Certificate in Farming Skills (Level 2)


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LEVEL 2

12 Weeks

Certificate in Farming Skills (Level 2)

Do you love the idea of working on a dairy farm and carrying out a range of dairy jobs?
If you are unsure about what is involved and what this will be like, we have a quality programme to make your dream become a reality.

The New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills programme will give you a head start to begin your farming career. The knowledge and skills you gain will prepare you for a successful entry in this growing industry.

This programme is highly practical for work in an entry-level role on a farm. You will learn the skills and practices that all dairy workers need.
Throughout this programme, you will learn practical skills such as tractor driving, safe use of quad bikes, fencing, and Health and Safety practices.
Vision College offers small class sizes, and supportive tutors, which create a personal and productive learning environment.

The dairy farming sector in New Zealand is looking for farm workers and the demand is expected to remain strong. Graduates can apply to further their studies with other education providers in New Zealand or go into work in a range of agricultural roles such as a dairy farmer or a farm worker.

Note: An applicant will be considered confirmed once they have paid their fees in full or received an AIP. When an applicant has received an AIP (Approved in Principle) or a student visa, a copy must be forwarded to Vision College.

Applicants must have sufficient money to cover their costs until the expiry of their student visa and to cover Licensed Advisor fee $1207.50 and EAWV Fee (Work Visa) $1540.00 = $2747.50. This is no longer included in the fees to pay.

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS:

Before enrolling in this agriculture course please download and read the School Prospectus.

Click HERE to download the Application Booklet. This will give you a clear understanding of all the required documents and the process to follow to enable you to enrol.

We highly recommend that you apply to enrol through a reputable immigration agent in your home country. Contact us at international@atc.org.nz for a list of agents.

The application process will require you to provide the following documents, completed in English, plus verified copies of your passport, qualifications:

 

  • Application form - Click Here
  • Statement of Purpose - Click Here
  • Medical Information - Click Here
  • Passport
  • Driver Licence (country of origin)
  • CV
  • Copies of qualifications or credentials (must be verified by a legal representative)
  • Homestay Application form - Click Here
  • Homestay Student Guide - Click Here
  • Exemption from Homestay - Click Here
  • Course Costs - Click Here
  • Video (2 – 3 minutes in length speaking about your family, employment, hobbies, why do you want to study in NZ, why do you want to work in the dairy industry – please send the video as an email attachment
  • International Student Information booklet - Click Here
  • Airport Pickup request – to be sent when flights have been booked and itinerary attached - Click Here

Available Campuses: Hamilton

 

The CEO of Vision College Ltd, Ray Pickett met with the Honourable Senator, Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao in August 2023:

Ray was given a warm welcome by Senator Pacquiao’s officials, family members and Governor Rogelio Pacquiao of the Sarangani province. Ray shared with them the quality and affordable educational opportunities offered by Vision College and gained Pacquiao’s confidence and support in promoting such opportunities to the Filipino community. Sen. Manny Pacquiao then signed a pair of boxing gloves for Ray in a private meeting.

Sen. Manny Pacquiao is both a professional boxer and a politician from the Philippines. He has held various world championship titles in different weight classes and is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time. Sen. Pacquiao has also been involved in Philippine politics, serving as a senator since 2016.

 

Upcoming Intakes

Hamilton
7 Apr 2025
30 Jun 2025

Fees

International Fees *
International Fees* Tuition/Administrative fee $7200 Course Related Costs $1000 Insurance $488 H/Stay (10 wks @ $370) $3700 H/Stay Setup fee $350

Fees listed are indicative only and may vary with course selection. Exact fees can be confirmed when you enquire or apply.
* International learners are required to pay additional costs to attend one of our courses or programmes. These additional costs include medical and travel insurance cover.

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WHAT WILL YOU LEARN

The programme presents an overview
of career pathways within agriculture and dairy farming and offers practical skills in:

  • Safety and hazard management on farms,
  • An introduction to safe use of farm vehicles
    including tractors and farm motorcycles,
  • Preparing for milking, milking,
    and washing down after milking
  • Putting up temporary electric fencing,
  • An introduction to dairy cattle grazing and feed
  • Maintaining dairy cattle health
  • Maintenance of on-farm water infrastructure

 

EMPLOYMENT

We work closely with several agricultural recruitment agencies who will assist you to gain either seasonal, part-time or full-time employment on a dairy farm. However this cannot be guaranteed and is subject to availability of vacancies’

Please note this agriculture course is not a pathway to residence in New Zealand.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS WILL YOU GET

New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Level 2)*

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
  • International students are required to
    be between 18 - 40 years of age at the start
    date of the programme of study, not when
    they make the application

    Must have at least one of the following
  • 3 years of verifiable experience in agriculture, or
  • completed an agriculture-related qualification
    of at least 3 months duration, or
  • a bachelor degree in any field
  • Applicants are required to be proficient
    in the English language (both written and spoken)
    to at least a basic level. Applicants are required
    to submit a 2-3 minute video as proof of their
    English language proficiency. At the time of applying
    for a work visa, applicants will need to be able to show
    that, within the last two years, they have passed a
    Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
    with a minimum 29 overall or an equivalent result.
  • Prospective students must have applied for,
    and been accepted on a study visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Students doing a course lasting two or more years are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. 
Students doing a one-year course or more are eligible to work full-time over the summer holiday period.
To work you will need to apply for a variation of conditions to your student permit. However, you need to know that jobs are not always easy to come by and, by law, preference has to be given to New Zealand citizens or residents.

Many students find that study in New Zealand is very different from what they are used to.  New Zealand educators value active participation in class.  Students are expected to ask questions and also be expected to complete background readings during the coursework.  Teachers facilitate your learning, but do not provide all that you will need to know. 

If you have a licence in your own country, you can apply for an International Driver’s Licence before you leave.  This is valid for one year before you need to take the New Zealand driving tests.  Check with the New Zealand Embassy in your own country for further details of requirements: http://www.nzembassy.com/

We give your details to a local International Employment/Immigration Agency, who will endeavour to locate a position on a farm in New Zealand.

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