Learn foundational knowledge in agriculture and prepare yourself for a career in the primary industries. This agriculture training course is a great base for those wanting to enter the sector in entry-level jobs or advance to higher levels of study in agriculture, apiculture, horticulture or farming.
14 weeks, full-time
2023 Semester 1: 28 August to 01 December
The New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Level 2) agricultural training course will teach you essential foundational knowledge about working in agriculture. Graduates will be able to carry out practical tasks in entry level roles in the primary industries while using safe work practices.
This qualification is targeted at new or potential entrants into the primary sector including seasonal workers, career changers and those not yet engaged in education, employment or training. It also provides a base for learners to progress to more advanced studies in agriculture, apiculture, horticulture and farming.
You will learn:
US23541 Locate hazards, describe safety procedures, and demonstrate safe work practices in a rural workplace (5 credits)
People credited with this unit standard are able to, in a rural workplace, identify and locate hazards, and describe reporting and emergency procedures; and demonstrate safe work practices.
Elective - select 35 credits from the following:
US561 Install, dismantle, and store temporary electric fences (2 credits)
People credited with this unit standard are able to install, dismantle, and store temporary electric fences.
US24832 Open and draw out a coil of wire, tie knots, join wire and prepare wire for transport and storage (5 credits)
People credited with this unit standard are able to: open a coil of wire, draw out, cut, and prepare to retie the roll; tie termination and joining knots in wire; join wires by alternative or non-tied means; and prepare wire for transport and storage.
US19114 Assist with handling and treatment of livestock (6 credits)
People credited with this unit standard are able to move livestock in yards as directed, and assist with treatment of livestock.
US24557 Demonstrate knowledge of the safe operation of a quad bike (3 credits)
People credited with this unit standard are able to demonstrate knowledge of: the safe operation of a quad bike; quad bike riding contingency procedures; and the safe operation of a quad bike with trailed equipment and a mounted load.
US19053 Operate a motorcycle on flat terrain in the workplace under close supervision (3 credits)
People credited with this unit standard are able to: prepare to ride a motorcycle on flat terrain; and ride a motorcycle on flat terrain.
US24553 Operate a light utility vehicle (LUV) on flat terrain in the workplace under close supervision (4 credits)
People credited with this unit standard are able to prepare to drive a LUV on flat terrain; and drive a LUV on flat terrain.
US24555 Demonstrate knowledge of safe operator of a motorcycle (3 credits)
People credited with this unit standard are able to demonstrate knowledge of: the safe operation of a motorcycle; motorcycle riding contingency procedures; and the safe operation of a motorcycle with a mounted load.
US24833 Identify and maintain fencing tools and equipment and identify fencing construction materials and wire types (3 credits)
People credited with this unit standard are able to: demonstrate knowledge of fencing tools and construction materials, and describe their function; maintain fencing tools and equipment; and identify and describe fencing wire types and their uses.
US24836 Describe nonelectric fences, fence support materials and safe practices in fencing (2 credits)
People credited with this unit standard are able to describe: nonelectric fence types and their suitability for stock type; fence support materials; and a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) and worker health and safety requirements, safe handling methods, hazards in fencing, and safety aids and equipment.
US24554 Ride a quad bike on flat terrain in the workplace (4 credits)
People credited with this unit standard are able to: prepare to ride a quad bike on flat terrain in the workplace; and ride a quad bike on flat terrain in the workplace.
Graduates of this qualification will have the skills and knowledge to obtain entry level roles in the primary sector, for example farm assistant, turf labourer, orchard worker, harvester, vineyard hand, assistant beekeeper, stable assistant, stud farm hand, store assistant, fish filleter, deckhand and mussel opener.
Special Admission
Notwithstanding the above admissions categories, in exceptional circumstances, a mature aged applicant who can show evidence of ability to succeed in the programme may be considered for admission provided the applicant has successfully completed an approved course or programme, which is deemed to prepare graduates for the required academic standard for entry.
Selection criteria for entry into programmes of study are restricted by SIT and apparent eligibility may not lead to automatic acceptance. Applicants must demonstrate attributes, which in the assessment of SIT should lead to success. Such attributes may include:
Attributes may be assessed through:
Where SIT is satisfied that it is necessary to do so because of insufficiency of staff, accommodation, or equipment it may determine the maximum number of students who may be enrolled in a particular course of study. Where the number of applications for enrolment exceeds the number of places in any case where such a limitation applies, the criteria for selection shall be academic merit and suitability for admission to that course of study. Eligible students not admitted to their chosen course of study will be placed on a waiting list and/or may be referred to another programme. Applications should be received by SIT no later than the applications due date. Late applications may be considered, subject to availability of places.
Applicants may be required to attend an interview, or if they live at some distance from the campus, complete a telephone interview (must produce copies of applicable certificates/evidence of prior achievements before interviews).
The Head of Faculty will determine the maximum number of students permitted to enrol in the programme. All enrolments in the New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Level 2) are approved at the discretion of the Programme Manager in consultation with the Head of Faculty and teaching staff, as required.
To satisfactorily complete Primary Industry Skills (Level 2) and be awarded this qualification the student must successfully achieve:
Please note: students failing to engage in study as per programme requirements may forfeit zero fees entitlement.