Horticulture A/M/V focuses on the processes and industry practices required to design, create, and maintain plant specific environments and business in an increasingly technological and information rich world. Students develop knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts in plant biology and physiology, soil nutrients and climate in conjunction with the skills to use traditional and contemporary tools, and materials of the horticulture industry for a range of purposes and in an array of contexts. They examine the challenges that exist in the horticulture industry in adapting to new technology, client demands, urbanisation and changing climatic conditions, and explore future options.

Students investigate the purpose of horticulture business, occupations, future directions, and trends. Industry practices and processes for a variety of contexts are explored and applied across a range of subsets within the industry, e.g., nursery, market gardening, arboriculture. Through both individual and collaborative learning experiences, students learn to meet employer expectations and establish productive and appropriate work habits. Participating in industry specific tasks promotes the development of adaptable, competent, self-motivated individuals who consider safety and work collaboratively with colleagues. Students develop skills for communicating orally, in written, and graphical modes. They plan, select, and organise materials to achieve desired horticultural outcomes, to meet design and client briefs. Students apply sustainable practices and environmental considerations. They interpret results and data from their own investigations to draw justified conclusions about sustainability.

Students develop relevant technical, vocational, and interpersonal capabilities suitable for employment and further training in the horticulture industry. The study of Horticulture also provides for the development of employability skills such as communication and teamwork which are transferable to other industry areas. Through the study of this subject, students will gain experiences that can be applied in a range of contexts, including work, study and recreation that will assist them to make informed choices.

This course provides opportunities to complete VET qualifications or a Statement of Attainment from the Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package (AHC). However, the course may be delivered as A/M/V, A/V, M/V, A or M.

Courses written under this framework provide students with knowledge, understanding and skills relating to areas of work inside the industry & services domains. In broad terms, students learn about industry practices, processes, procedures and concepts such as technical information, materials, sustainability, equipment and work health & safety (WHS). Students learn to analyse, problem solve, make decisions and develop interpersonal and intrapersonal skills suitable for employment and further training.