Training for a Career in Land-based Industries

Not sure which industry you want to work in? Then this course is for you. You can try 2 or 3 industries all on the same course and then decide which one you want to focus on.

Agriculture

Dairy farming now offers exciting new career prospects as the growth in dairy farm conversions continues in Canterbury. People now have a career path that can lead them into farm business management or farm ownership.

Farming now offers competitive salaries, good conditions of employment and career prospects for young people entering the industry. There are new employment opportunities in Beef, Deer, Sheep and Mixed Cropping farming.

Wool Harvesting

The Wool Industry offers exciting work opportunities both in NZ and overseas. Travel the world and get paid. Work as part of a team.

If you can shear quickly and cleanly you can earn good money.

Take the opportunity to compete in competitions.

Forest Parks and Conservation.

The forestry industry offers employment opportunities throughout New Zealand.
New opportunities in parks, reserves and conservation.
Opportunities that can lead to running your own business

Other Sectors

Select opportunities on Horticulture farms or in Nurseries.

Viticulture is growing rapidly (wine production). Work in the wine producing areas of Canterbury.

Opportunities also exist in the Pork and Poultry sectors, and in the Service Sectors e.g.: seed stores, wool stores, transport industry.

Training

Trainees will have access to Literacy support.
Trainees will also be offered help to achieve their Driver's Licence.
The National Trade Academy has designed a course which utilises the expertise of Contractors, Farmers and tutors.
Up to 48 weeks training offered.
Work experience and direct tutor contact.
Trainees in the course gain credits towards a National Certificate. There are no exams.
The course combines practical training with up to two days of theory per week that allows trainees to understand the How, when and why of the industry.
No course fees for eligible trainees.
Safety is a high priority and we have recognised this by including safety training within the course programme.
Trainees will receive training of the highest quality from motivated and committed tutors who have experience in the Forestry, Parks and Conservation, Wool Harvesting, Agriculture industry and other Land-based Industries.
You decide which industry you want to work in.

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

How do Students Benefit?

This course has the support of a number of key people in the industry who recognise the importance of a skilled workforce. We have shearing contractors, farmers and employers who are prepared to support the course by offering their own expertise, farms and businesses for work experience.

You will begin your career with the appropriate skills and knowledge to make you a valuable member of any employers' staff.

Provided you remain on the course for an appropriate length of time you will achieve skills and knowledge in some of the following areas:

Milking techniques
Silviculture
Fencing
Wool handling
ATV and motorcycle handling
Chainsaw operation
Stock handling
Health and safety
Life skills
Horticulture
Bushcraft
Parks and conservation

Course Information

National Trade Academy Criteria

Have an interest in the rural sector
Enjoy working in an outdoor environment
Enjoy working with animals or machinery
Motivated to learn
Eligible for either Youth Training or Training Opportunities

General

No course fees for eligible trainees
Work based training / Work experience
Monday to Thursday
Flexible start dates

Tertiary Education Commission Eligibility Criteria

Once you have reached a level of competency and you are job ready, a work trial is arranged with an employer who is looking for staff. This will hopefully result in a work offer, or you can enrol in one of our higher level qualification programmes.

NZ COURSES