On Farm Skills & Systems Programmes

In this 39-week, full-time, farm-based programme, you’ll build the skills and knowledge needed to work confidently under limited supervision in a dairy or dry stock farming operation. You’ll gain practical experience with farming inputs and sustainable practices, assist with livestock production tasks, use technology in a farm business, and learn how to assess and manage risks to yourself, others, and equipment.

This programme is designed for people who have an interest in growing their confidence and capability in farming and have regular access to a practical farm environment.

All training is supported by access to learning resources (written and online) that help provide context and further opportunities to learn as you work through the programme. Access to other support systems such as free counselling services and learner support designed to your individual needs is also available.

TIME COMMITMENT

This programme will see you completing most of your learning in your practical farm environment. You will receive regular visits from your tutor to support your learning, provide skills training, and check your progress.

You will also take part in group learning one day each week, facilitated by your tutor, where you will work through theory learning and assessments alongside other learners in your region.

Compulsory Courses:

Dairy Strand:

Compulsory Courses

Elective Courses (must complete 1)

Dry Stock Strand:

Elective A (must complete 1)

Elective B (must complete 1)

You must also complete 4 elective topics using equipment from the below list, depending on what is available on the farm: 

Hay baler, feeder wagon, front mounted implement, mowers, post driver, tractor carriage, harrows, quads, LUV's, two wheelers, chainsaws, weed eater, hedge trimmer, post hole borer or nutrient spreader. 

After successfully completing this programme, you will gain:

• New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Farming Systems) (Level 3) [NZ2220]

• New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Operational Skills (Level 3) [NZ2215]

Duration of study

This programme runs for 39 weeks.

Applicants must

• Be a NZ Domestic student, aged 16 years or over 

• Hold an NZQCF Level 2 qualification in Agriculture or equivalent or

• Completed a minimum of three years of secondary education with 48 or more credits at NCEA Level 1

  • Applicants who do not meet the academic entry criteria above may still be admitted based upon an interview at the point of enrolment, and are able to demonstrate a minimum two years in the industry

• Have regular access to a dry stock or dairy farm environment to complete the practical elements of the course

The total cost for this course is $2,696.00 

Our courses are approved and accredited by NZQA. Student loans may be obtained via Studylink if you meet their eligibility criteria – reach out to them directly via 0800 88 99 00 or http://www.studylink.govt.nz 

You may be eligible to apply for Final Year Fees Free study if you have never studied at tertiary level 3 or above (either in NZ or equivalent abroad) - please refer to https://www.ird.govt.nz/fees-free for information on the updated scheme from 2026