Farming Systems and Equipment (Level 3) (Sheep, Beef and Dairy)

Farming Systems and Equipment (Level 3) (Sheep, Beef and Dairy)

New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Farming Systems) (Level 3) & New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Vehicles, Machinery and Infrastructure) (Level 3)

This agriculture certificate serves as the foundational step towards a fulfilling career in New Zealand's primary sector. It can pave the way to opportunities in farm management, farm ownership, or roles in related industries, particularly in dairy farming.

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Key Details
Telford
Qualification:
Certificate
Level:
3
Credits:
125
Duration:

44 weeks full-time

Study Modes:
On Campus
Dates:

2027 Semester 1: 22 February to 03 December

Fees:

This programme is eligible for the Zero Fees Scheme.

  • No Tuition
  • Direct Material Costs: $3762 (GST inclusive)

International Fees can be found here.

     

This programme, commonly known as Cert Ag includes a range of fundamental practical skills alongside the underpinning theory that will set you up for a career in a multitude of career opportunities in the primary sector. You will have at least 10 weeks of work experience on farms throughout Otago and Southland, learning from experienced host farmers, as well as theory and practical work at Telford’s campus and Telford farm. 

This 44-week programme includes the NZ Certificate in Agriculture (Farming Systems) (Level 3) and the NZ Certificate in Primary Industry Operational Skills (Level 3) qualifications.

The programme will give students the knowledge and skills to:

  • Adopt a health and safety perspective when working on farming tasks.
  • Assist with soil and pasture management including sustainable practices to protect soil and water quality.
  • Assist with livestock production tasks. Construct and prepare fences and stock water systems, safely operate a selection of vehicles and equipment, work with and care for livestock.
  • Learn about and use, new technologies, workshop carpentry and engineering tools.

The programme contains the following:

  • Health and SafetyPersonal Wellbeing
  • Fencing and ShearingSoils
  • Growing and Using Pasture
  • Animal Health and Welfare
  • Technology on Farm
  • Sustainable Practice
  • Animal Breeding and Production
  • Agriculture Machinery and Equipment
  • Agriculture Vehicles
  • Work Experience

OPTIONAL

The Community Course to train working dogs can be completed alongside this programme

Graduates may be employed in a range of pasture and livestock management roles, operating vehicles and equipment with limited supervision. For example: shepherd, dairy farm assistant or general farmhand.

Under 20 Years

Applicants under 20 years of age:

  • Must be at least 16 years of age when the programme begins.
  • Should have achieved NCEA Level 2.
  • If NCEA Level 2 has not been achieved, applicants must provide evidence of their ability to succeed. This may include: 
    • successful completion of a programme of study at Level 2 or above in a related discipline;
    • employment in a related sector for three months or more; or
    • a written testimonial or referral.

Over 20 Years

Applicants aged 20 years or over at the time of enrolment will be considered if they can demonstrate their ability to succeed in the programme.

Interviews for All Applicants

Applicants may be required to attend an interview. Applicants who live some distance from the campus may complete a telephone interview instead.

Copies of applicable certificates or other evidence of prior achievement must be provided before the interview.

Recommended

Applicants are advised to be working towards obtaining their restricted driver's licence.

Applicants should also have a level of physical fitness suitable for farm work.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where English is not the language of instruction in schools, must provide evidence of one of the following:

  • NCEA Level 3 with University Entrance; or
  • an International Baccalaureate Diploma or Cambridge A Level qualification where teaching and assessment were conducted in English; or
  • a Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) or Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL); or
  • successful completion of all primary education (equivalent to New Zealand primary school Years 1 to 8) and at least three years of secondary education (equivalent to three years of New Zealand secondary school Years 9 to 13) at schools in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States, where English was the language of instruction; or
  • successful completion of at least five years of secondary education (equivalent to New Zealand secondary school Years 9 to 13) at schools in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States, where English was the language of instruction; or
  • successful completion of a Bachelor's Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree taught in English by a tertiary education provider in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States; or
  • successful completion of one of the internationally recognised English proficiency tests below at the required level. All scores must be achieved in a single test taken within the two years preceding the proposed date of enrolment.

Certificate at Level 3: Recognised English Proficiency Tests

  • IELTS (General or Academic): Overall score of 5.0, with no band score lower than 5.0.
  • TOEFL Paper-based Test (pBT): Score of 500, with an essay score of 4 TWE.
  • TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT): Score of 35, with a writing score of 14.
  • Cambridge English Examination: B2 First or B2 First for Schools with a score of 154, with no less than 154 in each skill.
  • OET: Minimum Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests.
  • NZCEL: Level 3 (General) or (Workplace).
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic): PTE Academic score of 36, with no band score lower than 36.
  • LanguageCert: B1 Achiever International ESOL Written (LRW) PASS, with no less than 25/50 in each skill, and Spoken (S) PASS.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE I, with no less than Distinction in any band.

This programme pathways to the Massey Diploma in Agriculture offered at Telford and to further study at other tertiary institutes.

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