National Certificate: Landscaping

66649 | NQF LEVEL 03 – CREDITS 120

Purpose of the Qualification
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 2 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:

• Ensure health and safety standards in the horticultural industry.
• Maintain practices of providing plant care and nutrition for ornamental plants and landscapes.
• Shape trees and shrubs to promote flowering.
• Ensure that alien invader plants are controlled.
• Recognize a range of ornamental plants used in horticulture and care for plants that require special attention.
• Ensure that grassed areas are maintained through the application of mowing and de-thatching practices.
• Ensure that the irrigation systems installed in landscaped areas are properly maintained.
• Supervise and maintain specific sportsturf areas.

Rationale

South Africa has the richest floral kingdom in the world and attracts thousands of visitors each year who enjoy the diversity of the flora in the different geographic regions. Numerous international horticultural conferences are held in South Africa. This confirms the importance of horticultural aspects in the daily lives of South Africans and the positive economic effect that the sales of horticultural products and services have being available to both the local and international markets.

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 2.
• ID 119687: Demonstrate a basic understanding of the horticultural industry.

Learners should also preferably have completed the following unit standards prior to commencing with this qualification:

• Provide care for ornamental plants at NQF Level 2.
• Apply pest control practices in ornamental plant production and landscaping at NQF Level 2.
• Prune and shape shrubs at NQF Level 2.
• Provide nutrition to plants and landscapes at NQF Level 2.