• You want to be safe, secure and skilled when working with chemicals in Agriculture, Horticulture, Viticulture, Natural Resource Management, lawn and garden care, landscaping, bushland, mine site rehabilitation and related industries.
• You need the training for Work, Health and Safety compliance when using chemicals at your workplace.
• You want to obtain the mandatory licence to meet the WA Department of Health requirements for a Pest Management Technician - Endorsement 8: Dieback Control.
• You want to gain three prerequisite units (AHCCHM307, AHCCHM304 and AHCPMG301) that count toward the WA Department of Health requirements for a Pest Management Technician - Endorsement 7: Boomspray/Mechanical Spraying Equipment.

Then this is the course for you.

To make an informed choice about the suitability of this course, please consider the following essential skills and knowledge. You must:

• Enjoy practical / manual work and outdoors.
• Have good stamina and fitness levels.
• Have good attention to detail.
• Have sound reading, writing and maths skills.
• Demonstrate your ability to work independently as well as within a team.
• Be able to follow Work Health and Safety procedures and respond to immediate safety risks.

Chemicals are one of the most used tools in agriculture. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to safely and securely use, handle and store them. You will learn to manage risks associated with chemical use, to understand your obligations in the areas of duty of care, quality assurance and environmental management. This course focuses on the use of chemicals through a backpack or handheld device for spot spraying. 

Time Commitment – You will need to allocate appropriate time to complete this course. This includes attending classes on-site and/or online as outlined in the study mode; and undertake independent study outside of class hours, including private study, assessment preparation, research and complete assessment requirements. 

Below are some of the important personal skills you will be required to develop and demonstrate during training. These skills are highly valued by industry:

• Respectful Communication - Interact with people from different backgrounds, share ideas effectively and build trust.
• Teamwork – Collaborate with others, show them respect, and be open to feedback.
• Problem Solving - There is always a solution. How do you respond to a challenge? If you spot a problem, we encourage you to ask questions, clarify as needed, and respond appropriately within your training.
• Initiative - Stay motivated, take proactive steps, and seek help when necessary.
• Planning - Manage time well. Knowing how to prioritise and completing your tasks efficiently are crucial for your success.
• Self-Management - Reflect on your performance. Reflection is a powerful tool for growth and success as a student at South Regional TAFE. Being a professional in the workplace can mean learning when to accept responsibility for your failures as often as your successes. This is how we learn!
• Learning – Recognise what your strengths already are. Then embrace all the new knowledge and experience from your South Regional TAFE journey to grow as a student. Some of the skills you will learn include:
  • Identify the level of pest infestation and assess the need for chemical control.
  • Source information on Integrated Pest Management.
  • Identify common weeds found in WA.
  • Identify potential hazards, assess risks, and implement control measures.
  • Select appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the chemical.
  • Interpret chemical labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).
  • Calibrate equipment.
  • Mix chemicals accurately and according to their registered use.
  • Apply chemicals minimising spray drift.
  • Transport and handle chemicals complying with legislative requirements.
  • Store chemicals correctly and maintain inventory.
  • Treat chemical spills.
  • Dispose of any chemicals correctly and decontaminate equipment.
  • Complete application records.
• Technology - Adapt to new tools, access digital resources, and integrate technology into your learning.