Gain the fundamental skills and knowledge required of horticulturists in orchards, vineyards, nurseries or any other major commercial operation with this hands-on programme. Employment opportunities are extremely diverse in this industry and, with motivation and hard work, you may find yourself working as an irrigation technician, fruit grower, plant propagator, vineyard supervisor or even at the head of your own business! Successful graduates of this programme will receive both the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) (Nursery Production) and the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Production (Level 4) (Fruit Production). This qualification is a 50-50 mix of theoretical and practical studies and you will make use of the campus nursery, hydroponics unit and the ten-hectare Otago Polytechnic crop production facility where wine grapes, stone fruit, pipfruit, olives, flowers and berries are grown. You will also undertake work experience within Central Otago's extensive horticulture industry, enabling you to develop real-world skills and forge important relationships. Skills required: An enjoyment of working outdoors Physical fitness Planning and organisational skills Good communication skills An eye for detail. Further study options: Advance your knowledge with the Diploma in Horticulture Production (Level 5) (subject to final approval). Horticulture may also be studied at degree-level in New Zealand. Your workload: You should expect to spend a minimum of 30 hours a week on this programme. You will study This programme is based entirely in our unrivalled Central Otago campus practical horticulture facilities which include the propagation nursery, hydroponics unit, modern glasshouses, 7-hectare crop production unit and vineyard. You will gain experience of the techniques required to grow a wide range of nursery and fruit crops including hydroponic herbs and vegetables, native plants, saffron, apples, apricots, wine grapes, figs, and cherries.