• 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 need to obtain the mandatory licence to meet the WA Department of Health requirements for a Pest Management Technician (Backpack) when you are spraying chemicals for commercial gain or any reward - Endorsement 8.
• You need to obtain the mandatory licence to meet the WA Department of Health requirements for a Pest Management Technician (Mechanical – Supervisor - Boom Spray) when you are spraying chemicals for commercial gain or any reward - Endorsement 7.

Then this is the course for you.

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

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

The level 3 Chemical Risk Management (Backpack) course is held over three consecutive days, covering three units of competency. 

The level 4 Chemical Risk Management (Boom Spray) course requires you to attend the first three days (Backpack) and then two consecutive additional days to complete 3 more units to complete the level 4 attaining 6 units of competency in all.

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:
  • Common pests, weeds and diseases found in Western Australia
  • Common pests, weeds and disease controls used in Western Australia (following Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies)
  • Safe disposal of chemical residue and containers
  • Correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for selected control measures
  • Understanding a chemical label, schedules and use of chemicals
  • Understanding Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
  • Groups (mode of action) of chemicals and their formulations
  • Instructing personnel
  • Evaluation and continuous improvement
  • Procedures to minimise risk
  • Planning and implementing a chemical control program
• Technology - Adapt to new tools, access digital resources, and integrate technology into your learning.