Certificate 3 Course "Weekend Workshops" outline

Workshop 1PREPARATION AND PLANNING
SATURDAY
Map reading and scale drawings	Types of maps, reading maps, drawing to scale Mapping techniques, GPS, GIS
Measuring equipment	Dumpy, A-frame and laser levels Tape measure, trundle wheel Surveying, compass work
Research and communication techniques	Sources of information, extracting information Sharing information, public speaking and presentations Culturally appropriate behaviour
Occupational Health and Safety	Handling and using tools and equipment Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Hygiene Hazards and their control Disposal of waste
Managing projects	Management skills, co-ordinating projects Machinery hire, time management, budgeting Using volunteers and sub-contractors Report writing
SUNDAY
Studying weather	Reading weather maps Collecting data (max/min temps, rainfall, number of chill hours) Making forecasts
Effects of weather	Effects of wind, rain, wind chill, dry periods and drought on plant crops and stock
Individual planning. Discussion and direction of participant's projects

Workshop 2INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Permaculture plants	Common groups of plants and their characteristics Uses of plants in permaculture systems Companion planting Appropriate trees, shrubs and herbs Food and tree crops Fruit, nut, and other perennials Annual vegetables Fodder, windbreak and, N-fixing species Commercial products
Animals in permaculture	Functions/uses and characteristics of common animals Poultry, earthworms, bees, other small animals Basic care and maintenance
Integrated pest management	Organic chemical, biological and cultural control methods Predatory organisms IPM principles
Identifying weeds	Weed recognition, declared weeds Estimating population density Uses of weeds Life cycle of weeds Monitoring levels of weeds Succession
Soils	Soil structure Composition, texture, profile, pH Organic matter, humus and soil organisms

Workshop 3DESIGNING - A WEEKEND of DESIGN WORK
Permaculture principles and practices	Ethics, definitions, characteristics, design principles Comparison to other agriculture
Zones and sectors	Determination and analysis of zones Sector planning - sectors and elements Sun angles, Weather patterns, Water movement in the landscape Drawing these on site plans Design for fire and catastrophe
Permaculture design	Use of patterns Types of garden beds Orchard and garden layout - Guilds
Gathering and Sharing information	Design process Surveying Client needs - finding solutions Sharing ideas and information

Workshop 4WATER AND SOILS - 3 DAYS OF ANALYSIS
Soil sampling techniques	Sampling equipment and methods Use of equipment - pH kit/meter, TDS meter, hand auger, hand trowel, tape measure, etc. Occupational health an safety (OHS) considerations
Soil characteristics	Types and classification of soils Organic and water content Soil amendments
Water sampling techniques	Sampling methods Use of equipment such as pH, DO, TDS meters, spectrophotometer or other laboratory equipment for analysis OHS considerations
Water quality	Hydrological cycle Factors affecting water quality Standards for water quality Physical, chemical and biological testing Groundwater contamination & common pollutants

Workshop 5TOOLS AND IRRIGATION
Tools and equipment	Types of tools - hand and electric Equipment maintenance, fault finding Basic tools for permaculture work OHS, care and storage of tools
Irrigation techniques	Tools and equipment Dripper and spray systems Subsurface and substrata irrigation Pumps, monitoring systems/controllers
Building a structure/installing a system	Using tools in a work situation Occupational health and safety (OHS) Build/install a permaculture structure in the day

Workshop 6ELECTIVE UNITS
Harvesting and storing goods	Harvesting techniques Labeling, treating and storing products and goods
Marketing and presentation	Packing, minimising damage to goods, maintaining quality Selling produce Hygiene, OHS issues
Community processes	Conflict resolution, group dynamics, facilitation techniques Consultation processes Meeting protocols
Crop regulation techniques	Thinning and pruning Trellis and plant training techniques OHS Tools and equipment
Animal health	Nutritional requirements of different animals Disease, animal care, safe handling techniques, treating animals OHS considerations Pens, fencing and structures
Second day spent delivering presentations and finalizing work with tutors