The Permaculture Institute of Western Australia (PIWA) is a professional body established in 1988, dedicated to the widespread application of Permaculture in the community and to support those making their living in Permaculture, whether through education, consulting or design. The Certificate III course offered here is part of the Accredited Permaculture Training package developed jointly by Permaculture International Ltd and Hortus, a registered training organisation dedicated to training in land based industries, including Permaculture.
The course involves a mix of distance learning with weekends of group activity and networking. Sometimes it is possible to work in small study groups. After an initial 2 week Permaculture Design Course there follows 12 months (or longer/shorter as necessary) of project work that you undertake, interspersed with 6 weekend workshops. During these workshops you will learn and demonstrate specific skills, see working examples of permaculture and catch up with your group and mentor, who will assist your progress. The final assessment takes place during a workshop where you present your work to your fellow students and teachers in an informal situation.
Austudy is available to eligible students.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF UNITS COVERED
The following outlines the unit content and the work that would be expected at the end of twelve months. Many of the units make "natural" companions, and the result will be a holistic project that is unique to your circumstances.
(Core) PIL 301A Research and share information on a Permaculture project
This information will be shared after 12 months or more working on your project choice. It will be a chance to tell everyone about your experiences - good, bad and ugly!
(Core) PIL 302A Provide information on integrated plant and animal systems
You will get the chance to design a piece of land in workshop 3; from communicating with the client, site analysis, identifying issues and reporting back with appropriate options or strategies. Documentation includes flow charts and diagrams.
(Core) PIL 303A Maintain an integrated plant and animal system
This unit covers the process of maintaining typical permaculture systems, from planning to implementation and completion of activities. Work for this will be ongoing on your chosen project, and activities documented in a journal. Systems can be as simple as operating worm farms to chook or pig tractors, and beyond...
(Core) RTC 3218A Undertake a site assessment
This unit covers the process of undertaking a site assessment as the initial phase of a design project. It requires the gathering and collating of information, including the reason for the assessment, and involves some knowledge of soil characteristics. Information is documented in a manner that is presentable to a client, and available at the final presentation.
(Core) RTD 3507 Undertake sampling and testing of water
In this unit, you will have to demonstrate an ability to plan, prepare and implement water testing and record the results correctly. It requires knowledge and understanding of the hydrological cycle, and standards for water quality, including salinity and contamination issues. It will be run as a workshop with Ross Mars along with the "Sample Soils..." (RTF 3503)
(Core) RTF 3503 Sample soils and analyse results
Being able to determine basic soil characteristics is a useful aid in deciding where to locate certain elements. In this core unit you will be able to determine the areas to be sampled, organise the equipment, and carry out sampling with the results recorded and evaluated. A range of sampling techniques will be demonstrated during a separate workshop with Ross Mars along with the "Testing of Water" unit.
PIL 306 Co-ordinate the use of weedy plants in a system
This unit looks at dealing with and making use of weedy plants in a system. It requires some skills in plant identification and function, as well as the planning, implementation and monitoring of progress.
PIL 307/8 Establish a Rural/Urban permaculture system
This unit is about co-ordinating the site works and planting programme to establish a system from an existing design. You will not be assessed on the design, but on the planning and implementation of the works, ensuring things happen in the right sequence. Documenting the process will be necessary, and you will be able to demonstrate knowledge of appropriate plant species, soil amendments that may be required, and post planting care.
PIL 309A Install and maintain water systems in permaculture systems
This unit is likely to be carried out in conjunction with 307/8. It involves the planning from source to sink, and beyond, the movement of water - from preparing site to completion of works, and maintaining correctly.
PIL 310A Install structures for Permaculture systems
This unit covers small structures such as animal housing, trellises, sheds or other functional and ornamental features. Plans are made and the location determined, and marked out on a plan with the process from sourcing of materials to final completion documented.
PIL 312A Plan organic garden and orchard systems
This unit requires some detailed plant knowledge and the ability to select the right plant for the right place.
PIL 314 Read and interpret property maps and plans
The ability to read maps and interpret information from them is crucial to any permaculturalist. These skills will be acquired in the first workshop and include drawing and surveying.
RTC 3213A Implement property improvement, construction or repair
This unit identifies where improvements may be necessary, and the budget available. Part of the assessment will involve a practical session in workshop 5. Project work could include structures, fencing, installing dams, drains roads, bush re-generation, shelter etc...
RTC 3404A Control plant pests, diseases and disorders
This unit requires the identification of pests and beneficials, and an understanding of their life cycles and biology. You will need to demonstrate an ability to identify and assess the problem and take appropriate action. You will be required to organise, implement and monitor the measures undertaken, as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) plan.
RTE 3506 Monitor weather conditions
This unit covers the process of monitoring the weather and determining conditions that may impact on crops, stock, people or property. Information will need to be collected over the period of at least a month
PIL 304A Carry out animal care and maintenance
This unit deals with identifying, delivering and maintaining animal care, and includes safely administering of preparations, and proper disposal of waste. Activities are documented and progress monitored in your journal. As well as the obvious ailments or pests that may afflict animals, this unit can also be applied to research and record more general aspects, including housing, forage/rotation, organic/natural methods, handling techniques, and the harvesting &/or handling of useful products.
PIL 305A Implement a crop regulation programme
All good permaculture systems will involve the chopping back of plants at some point! Whether it's fodder for stock, or weeds for compost as well as more conventional pruning and thinning of fruit trees - all are things done in a fairly routine manner and on a regular basis. Permaculture systems work towards minimising waste by cycling it into another process; this would have to be demonstrated in this unit.
PIL 313A Co-ordinate preparation and storage of permaculture products
This unit is the product of your labours! Seeds, salads, soups, herbs, potions, or anything else you may have created from your system. Making perishables last is the key to abundance. Bring along a sample of your wares to your final presentation at Workshop 6 for us to savour!
PIL 315A Co-ordinate community projects
This unit is ideal for anyone already involved in a project, or we will help you find something that is suitable. It will generally involve organising resources and small groups to achieve desired outcomes, culminating in a written report of work undertaken.
The Course Workshop Outlines can be found HERE
