This qualification contains the requirements for award of the National Certificate in Horticulture (Introductory) (Level 2) [Ref: 1013], and is another step on the pathway for people interested in a career in horticulture. It also contributes credits to the National Certificate in Horticulture (Advanced) (Level 4) with strands in Amenity Horticulture, Fruit Production, Landscape, Nursery Production, Postharvest, Production Horticulture, Viticulture, and Vegetable Production [Ref: 1015], and people intending to progress to that qualification should bear this in mind when choosing electives.

People who achieve this qualification have the ability to undertake a range of horticultural tasks at a tradesperson level. The general qualification covers broad knowledge and skills relevant across all sectors of the horticulture industry. The optional strands embedded in the qualification recognise the specialised knowledge and skill in the sector chosen.

This qualification is designed to enable providers to offer a sector-endorsed qualification in one full-time year, and for Primary Industry Training Organisation trainees to complete this qualification in the second year of their three-year apprenticeship towards a National Certificate in Horticulture (Advanced) (Level 4) with strands in Amenity Horticulture, Fruit Production, Landscape, Nursery Production, Postharvest, Production Horticulture, Viticulture, and Vegetable Production [Ref: 1015]. Candidates have the choice of either completing a general horticulture qualification, or specialising in one sector of the industry via an optional strand.

There are two paths in this qualification to achieve the required total of 140 credits.

a A general horticulture qualification, where 90 credits are required from the specified domains in the subfield Horticulture, resulting in award of the National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4) [Ref: 1014]; or

b A specialised horticulture qualification, where at least 70 of the 90 credits required from the specified domains in the subfield Horticulture must come from the domain appropriate to one of the strands, resulting in, for example, award of the National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4) with the Amenity Horticulture strand [Ref: 1014].

The elective structure of the qualification allows trainees, providers, and employers the flexibility to tailor programmes to meet individual skill needs that reflect the diverse roles in the horticulture industry. Providers are advised to consider on-job safety requirements and ensure that they select standards that include driving, chainsaws, first aid, and safety in the workplace.

Primary Industry Training Organisation supports the concept of continuing and lifelong education, and encourages students to consider future training options. Credit transfer arrangements are included in this qualification to provide linkage and progression from and into horticulture programmes at Lincoln University and Massey University.