NorthTec offers three levels of horticulture courses, the National Certificate of Horticulture at Levels 2, 3 and 4.

The Level 4 programme is designed to teach skills required at an industry level. If you are interested in working in the horticulture field, the Level 4 programme may be for you.

The Level 4 (Advanced) qualification is designed to recognise the applied skills, knowledge and experience required by employers in the horticultural sector.
Graduates will be able to undertake a wide range of horticultural tasks at an advanced tradesperson level with extensive operational knowledge and skill in one or more sectors of the horticulture industry.

The Level 3 programme is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to proficiently carry out tasks commonly required in a range of Horticulture-related industries.  Students are well prepared for further study or to exit directly into the workforce.

Students with a current National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 2) will have preference for entry into this course and a pre-enrolment interview is necessary.

The introductory Level 2 programme provides quality horticulture education in partnership with community organisations. It is a mix of theory and practical with the focus determined by the location and requirements of the community. If you want to learn the skills to pursue further training or a career in horticulture, this programme may be for you.

The horticulture programme is run in over 20 locations throughout Northland from Cape Reinga to Silverdale.

Horticulture Level 4
The Horticulture Level 4 programme is designed to teach the skills required to undertake a range of horticultural tasks at a commercial level. It aims to produce graduates who are capable of working in a commercial horticultural operation. 

Successful graduates will have a sound understanding of:

• Soil science
• Plant biology
• Plant health
• Horticulture production
• Ecology and Sustainable Land Management
• Pruning Technologies
• Permaculture Principles 

Modules include:

• Horticulture business
• Permaculture design
• Pruning training and grafting
• Plant propagation
• Ecology and sustainable land management
• Landscape planning and design

Students may study full time and complete the National Certificate within one year, or study part time to fit around work and other commitments.

On achieving 140 credits, students will qualify for the National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4).

The course covers the following modules:

Principles of Small Business Management
This is a practical based module suitable for someone wishing to start or participate in a horticultural business venture. Learning Outcomes: Analyse the nature of self employment, identify characteristics of small businesses, and evaluate small business opportunities.

Native Plant Propagation
This module teaches both practical and theory components of identifying and propagating New Zealand’s unique native vegetation.

Soil Science
In this module the student will learn to: identify the components of soils, understand the makeup of healthy well balanced soils, understand and identify soil profiles, and soil types, conduct soil testing, recognise pH levels, understand the role of fertilisers, amendments and soil nutrients.

Plant Health
This module teaches the student to: Identify and control plant pests and diseases, weeds and disorders, understand the Life Cycle of Flowering Plants, recognise the role of botany in Horticulture, identify plants, understand photosynthesis & Respiration, understand plant ecology.

Pruning Training and Grafting
This is a practical based module where the student will learn the principles of how to prune, train and graft a variety of fruiting plants, including citrus, stone fruit, vines and berries.

Hydroponics
This module teaches the principles of hydroponics and has a strong practical component which includes building and operating a hydroponics system. The student will learn about plant hydroponic mediums, technology, plant nutrition, maintenance, pest and disease management.

Ecology

This course provides students with an understanding of the basic principles of biogeography, evolution and ecology; the skills to conduct an ecological niche investigation; the ability to write a scientific report of an experimental investigation; and the philosophical basis required to make ecological management decisions.

Plant Science

This course provides students with an understanding of the physiological structure and function and morphological features of plants, with a focus on how this impacts upon horticultural activities.

Horticulture Production

This course provides students with knowledge of propagation practices for a range of plant species and practical skills in relation to propagation, pruning and basic gardening tasks.

Horticulture Level 3 
The National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) is designed to provide good quality horticulture education in partnership with community organisations where minimum of eight people are willing to train together. This program is mainly practical and revolves around delivering a “hands on” experience of propagating, and growing a wide range of native and exotic plants including vegetables. The focus of each course is dependent on the location and requirements of the community.

The National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) is designed to give the student a range of skills to enable you to pursue further training or a career in the Horticultural industry. Its practical focus is designed to engage the student in experiential learning as they plan, grow, maintain and/or market horticulture crops.

Program structure:
The program is run over a period of 17 -20 weeks which usually coincide with school terms. This is a full-time course which comprises of tutor directed and project work.

Each course is made up of a list of NZQA approved Unit Standards.

On achieving 70 credits students will qualify for the National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3).

Learning activities are likely to include

• Weed control
• Soil and fertiliser preparation
• Planting and propagation
• Pest and disease identification
• Garden and crop maintenance
• Health and safety

Other activities may include:

• Organic growing
• Nursery production
• Native plant production

Horticulture Level 2
The National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 2) is designed to provide good quality horticulture education in partnership with community organizations where minimum of eight people are willing to train together. This program is mainly practical and revolves around delivering a “hands on” experience of propagating, and growing a wide range of native and exotic plants including vegetables. The focus of each course is dependent on the location and requirements of the community.

The National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 2) is designed to give the student a range of skills to enable you to pursue further training or a career in the Horticultural industry. Its practical focus is designed to engage the student in experiential learning as they plan, grow, maintain and/or market horticulture crops.

Program structure:
The program is run over a period of 17 -20 weeks which usually coincide with school terms. This is a full-time course which comprises of tutor directed and project work.

Each course is made up of a list of NZQA approved Unit Standards.

On achieving 70 credits students will qualify for the National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 2).

Learning activities are likely to include

• Weed control
• Soil and fertilizer preparation
• Planting and propagation
• Pest and disease identification
• Garden and crop maintenance
• Health and safety

Other activities may include:

• Organic growing
• Nursery production
• Native plant production

Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. Fees indicated   are for domestic students.

On your first day you will just need to bring a pen and paper and wear suitable clothing although you probably will not be actually doing much outdoors work on the first day other than visiting the site and
outlining what you will be doing during the course. You will also need to bring your lunch and a cup or mug for hot drinks.

You should plan to arrive at the site by 9am ready for the introductions and start. If you are unsure of exactly where the site is please contact the tutor or their co-ordinator who will give you this information.