Farming Systems and Equipment (Level 3) (Dairy) - Farm4Life

Take the first step towards a rewarding career in dairy farming. Develop hands-on skills in farming systems and equipment while gaining valuable industry experience. Graduate ready for employment in the dairy sector and with pathways to advanced roles, including contract milking, share milking, and farm leadership positions.

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Telford Distance
Campus
Telford Distance
Qualification
Certificate
Level
3
Credits
125
Duration

Part Time over 2 years

Dates
TBC
Fees
This programme qualifies for SIT Zero Fees. Terms and Conditions apply. Click here for more information.
Tuition Fees

Zero tuition fees

Direct Material Costs

$7.00 per credit (incl. GST)

International Fees

Check if this course is available to international students in our International section.

Course Outline

This course is built for farming: combining industry‑led training with SIT’s practical farming knowledge to help you get ahead in the dairy industry. It covers how modern dairy farms operate, including animal and pasture management, milking, farm equipment, health and safety, and sustainable farming practices. You’ll learn online through the Farm4Life Hub web app, with practical learning that fits around farm work. Skills are built on a real dairy farm and checked as you go, so what you learn is directly useful on the job and supports entry‑level and developing roles in the dairy industry.

Course Content

The programme will give students the knowledge and skills to:

  • Adopt a health and safety perspective when working on dairy farming tasks.
  • Assist with soil and pasture management including sustainable practices to protect soil and water quality.
  • Assist with dairy 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 topics while gaining dairy farm work experience:

  • Health and Safety
  • Personal Wellbeing
  • Fencing
  • Soils
  • Growing and Using Pasture
  • Animal Health and Welfare
  • Technology on Farm
  • Sustainable Practice
  • Animal Breeding and Production
  • Agriculture Vehicles
Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Farming Systems and Equipment (Level 3) (Dairy) – Farm4Life programme are well-prepared to contribute effectively to entry-level roles within the dairy farming and wider primary industries in New Zealand. The programme develops foundational knowledge and practical skills relevant to farm operations, including dairy, pasture management, and the safe operation of farm machinery and equipment. This qualification supports pathways into employment such as dairy farm assistant, dairy herd manager, and farm machinery operator, and provides a basis for further training and progression within the primary industry.

Application Criteria

Entry Requirements

Applicants should:

  • Preferably be at least 17 years of age when the programme begins.
  • Have achieved NCEA Level 2.
  • Hold at least a restricted driver's licence.
  • Have a level of physical fitness suitable for farming work.

Applicants aged over 20 years, and applicants aged over 17 years who have not achieved NCEA Level 2, must provide evidence of their ability to succeed. This must include:

  • evidence of successful study at Level 2 or above in a related discipline;
  • employment in a related sector for three months or more; and
  • a written testimonial or referral.

Practical Requirements

All applicants must either:

  • be currently working on a dairy farm; or
  • have regular access to a dairy farm.

This is required to complete the practical components of the programme.

Qualification Pathways

This programme may pathway to the Massey Diploma in Agriculture and other further study and qualifications.

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