VET (Vocational Education & Training) Programs

CERES School of Nature and Climate is committed to providing innovative programs in the areas of horticulture, permaculture, hospitality and environmental education that meet the diverse needs of our varied learners. CERES offers the following types of VET programs:

  1. Accredited
  2. Pre-accredited
  3. Non-accredited

You can read more about these different course types below.

VET Programs are designed to provide you with the opportunities to:

  • Gain practical entry level industry skills and experience under the guidance of industry experts.
  • Build on and further develop existing industry knowledge and experience.
  • Explore and get a taste of a range of possible industry training and employment pathways.

VET programs are available to adults and students in Years 10, 11 and 12.

Learning Pathways Service

We also offer a service, Learning Pathways, in which you can consult with our experienced staff in understanding your options and opportunities in learning. Learn more on our Learning Pathways page.

1. ACCREDITED PROGRAMS

CERES is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO TOID 3686) and currently offers the Introduction to Horticulture and Permaculture which is comprised of Selected units from Certificate II in Horticulture (AHC20422) & Certificate II in Permaculture (AHC21722).

PLEASE NOTE: we are only able to enrol domestic students in these courses. Read the full RTO FEES and Refund Policy HERE.

Logo: Nationally Recognised Training

More on Introduction to Horticulture and Permaculture

We also offer three units selected from the Certificate II in Horticulture (AHC20416) and the Certificate II in Permaculture (AHC21716) as a Taster program for individual adults who are not sure as to whether accredited training is for them, or whether Horticulture is the right pathway or who are simply not able to commit to a full course at this stage. Further information for this Introduction to Horticulture program including dates and fees can be downloaded here: Intro to Horticulture and Permaculture Course Information 2024

“I loved the class discussions, learnt a lot from seeing what and how others approached things. I enjoyed it all – it was a great way to see if I want to continue study which I will”
2018 Participant

“I really enjoyed the content, the balance of hands on and theoretical work. … a wonderful trainer and the group work was terrific”

2018 Participant
“The trainer’s knowledge and the varied content from week to week kept it always interesting”
2018 Participant,
“Overall, it’s been such a wonderful learning experience, and I’ve really enjoyed being part of the group undertaking this course”
2018 Participant,

2. Pre-accredited Programs

CERES is an approved Learn Local Organisation (LLO) registered with the Adult Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board. ACFE funds places on approved pre-accredited courses for those who meet eligibility criteria. You may be eligible for a subsided place in one of these course. There is more information on ACFE subsidies here.

These short courses run over eight to 14 sessions and are designed to provide industry tasters and stepping stones into further training and/or employment.

Courses available to eligible students through this program are:

Logo: Learn Local – Skills for study work and life
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Complete Urban Farmer

An introduction to the world of urban farming – a perfect portal to your own patch | Coming in 2024 | $1150* | 14 weeks | *ACFE subsidised places available.

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Environmental Education – Inspire Change

Designed for anyone interested in creating change for sustainability through education and communication using hope, not fear. | Jul | $840* | 8 weeks | *ACFE subsidised places available.

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Intro to Social Enterprise – Working for a Purpose

Understand business models and skills that aim to tackle social problems, improve communities, benefit the environment and provide people with access to employment and training. | Mar | $895* | 8 weeks | *ACFE subsidised places available.

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Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture

Learn to design garden-based activities that support the physical, mental and social health of individuals. | Mar, May, Jul, Oct | $900* | 8 weeks | *ACFE subsidised places available.

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Landscape Restoration and Indigenous Ecology

Develop an understanding of ecology and conservation in urban environments and benefit from a real connection to place | Mar, Oct | $975* | 8 weeks | *ACFE subsidised places available.

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Sustainable Gardening

Improve your skills and get your hands dirty with our practical sustainable gardening course | Apr, Oct | $650* | 8 weeks | *ACFE subsidised places available.

3. Non-accredited programs

If you want a focus on practical skills in Horticulture and Hospitality a tailored non-accredited program that meets the needs of your students is a great option.

CERES Community Environment Park is a 4.5 hectare green oasis in East Brunswick located on Merri Creek. We have a range of social enterprises on-site such as our Honey Lane Farm, Merri Café, the CERES Bushfood and Native Nursery, CERES Propagation and our CERES Market and Grocery. Our non-accredited VET programs provide a unique opportunity for students to learn in this vibrant and supported learning environment. These non-accredited programs can be offered to Years 10, 11, and 12 students and those with special needs.

Enquiries

Call 9389 0127 or email karen.mengell@ceres.org.au

Note For Secondary School Students

Your school class can request to have an Excursion to CERES or an Incursion by CERES at your school. More information is provided on our site.

Note For Schools – VETDSS & tailored group programs

We currently offer tailored programs for school groups as well as a Wednesday VETDSS program for individual Years 10-12 students undertaking VET or VCAL.