International Study Information Sheet
National Trade Academy Certificate in New Zealand Farm Skills
Course Length: 12 weeks
Start Dates: March, May & August each year (dates can be flexible)
The aim of this course is to teach international students industry skills and knowledge used by NZ farmers to increase farm production and efficiency. This will enable international students work on a New Zealand farm before they return to their own country and apply the knowledge and skills gained for the benefit of their own country. The certificate is delivered at level 2. The course is made up entirely of unit standards and international students therefore have the opportunity to gain additional qualifications under the NQF if and when NZ visa requirements allow this.
The course will cover both practical industry skills as well as theory and provides international students with an opportunity to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible for use in their own country. This will be done by exposing the students to:
- Use of farm vehicles
- Livestock Management
- Fencing
- Livestock Health
- Livestock Feeding
- Pastures
- Dairy farm management
- Sheep farm management
- Injury and Safety factors
- Practical experience
Emphasis will be on safety, improving productivity and efficiency. Students will be able to apply the skills and knowledge gained on the course and contribute to the improvement and development of overseas agricultural practices. The fostering of relationships in the industry is expected to provide a long term benefit to New Zealand .
After successfully completing all required unit standards, graduates will:
- have an understanding of how they can increase farm productivity
- have all round practical skills involved with farm machinery
- be able to work competently with livestock
- be able to increase productivity through improved livestock health
- have an understanding of livestock feed management
- be able to competently work in a dairy shed or woolshed
- b e able to identify farm hazards and recognise safety issues
The National Trade Academy Certificate in NZ Farm Skills will be awarded if and only if students have:
- successfully passed all compulsory unit standards
- gained 54 credits in total
- abided by the code of conduct for overseas students
Course Schedule
The course is delivered over a consecutive period of 12 weeks. It includes 2 weeks of work experience.
Each theory/practical week consists of:
- Scheduled tutor delivery: 15 hours
- Visits/demos/practice: 12 hours
- Self-directed learning: 3 hours
Work Experience
- The course will consist of field trips to a variety of farms and as well as practical activities on our training Farm.
- From week four work experiences will take place on a local farm one day per week.
- Week 11 and 12 will consist of work experience on a farm for a full two week period.
Driver's license and a vehicle is preferable but not essential.
Qualifications
NTA Certificate in New Zealand Farm Skills
National Certificate in Agriculture (Level 2) Dairy Farming |
