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 |
|---|---|
| Next intake | Feb 2025 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 |
|---|
Please note, fees for our 2025 intakes are yet to be confirmed. Once they are, we will update our website to reflect the new 2025 fee amount.
Your final fee may vary if:
- you have a choice of topics/papers to study
- the qualification excludes GST
- there are extra course materials to purchase
- student levies apply
We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.
* 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.
Return to course overview
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 | 17 Feb 2025 | |
| Tauranga | Windermere Campus | 17 Feb 2025 | |
| Rotorua | Waipā Campus | 14 Jul 2025 | |
| Tauranga | Windermere Campus | 14 Jul 2025 | |
| Tokoroa | Tokoroa Campus | 14 Jul 2025 |
Study options
- 15 weeks full-time, including holidays (if applicable)
- 27 weeks part-time, including holidays (if applicable)
