Programme Overview
This qualification has a range of elective options (courses) to allow students to develop the skill sets that they need most.

The core Health and Safety course is a requirement for all students who enrol in this qualification and this course is co-delivered alongside four other courses of your choice.

On successful completion of this qualification, students will have enhanced their knowledge and broadened their skills in specific areas of agriculture. These skills will enable students to advance in a current job, open up other work opportunities, and/or lead to higher vocational or full-time training or study. Students choose electives relevant to their specific work situation, particular interest or the wider agricultural sector.

Within their range of course selections, a graduate will have demonstrated an ability to be safe, efficient and consistent while using a specific range of agricultural equipment and processes applying learnt skills.

Programme Dates and Times
This is a part-time programme in which students attend block courses for training and assessment (these are usually 2 days), with intervals of work experience and self-directed learning in between.
 

Due to the part-time nature of this course, class times are flexible and will be discussed with students at the time of their application. Weekend and/or weekday course options are available.

 Requirements
What is needed will depend on courses selected. Further advice will be  provided upon enquiry. Most courses will require gumboots, overalls, wet weather gear and sturdy work boots. Steel capped boots are required for the chainsaw course and stock work.

Training Venue
Training is conducted at multiple sites around Northland. Students will be advised on locations prior to commencement.

Content
Taratahi’s focus is to ensure that all learners receive high quality agricultural training both in the classroom and on the farm. This programme allows students to determine a learning path and design a qualification that suits their specific needs and requirements.

Courses are delivered as electives and almost any course can serve as an ‘entry point’ for those considering embarking on further training and study relevant to their work focus.

The core Health and Safety course is compulsory for all students who enrol in this qualification and is co-delivered alongside other courses of choice. There are up to 15 electives to choose from, most are made up of both theory and practical units. The weighting of theory to practical in each elective varies depending on the elective chosen.

Compulsory Elective: Health and Safety

Electives: (choose 4)
   - ATV introduction (All Terrain Vehicle)
   - ATV advanced
   - ATVU (All Terrain Vehicles Utility) Motorbikes introduction
   - Tractor introduction

   - Tractor basics
   - Cultivation introduction

   - Agrichemical introduction
   - Basic agrichemicals

   - Applied agrichemicals
   - Advanced agrichemicals

   - Chainsaws introduction
   - Tree felling - Shearing
   - Introduction to fencing

   - Conventional fencing introduction
   - Conventional fencing advanced
   - Permanent electric fencing introduction
   - Feed budgeting

   - Animal health and welfare
   - Practical animal handling

   - Soils and fertilisers
   - Calf rearing

   - Relief milking introduction

Please note that not all electives may be on offer at the time of booking.

Career Options
Work in a variety of agricultural and horticultural sectors

Admission Information

Entry to this programme is open however to complete this qualification, applicants must be physically able to complete the programme and preference will be given to those with:

• A minimum of 3 years secondary school
• Recent experience and motivation to work in the rural sector
• 16 years of age

Qualification gained:

Certificate in General Farm Skills Level 2-3