Course Overview

This is a FREE course. You can choose to study the Primary Industry Skills course on its own or you can add a strand in the following: 

  • Apiculture (available in Rotorua)
  • Farming (available in Rotorua)
  • Horticulture (available in Tauranga)

The primary industries sector is booming in New Zealand, and now’s the time to take advantage of the career paths that are on offer.

This 15-week taster course will help you learn the basics and set you up for an exciting career outdoors. You'll get a real taste of what it’s like to work in the horticulture and farming industries as well as discover the vast career opportunities that are on offer.

There's a balance of theory and practical sessions that give you the entry level skills you need for your first job or it can lead on to further study.

Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:

  • New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Level 2)
Locations Rotorua, Tauranga, Tokoroa, Whakatāne
Next intake Jul 2024 View more details
Study options

15 weeks full-time, including holidays (if applicable)

27 weeks part-time, including holidays (if applicable)
Total credits 40
StudyLink assistance Available
Indicative Fees No tuition fees for domestic students View full fees information
Eligibility View entry criteria

To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.

Career opportunities

Entry-level roles in the primary sector, such as:

  • relief milker
  • junior farm assistant
  • turf labourer
  • orchard worker
  • vineyard hand
  • assistant gardener
  • nursery worker
  • junior shepherd
  • in a forestry planting team
  • in a post harvest pack house role

Topics you'll cover

This course covers a range of primary industry skills from practical production tasks to an in-depth look at a range of primary industry workplaces and may include:

  • safe work practices for the primary industry
  • basic fencing repairs and maintenance
  • mixing and applying agrichemicals, and using spray equipment
  • handling livestock
  • riparian and revegetation planting
  • plant propagation and garden maintenance
  • tools and small engine maintenance
  • apiculture tasks
  • understanding weather information

Course Fees

Indicative Fees * No tuition fees for domestic students

* Important fee information, and hints and tips

Help with fees

Are you Eligible for Free Fees?

There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.

Student Loans and Allowances

This course meets the requirements for student allowance and student loan applications through StudyLink.

  • A student loan helps to pay for your course fees (the compulsory fees), study materials e.g. books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back.
  • A student allowance is a weekly payment that can help with your living expenses while you're studying. You don't have to pay the money back.

Find out more and apply at studylink.govt.nz

Scholarships

Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.


Course Entry Information

Entry criteria

Standard Entry Criteria

Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.

For courses at levels 1-3, domestic and international students will be required to:

Provide evidence of ability to complete academic requirements.

English language requirements

Level 3 certificate IELTS General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace or Academic, or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined in Rule 18 and Appendix 2 of the NZQA Programme and Accreditation Rules 2013.


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Course Locations and Intake Information

Please note you can choose to study the Primary Industry Skills course on its own or you can add a strand as per below. 

  • Apiculture (available in Rotorua)
  • Farming (available in Rotorua)
  • Horticulture (available in Tauranga)
Location Campus Start Date
Rotorua Waipā Campus 22 Jul 2024 Apply for
Apiculture Strand
Rotorua Waipā Campus 22 Jul 2024 Apply for
Farming Strand
Tauranga Windermere Campus 22 Jul 2024 Apply now
Tokoroa Tokoroa Campus 22 Jul 2024 Apply now
Whakatāne Whakatāne Campus 22 Jul 2024 Apply now

Study options

  • 15 weeks full-time, including holidays (if applicable)
  • 27 weeks part-time, including holidays (if applicable)

Important dates

View calendar of start dates and events

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Further Study Options

Courses Offered at Toi Ohomai