Introduction to Primary Industry Skills (Agriculture/Horticulture)
This course is available for free!*
Get a taste of life in the primary industries sector with this hands-on introduction to the agriculture and horticulture industry.
You’ll build practical, real-world skills using tools and equipment, work in environments like farms and gardens, and gain valuable experience through real tasks and projects - giving you a strong foundation to explore further study.
* Spaces are limited and eligibility conditions apply. Contact our team for more information today.
Course Details
If you enjoy working outdoors and want to build practical skills, this course is a great first step into primary industries careers with a focus on the agriculture and horticulture sector. You’ll learn how primary industry workplaces operate, how to use tools and equipment safely, and how to complete real tasks in farming and growing environments.
Whether you’re looking to start a career, build practical skills, or try something new, this course gives you a solid foundation across both agriculture and horticulture environments.
Learning is practical and hands-on, with time spent in real or simulated environments such as farms, orchards, nurseries, and gardens. You’ll take part in real-world tasks that help you understand how primary industry workplaces operate, how to use tools and equipment safely, and how to follow instructions on-site.
You’ll also have opportunities to apply your skills in real-life scenarios and community-based projects, giving you valuable experience you can take with confidence into further study in Agriculture.
You will learn:
How to safely use tools and equipment in agriculture and horticulture settings
How to carry out basic tasks on farms, orchards, nurseries, and gardens
Health, safety, and workplace compliance practices
How to work effectively as part of a team
Time management, self-management, and work readiness skills
An understanding of primary industry roles and environments
On completion of this programme, you will have the knowledge and strategies to identify future employment pathways and manage your personal finances. You will gain the basic knowledge and practical skills needed to work safely across the agriculture and horticulture sectors. These include stock handling, fencing and maintenance, the safe use of farm vehicles, tools and equipment, and carrying out tasks in orchards, nurseries and gardens. You will also develop teamwork, time management, self-management and workplace-readiness skills.
You will gain a New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Level 2) with strands in Self-Management and Employability Skills.
Duration
This programme runs for 20 weeks.
Academic:
Open Entry
Domestic students with ESOL: must be proficient in English language.
This programme is currently only offered to domestic students.
FEES FREE STUDY
To find out if you are eligible for Fees Free study please find out more here or visit the Inland Revenue page on Fees Free.
YOUTH GUARANTEE
This course is part of the government led Youth Guarantee Programme. If you are aged 16-24 and meet the course entry requirements, you may qualify to study this course for free. Spaces are limited, contact our team for more information. Under the Youth Guarantee you may also be eligible for financial support to cover the following:
Travel allowance
Course related field trips
Talk to us for more information.
STUDENT LOANS
If you meet certain conditions you can get a student loan and allowances. Find out if you meet the conditions by calling StudyLink on Freephone 0800 88 99 00 or visit www.studylink.govt.nz.
COURSE COSTS
Domestic Students
Campus Course Costs: $0
Student Services Levy: N/A
This course is available for free!*
*Spaces are limited and eligibility conditions apply. Contact our team for more information today.
Course Start Dates
I got my level 3 Dairy Farming through Land Based Training. It was so cool. I met nice people and the tutor is awesome. I class them all as the naki whanau.
Yeah the best course around to be honest. Learnt so much!
I’m a level 2 Horticulture student and the tutors are so awesome and supportive. The other students are cool, we are a fun bunch. I have learnt so much in a short amount of time.
Awesome course, learning heaps & loving it! Free knowledge, a priceless gift I will always be grateful for.
Introduction to Primary Industry Skills (Level 2) FAQs
You will gain practical knowledge and hands-on training for working safely in agricultural and horticultural environments, including farms, orchards, nurseries and gardens.
This course is Fees Free! No cost required when you meet the relevant funding pool requirements.
You will have access to LBT equipment, gear and resources needed for this course.
Yes, you can! This course is designed for people with no previous agricultural or horticultural knowledge or experience. You do not need to work on a farm, in a nursery, orchard or garden to apply.