Primary Industry Operational Skills – PIOS (Level 3)

In this course you’ll gain practical skills in the safe use of a range of agricultural machinery, implements, and technology. You’ll also learn how to identify issues and carry out maintenance on farm infrastructure such as water supplies, drains, tracks, and fencing.

Compulsory

Elective A

Choose four

Elective B

Optional

Elective C

Choose two

Outcome Statement and Pathways

Graduates of the Rural Operational Skills programme will be able to:

• Identify and assist with the management of workplace risks

• Plan and carry out operational activities using mechanised equipment with consideration for the environment

• Manage personal wellbeing when carrying out primary industry operational activities

• Operate specialist equipment for primary industry operational activities

• Carry out activities related to the maintenance of workplace infrastructure

After completing this programme, you may progress to further study such as the New Zealand Certificate in Farm Systems (Level 3) or the New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Level 4). You may also move into employment in primary industry roles requiring limited supervision, such as milk harvester, shepherd, dairy farm assistant, general farm hand, or assistant roles in horticulture or viticulture operations.

Duration of Study

13 – 20 weeks full time depending on your chosen strand.

Entry Criteria

Academic Achievement

Applicants should demonstrate an ability to succeed in tertiary study, shown by the completion of any of the following qualifications or courses of study:

• National Certificate in Agriculture or Horticulture Level 2 and / or equivalent qualification or experience in the industry.

• Applicants whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools or other teaching institutions is not English, require an ELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 5.5 or above (or equivalent) for enrolment.

Life Skills/Work Experience

Applicants who do not meet the academic entry criteria above may be admitted to the programme/course of study if they are able to demonstrate:

• Equivalent farming knowledge and skills; and/or

• Previous and relevant life skills or work experience; and/or

• Other formal or informal study such as to suggest likelihood of successful course completion.

Selection Criteria

All applicants will be required to meet with the tutor or field officer of the programme they are applying for prior to starting – this will be an informal conversation which will include covering the programme expectations and getting a better understanding of suitability for the programme.

Where there are more applicants than places available or the programme is not the best fit, a waiting list will be kept or our team will work with you to provide a suitable alternative. On completion of this conversation the tutor will assist with filling in the full application form to move into the next part of the enrolment process.

$531 inclusive of GST