Agriculture Programmes
Real skills for real farms.
If you’re keen on a future in farming, or you’re already on the land and want to step up, our Agriculture Training Programmes are built to get you job-ready. You’ll learn practical, hands-on skills that match what employers need right now, with clear pathways from entry level right through to livestock and farm management.
Learn while you work, develop real-world skills, and earn a recognised New Zealand qualification that supports your progression in rural life.
Agriculture Courses
Check the course details, outcomes and requirements by clicking on the course you are interested in below.
Vocational Pathway – Agriculture (Level 2)
This hands-on course is ideal if you’re new to farming and want to build practical skills for the rural sector. You’ll learn the basics of livestock care, farm safety and essential on-farm tasks while working towards NCEA Level 2 and preparing for further study or employment in agriculture.
Farming Systems (Level 3)
This programme focuses on livestock production, farming systems, and safe work practices, preparing you for on-farm roles and further study at Level 3 and beyond. You’ll gain the practical skills and knowledge needed to work in New Zealand’s pastoral farming industry.
Primary Industry Operational Skills – PIOS (Level 3)
This programme teaches you how to use and maintain agricultural machinery and equipment, manage workplace risks, carry out operational tasks, and look after farm infrastructure — all while preparing you for real-world roles and giving you a recognised Level 3 qualification.
Agriculture (Level 4)
You’ll build on your existing farming skills and prepare for greater responsibility on farm. This programme focuses on coordinating farm activities, using technology, and supporting livestock and farm performance, leading to the New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Level 4) and progression into junior management roles.
Livestock Production Management (Level 5)
You’ll develop the skills to lead and manage livestock production systems, focusing on planning, performance monitoring, and improving productivity and sustainability. This programme prepares you for senior roles in livestock production and farm management while gaining a Level 5 qualification.
Start Learning Here
You can start with a Level 2 Vocational Course that teaches you basic knowledge and skills for working safely in either the cattle, dairy, sheep or cattle industries and includes learning around fencing, maintenance and stock handling, plus the safe use of farm vehicles.
Move on to study Farming Systems, Primary Industry Operational Skills, Agriculture (Level 4) and Livestock Production Management to become a highly employable graduate. The entry requirements for all the courses listed on this page are varied, and some allow an equivalent experience entry.
Have any questions you want answered?
Our friendly course advisors can help with everything you need to know including an outline of study options, key information about enrolment, and all our campuses spread around New Zealand.