The Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF; also known as free trades training) supports learners to undertake vocational education and training without fees. The TTAF covers fees until 31 December 2022.
Note: Fees may apply for training continuing after 1 January 2023 on this programme.
About this programme
Managing environmental pests is crucial to conserving New Zealand’s unique ecosystems. This hands-on programme prepares you to work on pest control projects, giving you practical experience through learning how to safely use traps and poisons. You’ll also learn to identify flora and fauna, and how to navigate in remote bush.
What you will learn
You will learn:
-
How to identify common native and introduced flora and fauna
-
How to work safely and effectively in the conservation estate
-
To navigate using maps and compass, and GPS
-
How to complete an extended expedition into remote bush
-
Practical experience in pest control, through using traps and poisons
-
To work in a safe and effective manner as part of a pest management team
-
Good work habits including time management and basic problem solving, communication and recording skills
-
About the social, cultural, legislative and economic dimensions of a career in pest control.
Courses in this programme
Students must attend specified field trips and assessments to pass this programme. Students require a minimum of 60 credits to complete this qualification.
| Courses – Offerings will be confirmed on application |
Level |
Credits |
|
3487.0001 - Health and Safety
Aim: To enable students to gain knowledge in hazard identification and management, navigation, survival skills, and health and safety requirements during pest control activities.
On successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe potential hazards in rural environments and related legislative requirements
- Demonstrate the ability to navigate in familiar and unfamiliar country
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills required for safety and survival in a range of rural environments
- Demonstrate knowledge of health and safety requirements for pest operations
|
3 |
15 |
|
3487.0002 - Communication and Environmental Impact
Aim: To enable students to gain an understanding of local plant and animal pests and their related control methods.
On successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate effective use of a range of communication devices
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate information to meet workplace and legal requirements
- Explain the impact of pests on the environment and economy
|
3 |
5 |
|
3487.0005 - Pest Control
Aim: To enable the student to gain an understanding of local plant and animal pests and related control and monitoring methods.
On successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify and describe a range of plant and animal pests located in a local rural environment.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills for pest plant and animal control.
- Describe a range of methods used for monitoring pest plants and animals.
- Explain basic plant and animal biology, physiology and anatomy.
- Demonstrate an understanding of firearm safety, security and related legislation.
|
3 |
25 |
|
3487.0006 - Pest Monitoring
Aim: To enable students to gain an understanding of local plant and animal pests and their related
monitoring methods.
On successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify and describe a range of plant and animal pests located in a local rural environment.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills for monitoring pest plants and animals.
- State a range of methods used for pest plant and animal control.
- Explain basic plant and animal biology, physiology and anatomy.
|
3 |
25 |
|
3847.0007 - Light Utility Vehicles
Aim: To enable students to acquire the knowledge and skills to safely operate a Light Utility Vehicle (LUV) in a range of off road conditions.
On successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the safe operation of a light utility vehicle in a rural environment.
- Operate a light utility vehicle (LUV) on flat and hilly terrain.
- Operate a LUV with trailer or mounted load.
|
3 |
15 |
Career options
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
-
be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences
-
be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level
-
be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
Qualification gained
New Zealand Certificate in Pest Operations (Level 3)
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. Fees are an indication, include GST and apply to domestic students only. View terms and conditions
From 1 January 2023, all NorthTec learners will be part of Te Pūkenga. Please note that these programmes of study are currently under review as part of the reform of vocational education training and may be subject to change.