Horticultural worker
Sunraysia Institute of Tafe (SuniTAFE)

Do you have a keen interest in the Horticulture Industry and in particular Production Horticulture as a Farm Hand? If so, Sunraysia Institute of Tafe (SuniTafe), will give you a great opportunity to gain experience in Production Horticulture as a Farm Hand at SuniTAFE SMART Farm.

SuniTAFE operates a 30 hectare horticultural property at Cardross, used for both commercial purposes and student training. It has the most advanced irrigation equipment found on any training property in Australia. Crops produced include wine grapes, dried vine fruit, table grapes, citrus, stone fruit, avocados and vegetables. The property is well supplied with plant and equipment. The farm is also trialing the introduction of crops that are new to the region.

Location: SuniTAFE SMART Farm, 161 Dairtnunk Avenue, Cardross.

The SWL Opportunity is ideally suited to a VCE-VM, VPC or VCE student studying VET Horticulture to gain skills with a highly regarded local Tafe Educational Institution, SuniTafe.

If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please share this opportunity with your Careers Transition Pathway Officer, Careers, VET or VCE-VM Coordinator.

Skills You Might Learn

The student may have the opportunity to attain a broad range of skills while on work placement. These may include valuable employability skills such as:
• Communication.
• Teamwork.
• Punctuality.
• Presentation.
• Hygiene.
• Problem solving.
• Planning.
• Initiative.
• Follow instructions.
• Work under supervision.
• Industry specific OH&S.

The student may also attain vital industry specific skills which will relate to their secondary school studies they include:
• Hands-on practical experience.
• Observing and learning from industry qualified and experienced professionals.
• Working in real-life scenarios.
• Working with tools and equipment necessary to the occupation.
• Liaising and working with supervisors, colleagues, industry personnel, customers/clients and suppliers.

Typical Tasks & Duties

The student will undertake duties as part of a hardworking team at the SuniTafe Cardross Farm. As a Farm Hand there will be a wide range of duties on the farm. Work may include operate basic machinery and equipment, establishing and maintaining crops and treating pests. The student will work under direct supervision of the Farm Supervisor in charge.

Production Horticulture - Farm Hand Tasks include;
• Participate in work health and safety processes.
• Plant horticultural crops.
• Carry out post-harvest operations.
• Operate basic machinery and equipment.
• Treat plant pests, diseases and disorders.
• Support horticultural crop harvesting.
• Carry out canopy maintenance.
• Undertake field budding and grafting.
• Care for nursery plants.
• Maintain food safety when loading, unloading and transporting food.
• Observe enterprise quality assurance procedures.
• Collect and record production data.

Student Requirements

Students with a positive attitude towards the Horticulture Industry and in particular Production Horticulture as a Farm Hand with a keen eye for detail and are self-motivated, willing to listen and follow instruction are encouraged to consider a future SWL placement to develop skills learned from their VDSS subject in Horticulture.

Whilst the students is attending the work placement they are expected to:
• Dress appropriately.
• Maintain interest and participate in tasks and work duties.
• Be well mannered and behave in a respectful and responsible manner.
• Be punctual.
• Follow management instructions.
• Act in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements.
• Work within the team.
• Listen and take advice from fellow workers.
• Respect other people’s belongings.
• Keep a note pad and pen handy to take notes for their own reference.
• Demonstrate the skills they have developed through their course.
• Take their Log Book to the work placement every day.

The student will be required to complete a number of tasks outdoors therefore must enjoy working in this type of environment.

Dress Requirements

The student will be required to present in the following work attire;
• Work pants.
• Hi visual shirt.
• Steel capped work boots.
• Wide brim hat.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate to the tasks and duties carried out by the student, will be supplied by the Host Employer.

Special Transport Requirements

By car, you will find the site at, 161 Dairtnunk Ave, Cardross. The entrance to the farm is found between Dow Avenue and Twenty Second Street. Look for the sign and the classrooms. There is ample on-site parking.

Public Transport is limited, students to check bus transport availability and or speak to parents/carer to organise transport prior to contacting employer.

CDC Victoria - Mildura: Ph: 5023 0274, Website: https://cdcvictoria.com.au/travel-information/timetables-and-maps/mildura/.

RELATED COURSES INCLUDE

• AHC20416 - Certificate II in Horticulture
• AHC30716 - Certificate III in Horticulture