If you would like to learn specialised farming skills or if you would like to turn your rural sector experience into recognised farming qualifications then this national certificate is for you.

This programme includes training in specialised farming skills that are utilised over a full farming year prior to employment in the agriculture industry. Training takes place at our 60-hectare Aoraki Rural Training Centre where you will learn work-ready skills in real agricultural business situations.

Part of your week will be spent at the centre and part will be spent on work placement at local farms giving you credible work experience and immediate contacts within the industry.

What will this programme cover?

• Livestock handling
• Personal wellbeing and first aid
• Vehicles and machinery
• Pasture, soil and water management
• Agricultural resources, machinery and tools
• Pest control
• Fencing
• Dairy and sheep farming
• Livestock species
• Animal husbandry and breeding

Related Careers

Employment in the agriculture industry

What do you need to apply?

It is desirable that you have 3 years of secondary education and successful completion of NCEA Level 1 with a minimum of 12 credits in literacy and 12 credits in numeracy; or completed to National Certificate in Agriculture (Level 2); or equivalent and attendance at an information sharing session.

If you don't have the stated entry criteria, talk to us about whether you have the equivalent skills and knowledge or to determine if this is the right programme for you.

Programme Recognition

This programme is accredited by NZQA.