AHC33822 Certificate III in Permaculture
Date |
Location |
|
| February 3, 2026 | Byron Community College - Mullum Campus |
Applications now open, limited subsidised places available, apply now to see if you're eligible.
Embark on a transformative journey towards sustainable living with our Permaculture course at Byron Community College. Nestled in the green heart of the North Coast in Byron Shire, this highly practical program offers you the chance to acquire essential skills that go beyond the classroom, fostering connections with like-minded individuals who share your passion for sustainability.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of permaculture, where organic farming, animal systems, natural building, food preservation, systems thinking, and community development converge into a holistic philosophy. Gain inspiration from natural ecosystems as you progress through this work ready qualification, equipping you to operate independently and skillfully in developing permaculture systems.
Experience the best of both worlds with a blend of classroom learning and hands-on training at our purpose designed BCC Permaculture Demonstration Site. This unique setup provides you with practical insights and confidence to lead the way towards a better future.
Join us to become a catalyst for positive change in sustainability. Enrol now and be part of the movement shaping lives, homes, and communities towards a more sustainable tomorrow.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of permaculture, where organic farming, animal systems, natural building, food preservation, systems thinking, and community development converge into a holistic philosophy. Gain inspiration from natural ecosystems as you progress through this work ready qualification, equipping you to operate independently and skillfully in developing permaculture systems.
Experience the best of both worlds with a blend of classroom learning and hands-on training at our purpose designed BCC Permaculture Demonstration Site. This unique setup provides you with practical insights and confidence to lead the way towards a better future.
Join us to become a catalyst for positive change in sustainability. Enrol now and be part of the movement shaping lives, homes, and communities towards a more sustainable tomorrow.
Course Duration
- Course dates: 3 February - 2 December 2026
- The course duration is 38 weeks
- The weekly workload is 21 hours per week (classroom and home study)
Course Delivery
- Face-to-face learning delivered at our Mullumbimby Campus and/or the BCC Permaculture Demonstration Site:
- Tuesdays & Wednesdays - 9:00am - 3:30pm
- Self-paced learning at home: 8 hours per week, including non-supervised assessment tasks
- Assessments are conducted in a supervised (on-campus) and non-supervised (online) format
Units of Study
There are 15 units of competency that will be undertaken during the course:
Core Units:
AHCPER324 Establish a permaculture system
AHCPER332 Maintain integrated plant and animal systems
AHCPER335 Select plant and animal species for permaculture systems
AHCPER414 Develop recommendations for integrated plant and animal systems
AHCWRK322 Conduct site inspections
Elective Units:
AHCPER323 Use the characteristics of plant resilience in a permaculture system
AHCPER325 Mitigate plant pests, diseases and disorders in a permaculture system
AHCPER326 Install and maintain permaculture water management systems
AHCPER327 Install structures for permaculture systems
AHCPER329 Coordinate preparation and storage of produce from a permaculture system
AHCPER331 Coordinate propagation activities for a permaculture system
AHCPER334 Read and interpret property maps and plans
AHCPER336 Test, improve and maintain healthy soil in a permaculture system
AHCWRK314 Monitor weather conditions
Course completion
Following successful completion of this course, you will be awarded the AHC33822 Certificate III in Permaculture
Entry Requirements
Following successful completion of this course, you will be awarded the AHC33822 Certificate III in Permaculture
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
Specific Admission Requirements
When studying with Byron Community College, we want you to succeed. This course involves reading and undertaking a range of written assessments. Entry requirements help us confirm that you’re ready to successfully complete the qualification and get the most out of your learning experience.
- The required foundation skills in reading, numeracy, writing and oral communication are at ACSF level 2-3
- Applicants will participate in a pre-enrolment interview as part of the enrolment process
- Students must be aged 18 years or over
- Access to computer and internet for completing online components of the course is required
- It is strongly recommended that students are physically able to work outdoors in varied weather conditions (sun, rain, wind) and perform tasks such as squatting, kneeling, bending, lifting, carrying, digging, shovelling, and weeding for extended periods.
What to bring
- Laptop
- Pen and paper
- Water bottle and refreshments
- Long work pants
- Long sleeved work shirt
- Solid work boots (such as Ankle Bobbi Boots - https://merrypeople.com/)
- Wide brimmed sun hat
- Garden gloves - soft leather/cloth
- Raincoat
- Clipboard
- Compass (direction) - on your phone
- Camera (can use quality phone camera)
Course Fees
The fees for this course are determined according to your individual circumstances.
Full Course Fee: $7,700 (paid in instalments throughout the duration of the course)
As this course is included on the Smart and Skilled NSW Skills List, participants may be eligible for funding to subsidise their training. This funding could entitle you to a reduced-fee for your training^
To be eligible for Smart and Skilled government subsidised training, you must:
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or humanitarian visa holder, or a New Zealand citizen; and
- Live or work in New South Wales; and
- Be aged 15 years or older; and
- No longer be at school or equivalent; and
- Provide the College with your USI at the time of enrolment (admin staff can assist you in obtaining a USI)
You will find more information on Smart and Skilled Subsidised Eligibility criteria here
^Subsidised places are limited so a funded place cannot be guaranteed
*Due to its duration, this course is also Austudy approved
Student Policies and Procedures
Please review our Student Handbook for information regarding student policies, procedures and responsibilities.
Student Support
Our Student Support team is here to support you in your learning. Read more here Or contact studentsupport@byroncollege.org.au
Student Support
Our Student Support team is here to support you in your learning. Read more here Or contact studentsupport@byroncollege.org.au
USI
From 1 January 2015 all students undertaking accredited training must have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). This requirement applies to all nationally recognised training, from full qualifications to single-unit courses.
You must provide BRCC with your USI at enrolment. If you don’t already have one, you (or your parent or guardian) can apply for one at http://usi.gov.au/create-your-USI/Pages/default.aspx. You will need to have one form of identification and a valid email address to create your USI.
Alternatively, college staff can assist you to create your USI. We will need to collect your identification and personal information to complete this. You will also need to complete a consent form for us to do this.
Storage, disclosure, use and security of the USI will adhere to the rules relating to the USI: https://www.usi.gov.au/about-us/privacy.
We’re here to help. If you have any trouble completing the online application form, please don’t hesitate to call our customer care team on 02 6684 3374 or visit our Mullumbimby office during opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 9am – 4pm.
Further Information
Further information regarding this course is available in the Course Information Sheet here. Alternatively, please call or email the college for details.
Trainer Profile
Zacariah Holt
Zac lives off-grid with his family, twenty-odd chickens, a cat and a duck. He has been practicing permaculture since 2018 when he travelled through Africa volunteering on various permaculture farms. It has been two years since he went off-grid, six years since he had a flushing toilet, and ten years since he shaved his beard.
Zac has a broad range of skills from animal husbandry through to building and landscaping. In his spare time, he enjoys getting into the garden and fishing pythons out of his chicken yard. He is resourceful and strategic in his practical approach to any permaculture design and situation.
You must provide BRCC with your USI at enrolment. If you don’t already have one, you (or your parent or guardian) can apply for one at http://usi.gov.au/create-your-USI/Pages/default.aspx. You will need to have one form of identification and a valid email address to create your USI.
Alternatively, college staff can assist you to create your USI. We will need to collect your identification and personal information to complete this. You will also need to complete a consent form for us to do this.
Storage, disclosure, use and security of the USI will adhere to the rules relating to the USI: https://www.usi.gov.au/about-us/privacy.
We’re here to help. If you have any trouble completing the online application form, please don’t hesitate to call our customer care team on 02 6684 3374 or visit our Mullumbimby office during opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 9am – 4pm.
Further Information
Further information regarding this course is available in the Course Information Sheet here. Alternatively, please call or email the college for details.
Trainer Profile
Zacariah Holt
Zac lives off-grid with his family, twenty-odd chickens, a cat and a duck. He has been practicing permaculture since 2018 when he travelled through Africa volunteering on various permaculture farms. It has been two years since he went off-grid, six years since he had a flushing toilet, and ten years since he shaved his beard.
Zac has a broad range of skills from animal husbandry through to building and landscaping. In his spare time, he enjoys getting into the garden and fishing pythons out of his chicken yard. He is resourceful and strategic in his practical approach to any permaculture design and situation.
