The Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management (AHC) Training Package is one of the most complex, diverse and largest in the Australian system. It covers numerous industry sectors that require unique and interrelated skills. 

Click across the tabs to view active and completed project stages. Consultation takes place at every stage of the project.

Over the past few years, the AHC training package has undergone significant revision using a ‘Unit Sector’ approach, to bring it up to date with current work methods and skills needs. As a result, several qualifications and skill sets need to be updated to incorporate units of competency that have been developed or revised in recent projects. In particular,  several work health and safety and environmental care related units have been updated which are core units in numerous qualifications.

As part of this project, we are seeking feedback from trainers and industry to hear if those using the qualifications have any comments about the inclusion of the units, so that all relevant information has been considered before updates are made.

More information about how to provide feedback will be available on this webpage soon. In the meantime, you are welcome to contact Ruth Geldard [email protected] with any queries.

Project Scope/Purpose

A group of qualifications and skill sets will be updated to incorporate the units of competency that have been developed and revised as part of work carried out in 2019-22.

40 qualifications will be reviewed

40 qualifications will be reviewed so that these updated core and elective units are included, as well as newly created units where relevant.

28 skill sets will be reviewed

28 skill sets will be reviewed and some with low enrolments will be considered for deletion.

Four units are proposed for deletion

Four units are proposed for deletion as they have been removed from AHC qualifications as part of project work between 2019-22, because they include skills that are no longer required by industry or are duplicated by another unit. These units are contained within the qualifications under review as part of this project. This project proposes to remove them from the qualifications and delete them from the AHC training package.

Other work

This project also provides the opportunity to update a small number of qualifications with forest and wood products (FWP) and business services (BSB) units that have also been revised as part of recent training package project work. 

Some minor amendments have also been identified for the following three units. This project provides the opportunity to also review these units and update them in line with the suggested amendments. 

In addition, the proposed new unit AHCARB6 Conduct complex tree hazard and health assessment post-fire is proposed to be added to the Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Arboriculture. It was developed as part of the Responding and Assisting in Bushfires Project, which addressed the forestry industry’s need for skills in clearing and cleaning up after a bushfire. The unit is also relevant to arborists, who already possess skills in working with hazardous trees and may be required to perform this work as well. This unit will be submitted for endorsement as part of this project.

Qualifications to be updated

This project is part of the Annual Training Product Development Plan 2023-24.

Consultation Plan and Subject Matter Experts

Stakeholder input is appreciated throughout the duration of this project. A group of Subject matter experts (SME) working across specific qualification areas have been identified and will provide guidance on the proposed updates to qualifications and skills sets. Opportunities to provide targeted feedback will occur when the draft materials are made available in September/October 2023, and again for validation of final drafts in November 2023.

Following strategic revisions of the AHC Training Package by unit sector, several qualifications and skill sets require updating to include the improved units. This includes  several work health and safety and environmental care related units that are core units in numerous qualifications.

Skills Insight is seeking comment from those who may be impacted by the replacement of the units so that disruptions can be minimised. These updates are not to change the intent of the qualifications, simply to include units already consulted on with stakeholders to better meet skills needs.

The project team are currently compiling information about which units are to be replaced, suggested replacements, and the differences between the current and updated versions of the units. 

Subject matter experts working across specific qualification areas have been identified for this project and asked to provide their input. Areas where input is being sought includes:

  • conservation and ecosystem management
  • production horticulture
  • protected horticulture
  • nursery operations
  • irrigation
  • landscaping
  • dairy production
  • pest management
  • arboriculture
  • parks and gardens
  • sports turf management
  • beekeeping
  • rural merchandising
  • agronomy
  • agribusiness

Online Information Sessions

Online information sessions took place in September to provide further information about updates to the qualifications and skill sets and how to provide feedback.

Development Outcomes and Next Steps

Details about which units are being replaced and where, along with information about the differences between the current unit and the updated one will be made available on this webpage in September. A survey will be linked on this webpage, providing stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback. Your input is welcome.

As part of recent projects, units of competency describing core skills for work across the AHC sector were updated to reflect current technology, systems and regulations, as well as skills in biosecurity, environmental sustainability and quality assurance. They were also revised to include skills to support workplace health and safety, including skills to communicate work safety procedures respectfully between workers, supervisors and responsible officers.

As these units appear in many places across the training package, several qualifications and skill sets that were not part of the original projects need to be updated to incorporate the updated units. Feedback was collected on the proposed updates to the qualifications and skill sets via surveys from 8 September – 6 October 2023. Four online information sessions were also held in September to provide stakeholders the option to learn more about the project and how to provide feedback. Thank you to those who participated in this round of feedback. The documents will be available for validation in November.

The equivalency status for qualifications and skill sets that have a new code will be determined once the placement of the units are confirmed.

Post-consultation Information Sessions

As part of the next stage of the project (validation), Skills Insight will be running two online information session to provide information about the type of feedback received during the ‘broad consultation’ phase of the project and how it was dealt with, a summary of changes(in addition to those that had already been proposed), and what’s next as we move towards finalisation stages.

Times are in AEDT.

Common changes across all updated units

Many common changes have been made to units that are now required to be included in the qualifications and skill sets listed below.

The Foundation Skills listed in many units have been revised to reflect essential skills required from certificate level I to diploma, to ensure they meet workplace requirements while not creating barriers for individual learners. In some cases, core skills for work previously listed have been removed, in line with policy frameworks.

In many cases, Performance Evidence has been revised to include ‘frequency’ (number of times) that an individual must demonstrate performance under assessment conditions. Note: demonstration of a specified task or activity of at last once does not mean that the individual will only perform the task on one occasion. Rather it means that it has to be performed once under assessment conditions after competency has been established.

The Assessment Conditions for many updated units have been revised to specify what is required for the assessment to take place as well as requirements for assessors.

Language was checked and adjusted as appropriate for the skill level. Units at different levels across each unit sector were revised at the same time to promote consistency across the units.

Workplace health and safety units (AHCWHS)

The suite of AHCWHS units, which are core units across many qualifications, were reviewed with input from peak WHS bodies including FarmSafe Australia and FarmSafe QLD. As well as updates to terminology to be in line with legislative changes, clear communication channels ‘up and down the chain’ when identifying and reporting WHS issues was stressed as highly important to prevent accidents. Units were revised so that workplace communication requirements for dealing with and reporting workplace health and safety issues are understood across all industry sectors.

Work units
(AHCWRK)

The suite of AHCWRK units are applied broadly across multiple qualifications and describe skills and knowledge required for wide ranging tasks typically required when working in the AHC sector. The importance of respectful communication was a key theme to embed in updated units as well as use of updated technology, understanding of environmental impacts, planning for optimal yields in changing conditions, recording data and quality assurance procedures.

Environmental and sustainability units (AHCWRK)

Environment and sustainability units are listed as core across many qualifications as the view was taken that the importance of sustainability across all sectors is key to ongoing viability.

Attention was paid to the level of skill and the language requirements used to describe skills at indicative levels for these units.  Adjustments were made so that they are more in line with respective level.

Infrastructure units
(AHCINF)

Infrastructure units were updated to reflect current practice in building and maintaining infrastructure and fencing, which are required across many agricultural settings.

Community coordination and facilitation (AHCCCF)

All AHCCCF units and qualifications were considered for deletion due to low enrolments and were therefore retained and updated to meet current skill requirements. However, it was found through consultation that these units covered important skills needed for Landcare and working with volunteers, that can be applied across the agriculture and horticulture sectors in general.

On Country management units (AHCOCM)

Unit content was strengthened and updated to meet current needs. Updates were also made to reaffirm Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights to utilise the described knowledge and skills for their communities and for personal vocations. There was strong support from stakeholders that appropriate language and consistent terminology were used throughout.

View the documents

Click on the accordions below to view the qualifications, skill sets and other documents that were made available for feedback.

The table below includes links to the current qualifications as they appear on the national training register (training.gov.au) and revised qualifications with highlighted units that require updating. A Summary of Changes is attached to the end of each qualification, outlining the changes to the units in more detail.

Current QualificationRevised Qualification
AHC10120 Certificate I in Conservation and Land Management AHC10124 Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
AHC20320 Certificate II in Production HorticultureAHC20324 Certificate II in Production Horticulture
AHC20621 Certificate II in Parks and GardensAHC20624 Certificate II in Parks and Gardens
AHC20720 Certificate II in Production NurseryAHC20724 Certificate II in Nursery Operations
AHC21020 Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem ManagementAHC21024 Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
AHC21119 Certificate II in IrrigationAHC21124 Certificate II in Irrigation
AHC21621 Certificate II in LandscapingAHC21624 Certificate II in Landscaping
AHC21819 Certificate II in Protected HorticultureAHC21824 Certificate II in Protected Horticulture
AHC30221 Certificate III in Dairy ProductionAHC30224 Certificate III in Dairy Production
AHC30318 Certificate III in Rural and Environmental Pest ManagementAHC30324 Certificate III in Rural and Environmental Pest Management
AHC30620 Certificate III in Production HorticultureAHC30624 Certificate III in Production Horticulture
AHC30820 Certificate III in ArboricultureAHC30824 Certificate III in Arboriculture
AHC30921 Certificate III in Landscape ConstructionAHC30924 Certificate III in Landscape Construction
AHC31021 Certificate III in Parks and GardensAHC31024 Certificate III in Parks and Gardens
AHC31120 Certificate III in Nursery OperationsAHC31124 Certificate III in Nursery Operations
AHC31319 Certificate III in Sports Turf ManagementAHC31324 Certificate III in Sports Turf Management
AHC31421 Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management AHC31424 Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
AHC31818 Certificate III in BeekeepingAHC31824 Certificate III in Beekeeping
AHC32422 Certificate III in Irrigation TechnologyAHC32424 Certificate III in Irrigation Technology
AHC32720 Certificate III in Rural MerchandisingAHC32724 Certificate III in Rural Merchandising
AHC33920 Certificate III in Medicinal Cannabis Cultivation and ProductionAHC33924 Certificate III in Medicinal Cannabis Cultivation and Production
AHC40219 Certificate IV in Protected HorticultureAHC40224 Certificate IV in Protected Horticulture
AHC40320 Certificate IV in Production HorticultureAHC40324 Certificate IV in Production Horticulture
AHC40620 Certificate IV in Nursery OperationsAHC40624 Certificate IV in Nursery Operations
AHC40920 Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem ManagementAHC40924 Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
AHC41019 Certificate IV in AgribusinessAHC41024 Certificate IV in Agribusiness
AHC41119 Certificate IV in Irrigation ManagementAHC41124 Certificate IV in Irrigation Management
AHC41720 Certificate IV in Pest ManagementAHC41724 Certificate IV in Pest Management
AHC42021 Certificate IV in Landscape Construction Management
Release 1
AHC42021 Certificate IV in Landscape Construction Management
Release 2
AHC42320 Certificate IV in Medicinal Cannabis Cultivation and ProductionAHC42324 Certificate IV in Medicinal Cannabis Cultivation and Production
AHC50320 Diploma of Production HorticultureAHC50324 Diploma of Production Horticulture
AHC50520 Diploma of ArboricultureAHC50524 Diploma of Arboriculture
AHC50820 Diploma of Nursery Management
Release 1
AHC50820 Diploma of Nursery Management
Release 2
AHC51019 Diploma of Sports Turf ManagementAHC51024 Diploma of Sports Turf Management
AHC51316 Diploma of Pest ManagementAHC51324 Diploma of Pest Management
AHC51422 Diploma of Agribusiness Management
Release 1
AHC51422 Diploma of Agribusiness Management
Release 2
AHC51519 Diploma of ViticultureAHC51524 Diploma of Viticulture
AHC51619 Diploma of Irrigation DesignAHC51624 Diploma of Irrigation Design
AHC51920 Diploma of Applied Agronomy
Release 1
AHC51920 Diploma of Applied Agronomy
Release 2
AHC60520 Advanced Diploma of ArboricultureAHC60524 Advanced Diploma of Arboriculture

The table below includes links to the current skill sets as they appear on the national training register (training.gov.au) and revised skill sets with highlighted units that require updating. A Summary of Changes is attached to the end of each skill sets, outlining the changes to updated units in more detail.

Current Skill SetRevised Skill Set
AHCSS00045 Spray Operator Skill SetAHCSS00045 Spray Operator Skill Set
AHCSS00061 Prepare For and Manage Organic Farm Certification Skill SetAHCSS00061 Prepare For and Manage Organic Farm Certification Skill Set
AHCSS00070 Recognise Native and Feral Fauna Skill SetAHCSS00166 Recognise Native and Feral Fauna Skill Set
AHCSS00073 Advanced Chemical Spray Application Skill SetAHCSS00167 Advanced Chemical Spray Application Skill Set
AHCSS00080 Introduction to Carbon Farming Skill SetAHCSS00168 Introduction to Carbon Farming Skill Set
AHCSS00088 Farm Business Workforce Skill SetAHCSS00169 Farm Business Workforce Skill Set
AHCSS00089 Business Skills For Sports Turf Management Skill SetAHCSS00170 Business Skills For Sports Turf Management Skill Set
AHCSS00091 Technical Skills For Sports Turf Management Skill SetAHCSS00171 Technical Skills For Sports Turf Management Skill Set
AHCSS00092 Irrigation Retailer Skill SetAHCSS00092 Irrigation Retailer Skill Set
AHCSS00093 Gravity Fed Irrigation Operator Skill SetAHCSS00172 Gravity Fed Irrigation Operator Skill Set
AHCSS00094 Irrigation Agronomist Skill SetAHCSS00173 Irrigation Agronomist Skill Set
AHCSS00095 Irrigation Contractor Skill SetAHCSS00174 Irrigation Contractor Skill Set
AHCSS00096 Irrigation Installer Skill SetAHCSS00175 Irrigation Installer Skill Set
AHCSS00097 Irrigation Manager Skill SetAHCSS00176 Irrigation Manager Skill Set
AHCSS00098 Pressurised Irrigation System Operator Skill SetAHCSS00177 Pressurised Irrigation System Operator Skill Set
AHCSS00101 Irrigation Retail Sales Skill SetAHCSS00178 Irrigation Retail Sales Skill Set
AHCSS00102 Irrigation Meter Installation and Validation Skill SetAHCSS00179 Irrigation Meter Installation and Validation Skill Set
AHCSS00107 Production Horticulture Machinery Skill SetAHCSS00180 Production Horticulture Machinery Skill Set
AHCSS00108 Production Horticulture Manager Skill SetAHCSS00181 Production Horticulture Manager Skill Set
AHCSS00109 Production Horticulture Supervisor Skill SetAHCSS00182 Production Horticulture Supervisor Skill Set
AHCSS00113 Firearms Skill SetAHCSS00183 Firearms Skill Set
AHCSS00115 Construct Roof Gardens, Vertical Gardens and Green Facades Skill SetAHCSS00184 Construct Roof Gardens, Vertical Gardens and Green Facades Skill Set
AHCSS00116 Maintain Roof Gardens, Vertical Gardens and Green Facades Skill SetAHCSS00116 Maintain Roof Gardens, Vertical Gardens and Green Facades Skill Set
AHCSS00118 Seed Processing Skill SetAHCSS00185 Seed Processing Skill Set
AHCSS00123 Administrator in Mined Land Rehabilitation Skill SetAHCSS00186 Administrator in Mined Land Rehabilitation Skill Set
AHCSS00124 Mined Land Rehabilitation Field Worker Skill SetAHCSS00187 Mined Land Rehabilitation Field Worker Skill Set
AHCSS00125 Mined Land Rehabilitation Machine Operator Skill SetAHCSS00188 Mined Land Rehabilitation Machine Operator Skill Set
AHCSS00126 Mined Land Rehabilitation Project Coordinator Skill SetAHCSS00189 Mined Land Rehabilitation Project Coordinator Skill Set

Minor updates to units

Some minor amendments have been identified for the following two units. This project provides the opportunity to also review these units and update them. 

Four units proposed for deletion

Four units are proposed for deletion as they have been removed from AHC qualifications as part of project work between 2019-22, because they include skills that are no longer required by industry or are duplicated by another unit. These units are contained within the qualifications under review as part of this project.

Unit proposed for inclusion in Arboriculture Diplomas

The newly developed unit AHCARB613 Conduct complex tree hazard and health assessment post-fire is proposed to be added to the Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Arboriculture. It was developed as part of the Responding and Assisting in Bushfires Project, which addressed the forestry industry’s need for skills in clearing and cleaning up after a bushfire. The unit is also relevant to arborists, who already possess skills in working with hazardous trees and may be required to perform this work as well. This unit will be submitted for endorsement as part of this project.

Draft Unit With Highlighted Changes
AHCARB613 Conduct complex tree hazard and health assessment post-fire 

Companion Volume Implementation Guides (CVIG)

Draft copies of the AHC Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package Version 10.0 Companion Volume Implementation Guides (CVIG) Part 1 and Part 2 are also under development as part of these updates. Please view the draft guides below. You are welcome to provide feedback via email to Ruth Geldard at [email protected].

As part of recent projects, units of competency describing core skills for work across the AHC sector have been updated to reflect updates in technology, systems and regulations and shifting skill needs, including in biosecurity, environmental sustainability, quality assurance workplace health and safety. As these units appear in many places across the training package, several qualifications and skill sets that were not part of the original projects need to be updated to incorporate the updated units.

Draft qualifications and skills sets were updated based on feedback received during the ‘broad consultation’ stage. The final drafts were made available for validation and comment on this webpage from 15 November – 3 December.

Summary of Changes

Of the 40 qualifications being updated as part of this project, 12 were updated to accommodate additional changes recommended by stakeholders as part of the ‘broad consultation’ stage. The remaining 28 qualifications were supported by stakeholders as part of the ‘broad consultation’ stage and so no additional changes were made.

The Business Skills For Sports Turf Management Skill Set was updated to replace the work health and safety unit with one that is a better fit for the business management skills required. The remaining 27 skill sets were supported by stakeholders as part of the ‘broad consultation’ stage and so no additional changes were made.

Feedback from the ‘broad consultation’ stage provided support for the inclusion of AHCARB613 Conduct complex tree hazard and health assessment post-fire as an elective unit in Diploma and Advanced Diploma arboriculture qualifications, minor changes to two units of competency and the deletion of four units of competency. 

Feedback was particularly encouraged on the units proposed for deletion and the word changes recommended to AHCAGB518 Develop climate risk management strategies and AHCMOM302 Perform machinery maintenance.

Further details about changes made in response to feedback received (in addition to what was proposed initially) are  outlined in the ‘summary of feedback and responses’ document.  Where feedback requests could not be implemented because they were outside the scope of this project, feedback will be carefully considered as part of our ongoing Workforce Plan, which guides our decisions on future initiatives. Some of this feedback reflects information we have already recorded, which has reiterated its importance.

A note for RTOs: Equivalency status has now been updated within the training products. Please note that for all qualifications with core unit changes which have been updated by a non equivalent unit, these qualification will be deemed as not equivalent.

Post-consultation Information Sessions

You have the opportunity to register for an information session where we will provide details about the type of feedback received during the ‘broad consultation’ phase of the project and how it was dealt with, a summary of changes (in addition to those that had already been proposed), and what’s next as we move towards finalisation stages.

Register for whichever time suits you best. Times are in AEDT.

Additional changes since broad consultation stage:

AHC31824 Certificate III in Beekeeping

Recommendation was to include AHCNRM301 Establish an Australian native stingless bee colony in AHC31824 Certificate III in Beekeeping as an elective unit
Skills outlined in the native stingless bee unit of competency were highlighted as particularly important in recent times. With the varroa on the scene there is a need to understand how non-Apis bees function in the ecosystem and within Horticulture and agriculture.


AHC21024 Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Recommendation was for AHCNRM301 Establish an Australian native stingless bee colony to be included in AHC21024 Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

This will provide a direct opportunity to see the important Native Bee skills embedded as an elective opportunity for the Conservation and Ecosystem management Industry and RTO’s to have as an option.

Recommendation was to include TLIC0023 Operate four wheel drive vehicle as group B elective AHC21024 Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management


AHC31424 Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Recommendation was to include AHCNRM301 Establish an Australian native stingless bee colony in AHC31324 Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Recommendation was that AHCMOM213 Operate and maintain chainsaws be added as an elective to AHC31424 Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Download the draft qualification and summary of changes


AHC40924 Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Recommendation was that BSBPMG430 Undertake project work, be added as a Group B elective in AHC40924 Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Download the draft qualification and summary of changes


AHC31024 Certificate III in Parks and Gardens

Recommendation was to remove greenkeeper in Qualification Description as no longer a relevant job role for this qualification

Download the draft qualification and summary of changes


AHC30921 Certificate III in Landscape Construction

Release 2

AHC30921 will not need a new code because the updated unit versions are elective and don’t form part of a sepcialisation. This qualification will remain as AHC30921 Certificate III in Landscape Construction Release 2

Download the draft qualification and summary of changes


AHC30224 Certificate III in Dairy Production

Recommendation was to include AHCLPW308 Coordinate and report on data collection as an elective unit in Certificate III in Dairy Production

The skill to monitor and maintain automated data collection systems is one that will be in greater demand as these systems are more widely implemented in the future. The general data collection unit AHCLPW308 Coordinate and report on data collection would be beneficial to include as an elective unit option in this qualification.

Download the draft qualification and summary of changes


AHC30824 Certificate III in Arboriculture

Recommendation was to replace CPCCCM2012 Work safely at heights with RIIWHS204E Work safely at heights (more fit for purpose for arborists)

Download the draft qualification and summary of changes


AHC40324 Certificate IV in Production Horticulture

Recommendation was to list AHCPMG401 Implement the pest monitoring and evaluation plan, and AHCPCM405 Implement an integrated pest management program, as electives in AHC40324 Certificate IV in Production Horticulture

Integrated Pest Management IPM)is essential to understand and implement. It is part of the environmental sustainability options.

Download the draft qualification and summary of changes


AHC50324 Diploma of Production Horticulture

Recommendation was that the unit FBPFSY5003 Design a traceability system for food products should be included in the electives list in in AHC50324 Diploma of Production Horticulture

Traceability is a critical part of production horticulture and nothing specific covering this topic is currently listed in this qualification. 

Download the draft qualification and summary of changes


AHC50524 Diploma of Arboriculture

Recommendation was to include AHCARB613 Conduct complex tree hazard and health assessment post-fire as elective unit in AHC50524 Diploma of Arboriculture

AHCARB613 was developed as part of the Bushfire Response Project and was flagged as describing important skills for undertaking tree assessment post-fire and should be included as an elective unit in this qualification

Download the draft qualification and summary of changes


AHC60524 Advanced Diploma of Arboriculture

Recommendation was to include AHCARB613 Conduct complex tree hazard and health assessment post-fire as elective unit in AHC60524 Advanced Diploma of Arboriculture

AHCARB613 was developed as part of the Bushfire Response Project and was flagged as describing important skills for undertaking tree assessment post-fire and should be included as an elective in this qualification

The following units are pre-requisite units in the unit AHCARB613 Conduct complex tree hazard and health assessment post-fire:

AHCARB513 Examine and assess trees and

AHCARB408 Perform a ground-based tree defect evaluation

Recommendation was to include the pre-requisite units in Advanced Diploma of Arboriculture as electives because they are pre-requisites in AHCARB613. Recommendation is to add the pre-requisite units to their own elective Group B and add in the packaging rules state that “electives from group B can only be selected where required as a pre-requisite’.

*Note Advanced Diploma of Arboriculture has entry requirements so potential for RPL of pre-requisite units as an additional avenue for individuals undertaking this qualification.

Recommendation was to Include in the elective group the units:

PSPPCM007 Manage Contracts, and

AHCWRK506 Collect and manage data,

to replace deleted elective units LGAGCM710A Manage contracts and contractors, and LGAPLEM512A Provide Geographic information systems data.

Download the draft qualification and summary of changes

 AHCSS00170  Business Skills For Sports Turf Management Skill Set

Recommendation was to replace AHCWHS401 Maintain work health and Safety Processes with AHCWHS503 Manage workplace health and safety processes as a better fit for business management skills required for management functions in the sports turf industry.

Download the draft qualification and summary of changes

AHCMOM302 Perform machinery maintenance

Recommendation

Element 1 updated ‘Prepare for machinery maintenance.’

Download the draft qualification and summary of changes


AHCAGB518 Develop climate risk management strategies

The decision is that the word change from ‘chances’ to ‘changes’ is to go ahead on advice from stakeholders delivering the unit.

Download the draft qualification and summary of changes

No additional changes since broad consultation stage:

The table below includes links to the current qualifications as they appear on the national training register (training.gov.au) and revised qualifications with highlighted units that require updating. A Summary of Changes is attached to the end of each qualification, outlining the changes to the units in more detail.

Revised QualificationSummary of Changes
AHC10124 Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem ManagementDownload draft qualification and summary
AHC20324 Certificate II in Production HorticultureDownload draft qualification and summary
AHC20624 Certificate II in Parks and GardensDownload draft qualification and summary
AHC20724 Certificate II in Nursery OperationsDownload draft qualification and summary
AHC21124 Certificate II in IrrigationDownload draft qualification and summary
AHC21624 Certificate II in LandscapingDownload draft qualification and summary
AHC21824 Certificate II in Protected HorticultureDownload draft qualification and summary
AHC30324 Certificate III in Rural and Environmental Pest ManagementDownload draft qualification and summary
AHC30624 Certificate III in Production HorticultureDownload draft qualification and summary
AHC31124 Certificate III in Nursery OperationsDownload draft qualification and summary
AHC31324 Certificate III in Sports Turf ManagementDownload draft qualification and summary
AHC32424 Certificate III in Irrigation TechnologyDownload draft qualification and summary
AHC32724 Certificate III in Rural MerchandisingDownload draft qualification and summary
AHC33924 Certificate III in Medicinal Cannabis Cultivation and ProductionDownload draft qualification and summary
AHC40224 Certificate IV in Protected HorticultureDownload draft qualification and summary
AHC40624 Certificate IV in Nursery OperationsDownload draft qualification and summary
AHC41024 Certificate IV in AgribusinessDownload draft qualification and summary
AHC41124 Certificate IV in Irrigation ManagementDownload draft qualification and summary
AHC41724 Certificate IV in Pest ManagementDownload draft qualification and summary
AHC42021 Certificate IV in Landscape Construction Management
Release 2
Download draft qualification and summary
AHC42324 Certificate IV in Medicinal Cannabis Cultivation and ProductionDownload draft qualification and summary
AHC50820 Diploma of Nursery Management
Release 2
Download draft qualification and summary
AHC51024 Diploma of Sports Turf ManagementDownload draft qualification and summary
AHC51324 Diploma of Pest ManagementDownload draft qualification and summary
AHC51422 Diploma of Agribusiness Management
Release 2
Download draft qualification and summary
AHC51524 Diploma of ViticultureDownload draft qualification and summary
AHC51624 Diploma of Irrigation DesignDownload draft qualification and summary
AHC51920 Diploma of Applied Agronomy
Release 2
Download draft qualification and summary

The table below includes links to the current skill sets as they appear on the national training register (training.gov.au) and revised skill sets with highlighted units that require updating. A Summary of Changes is attached to the end of each skill sets, outlining the changes to updated units in more detail.

Revised Skill SetSummary of changes
AHCSS00045 Spray Operator Skill Set
Release 2
Download draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00061 Prepare For and Manage Organic Farm Certification Skill Set
Release 2
Download draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00166 Recognise Native and Feral Fauna Skill SetDownload draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00167 Advanced Chemical Spray Application Skill SetDownload draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00168 Introduction to Carbon Farming Skill SetDownload draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00169 Farm Business Workforce Skill SetDownload draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00171 Technical Skills For Sports Turf Management Skill SetDownload draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00092 Irrigation Retailer Skill Set
Release 2
Download draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00172 Gravity Fed Irrigation Operator Skill SetDownload draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00173 Irrigation Agronomist Skill SetDownload draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00174 Irrigation Contractor Skill SetDownload draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00175 Irrigation Installer Skill SetDownload draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00176 Irrigation Manager Skill SetDownload draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00177 Pressurised Irrigation System Operator Skill SetDownload draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00178 Irrigation Retail Sales Skill SetDownload draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00179 Irrigation Meter Installation and Validation Skill SetDownload draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00180 Production Horticulture Machinery Skill SetDownload draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00181 Production Horticulture Manager Skill SetDownload draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00182 Production Horticulture Supervisor Skill SetDownload draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00183 Firearms Skill SetDownload draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00184 Construct Roof Gardens, Vertical Gardens and Green Facades Skill SetDownload draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00116 Maintain Roof Gardens, Vertical Gardens and Green Facades Skill Set
Release 2
Download draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00185 Seed Processing Skill SetDownload draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00186 Administrator in Mined Land Rehabilitation Skill SetDownload draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00187 Mined Land Rehabilitation Field Worker Skill SetDownload draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00188 Mined Land Rehabilitation Machine Operator Skill SetDownload draft qualification and summary
AHCSS00189 Mined Land Rehabilitation Project Coordinator Skill SetDownload draft qualification and summary

Four units are proposed for deletion as they have been removed from AHC qualifications as part of project work between 2019-22, because they include skills that are no longer required by industry or are duplicated by another unit. These units are contained within the qualifications under review as part of this project.

No feedback was received about the removal of these units during the broad consultation stage. Feedback was encouraged on their proposed deletion again at Validation.

Existing UnitUnit for Deletion
AHCMER301 Process customer complaints suggested to be replaced by BSBOPS305 Process customer complaints in impacted qualifications/skill sets.View unit
AHCCCF407 Obtain resources from community and groups
AHCCCF409 Participate in assessments of project submissions
AHCCCF410 Support individuals in resource management change processes
View unit
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The newly developed unit AHCARB613 Conduct complex tree hazard and health assessment post-fire is proposed to be added to the Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Arboriculture. It was developed as part of the Responding and Assisting in Bushfires Project, which addressed the forestry industry’s need for skills in clearing and cleaning up after a bushfire. The unit is also relevant to arborists, who already possess skills in working with hazardous trees and may be required to perform this work as well. This unit will be submitted for endorsement as part of this project.

Draft Unit With Highlighted Changes
AHCARB613 Conduct complex tree hazard and health assessment post-fire 

Draft copies of the AHC Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package Version 10.0 Companion Volume Implementation Guides (CVIG) Part 1 and Part 2 are also under development as part of these updates. Please view the draft guides below. Feedback was encouraged via email.

Summary of Consultation to Date

Thank you to those who participated in the ‘broad consultation’ stage. Feedback was collected about the proposed updates to the qualifications and skill sets via online surveys from 8 September – 6 October 2023. Feedback was also encouraged and reported via email, phone calls and online meetings.

All feedback has been recorded and responded to in the Skills insight data base and can be viewed in the ‘summary of feedback and responses’. In total 142 items of stakeholder feedback have been collated, recorded and responded to in the feedback data base in response to questions about including updated units of competency across 40 qualifications and 28 skill sets.

There were also 95 attendees across four online information sessions held in September to provide stakeholders the option to learn more about the project and how to provide feedback.

Overall, stakeholders supported the replacement of the units with their updated versions across the 40 qualifications and 28 skill sets. In some cases, further clarification was provided to explain the differences between updated units and their superseded version. Clarification of terms and interpretation of the requirements for assessment were also explained where applicable. 

Some key units of competency for work in the agriculture, horticulture, conservation and ecosystem management (AHC) sector were revised as part of projects undertaken in 2019-22. As these units relate to important skills used across the industry, several qualifications and skill sets that were not part of the original projects required updating as part of this project to incorporate the improved units.

Those impacted by the required updates have been invited to provide feedback throughout this project, so that considerations and adjustments can be made as to how to implement the changes.

Stakeholders have provided input on 40 qualifications and 28 skill sets, which have been updated to include recently improved units from 16 industry sectors. As a result, learners and trainers will soon have access to skills standards that reflect the most recent industry standards, technology and terminology, including those relating to biosecurity, environmental sustainability, quality assurance, and workplace health and safety.

The revised qualifications and skill sets were endorsed by the Skills Ministers on 23 April 2024 and published on the National Training Register on 1 May 2024.

Before being submitted for endorsement, the units underwent an anti-discrimination assessment process and consideration and support provided by the Senior Responsible Officers and the Training Package Assurance Body.

A Consultation Log was submitted alongside the drafts, including evidence of industry support for the changes made. A Companion Volume Implementation Guide has also been produced to assist industry and registered training providers (RTOs) deliver the qualifications and skill sets. It contains key information to help trainers adapt to the new changes, mandatory workplace requirements, pathways and VET in schools, and additional information about the impacts of regulation and licensing implications and workplace health and safety on their training. See below for copies of all documents submitted.

Key Outcomes

The purpose of this project was to consult on updating 40 qualifications and 28 skill sets to include units that were already reviewed as part of previous projects, including units in:

  • workplace health and safety (WHS)
  • work(WRK)
  • environmental and sustainability (WRK)
  • infrastructure (INF)
  • community coordination and facilitation (CCF)
  • on Country management (OCM)

In response to feedback received throughout this project, adjustments have been made to some of the qualifications and skill sets to replace elective units and incorporate new ones. The equivalency status of all qualifications and skill sets has been confirmed. Minor changes have been made to the wording in some units. Four units are proposed for deletion, because they include skills that are no longer required by industry or are duplicated by another unit.

As a result of these updates, learners across the agriculture, horticulture, conservation and ecosystem management industry will have access to units that better support communication, sustainability and safety, and reflect current workplace requirements, language use, technology, and policies.

Updates to placement of units within the qualifications and skill sets include:

  • AHCNRM301 Establish an Australian native stingless bee colony to be included in AHC21024 Certificate II and III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management and Certificate III in Beekeeping
  • AHCLPW308 Coordinate and report on data collection added as an elective unit in Certificate III in Dairy Production
  • AHCPMG401 Implement the pest monitoring and evaluation plan and AHCPCM405 Implement an integrated pest management program added as electives in AHC40324 Certificate IV in Production Horticulture
  • FBPFSY5003 Design a traceability system for food products to be included in the electives list in AHC50324 Diploma of Production Horticulture
  • CPCCCM2012 Work safely at heights replaced with RIIWHS204E Work safely at heights in the Certificate III in Arboriculture (more fit for purpose for arborists)
  • AHCARB613 Conduct complex tree hazard and health assessment post-fire (recently developed unit) included as elective unit in Diploma of Arboriculture and Advanced Diploma of Arboriculture.
  • PSPPCM007 Manage Contracts and AHCWRK506 Collect and manage data included in the elective group the Advanced Diploma of Arboriculture
  • AHCWHS401 Maintain work health and Safety Processes replaced with AHCWHS503 Manage workplace health and safety processes as a better fit for business management skills required for management functions in the sports turf industry in the Business Skills For Sports Turf Management Skill Set
  • Three additional electives included in the Diploma of Viticulture to include regenerative agriculture principles:
  • AHCWRK410 Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices
  • AHCPCM406 Develop a soil health and plant nutrition program
  • AHCPHT409 Develop a crop regulation program.

Summary of Consultation

Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time and expertise throughout this project. At the start of the project, subject matter experts working across specific qualification areas were identified and asked to provide their input and guidance. Areas where input was sought include conservation and ecosystem management, production horticulture, protected horticulture, nursery operations, irrigation, landscaping, dairy production, pest management, arboriculture, parks and gardens, sports turf management, beekeeping, rural merchandising, agronomy and agribusiness.

Draft documents were made available on this webpage at two stages, during the ‘broad consultation’ stage from 8 September – 6 October 2023 and again at the ‘validation’ stage from 15 November – 3 December 2023. Feedback was encouraged and reported via surveys, email, phone calls and online meetings.

Broad Consultation

  • 142 items of stakeholder feedback collated via online surveys, email, phone calls and online information sessions
  • 95 attendees across four online information sessions held in September

Validation

  • 76 items of stakeholder feedback collated via online surveys, email, phone calls and online information sessions
  • 30 attendees across two online information sessions held in November

All feedback has been recorded and responded to in the Skills Insight database. You can view a summary of feedback and how it has been responses from the ‘broad consultation’ stage and the ‘validation’ stage below.

Endorsed and published documents

AHC10124 Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
AHC20324 Certificate II in Production Horticulture
AHC20624 Certificate II in Parks and Gardens
AHC20724 Certificate II in Nursery Operations
AHC21024 Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
AHC21124 Certificate II in Irrigation
AHC21624 Certificate II in Landscaping
AHC21824 Certificate II in Protected Horticulture
AHC30224 Certificate III in Dairy Production
AHC30324 Certificate III in Rural and Environmental Pest Management
AHC30624 Certificate III in Production Horticulture
AHC30824 Certificate III in Arboriculture
AHC30921 Certificate III in Landscape Construction (Release 2)
AHC31024 Certificate III in Parks and Gardens
AHC31124 Certificate III in Nursery Operations
AHC31324 Certificate III in Sports Turf Management
AHC31424 Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
AHC31824 Certificate III in Beekeeping
AHC32424 Certificate III in Irrigation Technology
AHC32724 Certificate III in Rural Merchandising
AHC33924 Certificate III in Medicinal Cannabis Cultivation and Production
AHC40224 Certificate IV in Protected Horticulture
AHC40324 Certificate IV in Production Horticulture
AHC40624 Certificate IV in Nursery Operations
AHC40924 Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
AHC41024 Certificate IV in Agribusiness
AHC41124 Certificate IV in Irrigation Management
AHC41724 Certificate IV in Pest Management
AHC42021 Certificate IV in Landscape Construction Management (Release 2)
AHC42324 Certificate IV in Medicinal Cannabis Cultivation and Production
AHC50324 Diploma of Production Horticulture
AHC50524 Diploma of Arboriculture
AHC50820 Diploma of Nursery Management (Release 2)
AHC51024 Diploma of Sports Turf Management
AHC51324 Diploma of Pest Management
AHC51422 Diploma of Agribusiness Management (Release 2)
AHC51524 Diploma of Viticulture
AHC51624 Diploma of Irrigation Design
AHC51920 Diploma of Applied Agronomy (Release 2)
AHC60524 Advanced Diploma of Arboriculture
AHCSS00045 Spray Operator Skill Set (Release 2)
AHCSS00061 Prepare For and Manage Organic Farm Certification Skill Set (Release 2)
AHCSS00166 Recognise Native and Feral Fauna Skill Set
AHCSS00167 Advanced Chemical Spray Application Skill Set
AHCSS00168 Introduction to Carbon Farming Skill Set
AHCSS00169 Farm Business Workforce Skill Set
AHCSS00170 Business Skills For Sports Turf Management Skill Set
AHCSS00171 Technical Skills For Sports Turf Management Skill Set
AHCSS00092 Irrigation Retailer Skill Set (Release 2)
AHCSS00172 Gravity Fed Irrigation Operator Skill Set
AHCSS00173 Irrigation Agronomist Skill Set
AHCSS00174 Irrigation Contractor Skill Set
AHCSS00175 Irrigation Installer Skill Set
AHCSS00176 Irrigation Manager Skill Set
AHCSS00177 Pressurised Irrigation System Operator Skill Set
AHCSS00178 Irrigation Retail Sales Skill Set
AHCSS00179 Irrigation Meter Installation and Validation Skill Set
AHCSS00180 Production Horticulture Machinery Skill Set
AHCSS00181 Production Horticulture Manager Skill Set
AHCSS00182 Production Horticulture Supervisor Skill Set
AHCSS00183 Firearms Skill Set
AHCSS00184 Construct Roof Gardens, Vertical Gardens and Green Facades Skill Set
AHCSS00116 Maintain Roof Gardens, Vertical Gardens and Green Facades Skill Set (release 2)
AHCSS00185 Seed Processing Skill Set
AHCSS00186 Administrator in Mined Land Rehabilitation Skill Set
AHCSS00187 Mined Land Rehabilitation Field Worker Skill Set
AHCSS00188 Mined Land Rehabilitation Machine Operator Skill Set
AHCSS00189 Mined Land Rehabilitation Project Coordinator Skill Set

Key project submission documentation:

Other supporting evidence referenced in the Submission Form:

Project background

As the agriculture, horticulture, conservation and land management industry adapts to technological advancements, shifting markets, and environmental concerns, it is important that the AHC training package can be updated holistically and on a regular basis. 

Given the many unique and interrelated skills across the industry, a strategic approach is being undertaken to identify and review units by their sector classification rather than their listing in qualifications. 

This project supports the broader Unit Sector approach, looking at qualifications and skill sets that contain recently reviewed units and replacing them with the latest version as applicable.

Following a staged process, the Unit Sector approach allows us to:

  • review the entire training package within a limited number of years
  • reduce the impact on RTOs and their requirements to update training delivery materials
  • make better use of expert’s time when volunteering their expertise
  • make it easier to identify duplication of content and missing skills and improve the ability of units to describe job functions that are required across multiple qualifications
  • provide further opportunities to identify units that are misaligned with their defined AQF level, improving the quality of AHC units specifically and the training package generally

Recent Projects as part of the Unit Sector Approach include:

Further projects are planned in future to complete the full revision of the training package as part of the ‘Unit Sector’ approach.