Training for a Career in Agriculture

Farming offers exciting new career prospects as the growth in Dairy Farm conversions continues in Canterbury, and Sheep and Beef Farming continues to prosper. People now have a career pathway that can lead them into farm business management or farm ownership.

Agriculture offers competitive salaries, good conditions of employment and career prospects for people entering the industry. With no gender bias, the industry employs both males and females on an equal basis.

There is an increased demand for trained and experienced farm workers. Trained and qualified staff are sought all over New Zealand. "Farming is not just a job, it's a career."

The key to starting your career in the industry is a pre-employment course through the National Trade Academy.

Certificates in Agriculture

The National Trade Academy offers 3 courses designed to provide students with the opportunity to enter the Agriculture Industry:

• The National Certificate in Agriculture Level 2
• The National Certificate in Agriculture Dairy Farming Level 3
• The National Certificate in Agriculture Sheep Farming Level 3

The Level 2 programme runs for 25 weeks and the Level 3 programme for 38 weeks. Both are full-time courses including recess.

There are no exams. Theory together with practical work experience will enable trainees to have a better understanding of the Agriculture Industry as they move into their first job. Farm safety is a high priority and we have recognised this by including safety training within the course programme.

Students will receive training of the highest quality from motivated and committed tutors who have experience in the Agriculture Industry. A key factor to the success of this course is that the practical training is based at our Agricultural Training Farm and our Wigram Training Centre.

How do Students Benefit?

This course has the support of a number of key Farmers who recognise the importance of a skilled workforce. We have Farmers who are prepared to support the course by offering their own expertise and farms for work experience.

Students will be encouraged to continue their training towards a level 4 National Certificate with the Agriculture ITO once they are in employment. You will begin your career in Agriculture with the appropriate skills and knowledge to make you a valuable member of any Farmers staff.

Provided you complete the course you will achieve skills and knowledge in the following areas. We also provide you with support once you are in employment for a period of time.

• Milking techniques
• Stock handling
• Fencing
• Livestock feeding
• ATV and motorcycle handling
• Tractor driving
• Pasture Production
• Health and safety
• Stock health and more

Course Information

Fees

Please use the form below to contact us for fee details. Student loans and allowances are applicable for these programmes.

National Trade Academy Criteria

• Have an interest in agriculture
• Enjoy working in an outdoor environment
• Enjoy working with animals
• Motivated to learn
• Minimum of 60 NCEA credits
• Applicants are accepted by way of an interview
• Places are limited
• To apply contact the National Trade Academy
• Courses start in February each year.

NZQA registered and approved.

The course is offered by the National Trade Academy in association with the Telford Rural Polytechnic. The National Trade Academy reserves the right to withdraw or adjust any and all courses, alter fees and make any other changes as it may deem necessary or desirable, without prior notice.

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