Fast Track to a Farming or Horticultural Career • Are you 16-17 years old?
• Do you love the outdoors and like working with plants and animals?
• Do you want to leave school but keen to keep learning?
• Are you interested in furthering your education on a practical, hands-on course that will provide you with employment
opportunities?
• Do you want nationally recognised qualifications?
YES?.....Then join our free* Farm Training Programme - Introduction to Rural Skills Agriculture New Zealand training courses are a great place to begin your career in agriculture and horticulture. Our qualified Course Supervisors and Tutors provide a supportive learning environment to ensure your individual needs are met. About the Course
This one year, full time course is supported by the Government’s Youth Guarantee Fund which is aimed at encouraging young people who have left school, to continue their education and gain skills that will lead to employment or further training. The course has a mixture of classroom and practical tuition as well as practical workplace training. Our tutors and workplace trainers will take the time to make sure you have the skills and knowledge to progress into a career in agriculture and horticulture or to move into further studies at the end of the course. Dependent on course content, students will have the opportunity to gain skills in: • ATV and Tractor Driving
• Fencing and Farm Maintenance
• Milk Production
• Livestock Handling
• Docking
• First Aid
• Agrichemicals
• Pastures and Weed Control
• Plant propagation
• Growing and caring for Plants
• Conservation and Environmental Planting
Starting January/February each year, this programme is run nationally from our training sites in the following locations: • Pukekohe
• Hamilton
• Rotorua
• Taranaki
• Manawatu | (Agriculture)
(Agriculture)
(Agriculture)
(Horticulture)
(Agriculture) | Students are welcome to apply at any time as course places may become availible during the year.
Aims of the Programme are to: • Provide students with a safe and supportive learning environment
• Raise self esteem and motivation to succeed
• Result in improved educational and life opportunities
• Help with future career prospects by introducing students to employers who can advance their farming career
Programme Structure
The course runs over 42 or 46 weeks with programmed recess breaks. A typical training day is from 8.30 am until 5.00 pm from Monday to Friday. You will spend time on a suitable farm or horticultural property, developing your career through on-farm training. While in the classroom, you will be studying topics focusing on developing your farm or horticultural skills as outlined in the unit standards that make up the course qualification. National Qualification
Students will be working towards a National Certificate in Agriculture (Level 2) or National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 2). Student Support While on the Programme
The Rural Skills Course Supervisor works alongside the students, teaching them the necessary skills for a future in farming or horticulture. Agriculture New Zealand tutors deliver the class days. Literacy support is available if needed. Course Equipment Required
Students need to have workboots and suitable clothing for wearing on the farm. Wet weather gear and gumboots will be provided when students are placed with a “Farm Sponsor”. |