The sectors of the horticultural industry that will benefit from this qualification include:

• Landscape construction and maintenance.
• Amenity horticulture.
• Sports turf.
• Arboriculture.
• Plant propagation.
• Interior plantscaping.
• Retail nurseries.
• Floristry.

This qualification addresses both the current and future needs of horticulture in South Africa.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

The industry will encourage potential Learners to embark on this qualification as it has universal relevance to the industry and is nationally recognized.

Learners who would like to access this qualification should have demonstrated competency in:

• Literacy and Numeracy at NQF Level 1.
• ID 119687: Demonstrate a basic understanding of the horticultural industry, NQF Level 1.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

The qualification may be achieved wholly or in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning and the qualification may be granted to learners who have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal courses providing they can demonstrate competence in the outcomes of the individual Unit Standards as required by the Fundamental, core and Elective areas stipulated in the Qualification and by the Exit Level Outcomes.

An RPL process may also be used to credit learners with Unit Standards in which they have developed the necessary competency as a result of workplace and experiential learning.

1. Identify the different organisms of the plant kingdom and their uses in horticulture.
2. Identify the different soil types and describe their uses in plant propagation and landscaping.
3. Operate a manual irrigation system and schedule the applications to suit the plants water requirements.
4. Utilise stem cuttings for the propagation of plants.
5. Implement the appropriate care for ornamental plants.
6. Identify ornamental plants commonly used in the workplace.