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Certificate III in Landscape Construction

The AHC30921 is the standard trade qualification required to become a licensed structural landscaper in most Australian states.

If you want to build retaining walls over 1m high, lay extensive paving, build decks, or run commercial landscape sites, this is the course you need. It is vastly different from a horticulture or parks and gardens qualification because it focuses heavily on hardscaping (construction) alongside softscaping (planting).

Course Breakdown

The qualification generally consists of 15 units (usually 11 core and 4 electives). Core units cover:

  • WHS: Work safely in the construction industry (White Card).
  • Hardscaping: Construct retaining walls, lay paving, construct brick and block structures.
  • Earthworks: Set out sites, install drainage systems.
  • Softscaping: Plant trees and shrubs, implement soil improvements.

Cost and Duration

The course is almost always completed as an apprenticeship taking 3 to 4 years. You work for a qualified landscaper 4 days a week and attend TAFE or an RTO (Registered Training Organisation) 1 day a week (or in blocks).

Fees vary wildly depending on state government subsidies. Eligible apprentices often pay between $1,500 and $3,500 total, though full-fee structures can exceed $10,000.

Next Steps

If you are looking for an employer, search job boards for "1st Year Landscape Apprentice". If you already have years of undocumented experience, look into RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) to fast-track your ticket.

Read more about State Licensing Rules.

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