COURSE STRUCTURE
This course is comprised of:
*Core studies - Four units (400 hours) of compulsory subjects for all students.
*Elective studies – Three stream units for the development of knowledge in a chosen industry sector.
*Project – a workplace project of 200 hrs relevant to your field of study. The project specifically aims to provide the student with the opportunity to apply and integrate skills and knowledge developed through various areas of formal study. Contact the school for more information.
CORE UNITS
Totalling 400 hours. All four of these modules must be studied and passed.
1. Office practices
Develops basic office skills covering use of equipment, communication systems (telephone, fax, etc) and office procedures such as filing, security, workplace organisations, etc.
2. Business operations
Develops knowledge of basic business operations and procedures (eg. types of businesses, financial management, business analysis, staffing, productivity, etc) and the skills to develop a 12 month business plan.
3. Management
Develops knowledge of management structures, terminology, supervision, recruitment and workplace health and safety.
4. Marketing
Develops a broad understanding of marketing and specific skills in writing advertisements, undertaking market research, developing an appropriate marketing plan and selling.
STREAM STUDIES
1. Horticulture 1
There are 12 lessons in this module as follows:
1. Plant Identification
2. Planting
3. Soils
4. Nutrition
5. Water Management
6. Pruning
7. Weeds
8. Pests and Diseases
9. Landscaping
10. Propagation
11. Lawns
12. Arboriculture
2. Garden Centre Management
There are 12 lessons in this module as follows:
1. Introduction: Introduction to retail nurseries; plant classification, plant cultural requirements, soil and nutrition, watering requirements, drainage, temperature, light, humidity.
2. Plant Health: how to diagnose a problem, pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, frost, sunburn, chemical damage, insufficient light, over watering.
3. Stock Maintenance: quality standards, buying new stock, inspecting stock, extending stock life disposing of below standard stock, watering techniques, fertilising, pest and disease control.
4. Display and Display Techniques: display units, product location, sales area layout.
5. Garden Product Knowledge 1: plant containers , tags, soil mixes, watering equipment, garden tools etc.
6. Garden Product Knowledge II: agricultural chemicals, fertilisers, baskets, terrariums, cut flowers.
7. Indoor Plants: major groups, common problems, plants for specific situations, customer attitudes.
8. Container Stock: trees and Shrubs.
9. Seedlings, Bulbs, Herbs and Perennials.
10. Deciduous Trees, Fruit, Nuts, Berries.
B. Seed
11. Marketing: pricing strategy, advertising, promotions.
12. Management: staff control: staff productivity: work scheduling.
3. Sales Skills
There are 12 lessons in this module as follows:
1. Presentation and Selling Personality -"Never judge a book by its cover." A wise old saying! But people who buy do make judgments especially about sales people. Dress and grooming are top priority in selling. As well you must learn how to develop a selling personality.
2. Communication and Conversational selling. Learn the art of written and verbal communication in easy to understand terms.
3. Marketing (Buyer analysis and motivation) - presenting products to consumers. Motivating them to buy.
4. Management (Hierarchy) - dealing with upper management; learn how to get your point across.
How to be assertive and positive when dealing with your superiors.
5. Helping the Product Sell Itself
6. Know your product and pre planning. Thorough observation, reading and listening get to know your products (pre planning is essential in today's complex society).
7. Selling made as simple as A B C - The procedure of selling
8. The Opening - getting the attention of the buyer - Creating the right atmosphere for a sale to take place
9. Closing a Sale (overcoming objections) - buyers will look elsewhere unless the salesperson closes the sale in an appropriate amount of time (learn the secrets)
10. Stress Management - learn the art of relaxation through stress management techniques.
11. The Law and Selling
12. Report Assessment Writing. The majority of sales persons need to have the ability and skill to write a condensed and accurate report on which management will comprehend and act upon.
Note: Fees do not include exam fees. Click here for further information
Click here for an outline of the book Nursery Management 2nd Edition by ACS Principal John Mason
Click here for other books related to this subject
