Overview
This qualification is intended for school leavers, people who want to change careers, or adult learners new to the agriculture industry, all
of whom would complete the qualification prior to employment in the
agriculture industry. This qualification is intended to provide people
with a broad range of skills from across the agriculture industry that would be utilised over a full farming year. As part of this programme all students will gain essential experience with animal handling, animal health, chainsaws, tractors, ATVs, motorbikes, fencing, soils, water supply, agrichemicals and many other essential aspects of farming.

This programme is split into three strands - theory, technical and practical farm work. These strands enable students to get a good mix of essential skills and knowledge - in a classroom, in the workshop and on the farm.

Requirements
Further advice will be provided upon enrolment. Example requirements are: gumboots, overalls, wet weather gear and sturdy work boots.

Steel-capped boots are required for the chainsaw component and when working with stock.

Training Venue
Training is conducted at multiple sites throughout Northland. The ‘home base’ for this programme is concentrated around Whangarei

Content
Taratahi’s focus is to ensure learners receive high quality agricultural training both in the classroom and on the farm.

This qualification is made up of compulsory core units and three optional courses; a ‘dairy option’ a ‘sheep option’ or a ‘cattle option’.

These units target a wide range of skills and knowledge applicable to specific aspects of farming as summarised below.

Content includes:

• Livestock handling
• Personal wellbeing and First Aid
• Vehicles and machinery
• Pasture, soil and water management
• Agricultural resources, machinery and tools
• Pest control
• Fencing
• General farming skills

Students specialise in either dairy, sheep or beef which will also include content relevant to their specified option.

Career Options
Work in a variety of agricultural and horticultural sectors.

Admission Information
Entry to this programme is open, however to complete this qualification, applicants must be physically able to complete the programme and preference will be given to those with:

• A minimum of 3 years secondary school
• Motivation to work in the rural sector
• 16 years of age
• An eagerness to understand a range of farming activities and willingness to learn using a mix of theory, technical and practical work

Qualification gained:

National Certificate in Farming Skills (Work Ready) Level 3