ADVANCED CERTIFICATE APPLIED MANAGEMENT (CROPS) VBS001

Modules

Note that each module in the ADVANCED CERTIFICATE APPLIED MANAGEMENT (CROPS) VBS001 is a short course in its own right, and may be studied separately.

We all know that the world is changing fast.  Food Security is or ever increasing importance, and horticulture crops are a key part of dealing with food security issues.

If you want to have a career in horticulture, you must recognise the inevitability of these changes. To have a long and sustainable career, you need to be able to adapt to change, and to excel you need to embrace and take advantage of change. To achieve this, your knowledge and skills in horticulture must be broad based. If you understand the fundamental skills needed - across all sectors of horticulture - you will be able to see opportunities as they arise and confidently move from one sector to another, throughout your career. As an example,  anyone with underpinning knowledge of plant science and plant cultural practices:  plant growth and identification, soil management, pruning and pest control and the associated technologies,  will be able to work in landscaping for a few years, then move to turf management or nursery production and later work in crop production. 

Sound, broad-based training in the fundamentals of horticulture is a good starting point for entering this industry. However, not all courses on offer will be broad enough or in-depth enough to set you up for a sustainable, lifelong career – so you need to understand the fundamentals required in horticulture (in general) and then choose a diverse course, that enables you to achieve these aims.

OPPORTUNITIES

To be successful at crop production today, you need more than just the horticultural skill required to grow a good crop. You also need to have the knowledge, skill and networking; to properly manage the business side of crop production. To be lacking in any of these areas, will increase your risk of failure. To be strong in all of these things will set you apart from most of your competitors.

This course is different because it helps you develop all areas, and that makes you a more competent crop industry professional. 

HOW CAN THIS COURSE HELP YOU?

A course won't always guarantee you a job but it can set you apart from others - if you have chosen a good course with a broad learning approach. Our courses concentrate on giving you industry relevant skills. Our courses also help you to develop problem solving skills - most employers are looking for people that can think of their feet and our courses are structured in such a way to encourage those skills. They are not about regurgitating facts and figures but to immerse you in the industry and make you thoroughly competent to work independently in your chosen industry.

Other things that can help:

• Computer skills - everyone needs basic computer skills these days no matter what industry or job you work in.
• Good communication skillls, both written and verbal - important skill to develop as it sets you apart in an interview.
• Knowledge of your industry - knowing what is going on in your industry is not only appreciated by your employers but also a must if you want to get ahead or want to set up your own concern. Networking in your industry helps achieve this - going to industry functions, trade shows, conferences or talks all put your face out there in the marketplace. people get to know you and your chances of advancement improves.
• A good resume - make sure that your resume is current and well-written. Our tutors can help you with that if you like - we do offer that service free of charge to our students.