Course Length: 25 weeks
Start Dates: January and June each year
Aim of the Course
The aim of this course is to teach international students industry skills and knowledge used by NZ farmers to increase on farm production. This will enable the international students to return to their own country and to implement the knowledge and skills gained to increase farm productivity back home for the benefit of their country.
The course will cover both practical industry skills as well as the theory to provide the students with an opportunity to gain as much experience as possible to use in their own country.
For students to be considered to have satisfactorily completed this programme, and be eligible for award of the qualification, they must have:
- Completed all scheduled course work requirements and assessments
- Successfully completed assessment requirements for all unit standards, and achieved a minimum total of 85 credits
The course is designed to provide more advanced learning in the field of agriculture. The majority of the course is at level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework with the Level 2 National Certificate in Agriculture incorporated in the course.
To complete the National Certificate in Agriculture Level 2 – 70 credits are required. To complete the NTA Certificate in Agriculture Skills Level 3 – 85 credits are required. You will need to monitor your progress to ensure you complete the required unit standards from the modules to qualify for the National Certificate.
The following modules (depending on your electives) are covered on the course:
Dairy Farming Module
The units associated with this module will enable the student to learn the practical skills involved in the milking shed. Understand how a milk shed operates, recognise health problems and stock handling skills associated with bringing cows into and through the milking shed.
Sheep/Beef Farming Module
This module will involve stock handling work with an emphasis on yard handling. Also understanding wool growth, its qualities and problems. There is also a practical element of working in a woolshed environment.
Animal Care Module
Some of this covered in the dairy and sheep/beef modules but it goes more in depth on health and feeding issues. The feeding issues will cover the changing requirements of animals over a calendar year.
Fencing Module
This is mostly practical unit learning fencing knots, installation of posts and strainer assemblies and understanding of both temporary and permanent electric fencing.
Vehicle and Machinery Module
Both theory and practical aspects of safe handling of machinery studied. Learning controls and functions of tractors, motorcycles and ATV’s, and the skill of riding these vehicles on a variety of terrain.
Pastures Module
This is a study of pasture growth, new species conservation, renovation, stock utilisation and feeding methods.
A mixture of theory in the classroom and practical on farm, and visits to research farms.
Course Schedule
Length:
- January to July
- June to December
- 25 weeks (includes 2 weeks recess)
Days:
- Monday to Wednesday 9.00am to 4.00pm – Directed tutoring
- Thursday – Work Experience – hours set by employer
- Friday – Self directed learning
The Course will be managed so that each week the students’ will have 4 days tutor directed learning and 1 day of either self directed learning or English language tuition. The 4 days of tutor directed delivery equates to 70% of the course component. This learning includes theory and practical training with the tutor.
The self directed hours for English tuition will be based on the programme unit standards and Agricultural terminology.
Students will be expected to study outside tutor led class time.
During the course the students will have 6-weeks practical scheduled supervised time when they will be expected to stay out on farm work experience. This is the 30% balance of the course.
Driver’s license and a vehicle is preferable but not essential.
Qualifications
NTA Certificate in Agriculture Skills Level 3
Incorporating National Certificate in Agriculture Level 2
Entry requirements
Students will meet the following entry requirements:
- Have an agricultural background or an interest in agriculture in their own country
- Hold an IELTS score of 5.5
or - Pass an aptitude test within the first week of the course to satisfy the Academy, that the student can successfully complete the course, if English is not the student’s first language
- Minimum age of 18 years of age
The entry requirements recognise that if a student does not have an IELTS score of 5.5 they are able to be enrolled if they have an Agricultural background that provides them with an understanding of what is required and have enough English comprehension as evidenced in the aptitude test to understand what is being taught in association with additional English tuition in agricultural terminology.
Course Fees
Provided on demand.
Student Visa
To enable you to study on this course you will need to apply for a Study Visa or Permit from NZIS. The following information is a brief outline of what NZIS will require from you.
To enter New Zealand you need:
- to have an offer of a place from a New Zealand education provider such as a school, polytechnic or university
- evidence that you’ve arranged accommodation through the education provider or through another person
- to be in good health and of good character. If your stay is longer than six months, in some cases you may need to complete a TB clearance. You may also need to complete a medical and police certificate depending on how long you intend to stay in New Zealand
- a passport that’s valid for at least three months past the date you are to leave New Zealand
- proof that you plan to leave New Zealand once you’ve completed your study
- proof that:
- you’ve paid any course fees that you’re required to pay,
or - you’re exempt from paying fees
or - you have a scholarship or an award that covers your fee
- you’ve paid any course fees that you’re required to pay,
- proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay
- to have the right visa for your visit.
Working Holiday Scheme
To enable you to study on this course you will need the correct visa from NZIS. If you are from one of the following countries the Working Holiday Scheme is applicable.
The course is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education Act 1989, and the National Trade Academy Ltd is accredited to teach it.
