WHAT WILL YOU LEARN

• Use of farm vehicles 
Intensive training on the safe use of quad bikes, farm motorcycles, tractors and chainsaws.
• Pasture control 
An introduction to grazing and pasture management.
• Fencing training 
Methods of livestock control with fencing methods.
• Animal health 
Skills in dairy herd health care and animal handling.
• Livestock feeding 
Knowledge of seasonal livestock demands and feeding systems.
• Dairy shed hygiene and milking 
Preparation for milking, milking procedures and equipment cleaning.
• Injury and Safety factors training
The identification and elimination of farm hazards.

EMPLOYMENT

If your visa conditions allow, we work closely with an agricultural employment consultant who will assist you to gain either seasonal, part-time or full-time employment on a dairy farm.

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 must be aged between 18-40 years of age at the start date of the programme of study, not when they make the application.
• Applicants must be proficient in the English language (both written and spoken) to at least a basic level
• Prospective students must have applied for and been accepted on a study visa, not a visitor’s visa.
• Be able to show a source of funds and provide a history of payments in their bank accounts that go back 6 months.
• Must have completed an agriculture-related qualification of at least 3 months duration. However, preference will be given to those who have a degree or background in agriculture.
• Have paid all monies required before the course start date.
• All students are required to stay in a Homestay unless an exemption has been approved by the Head of School. An 'Exemption from Homestay' form must be completed.

PLEASE NOTE

• Prospective students will need a driver's licence.
• Height - We cannot accept a student who is 5’3” (160 cm) or under, as this is a health and safety issue and are at risk of injury during milking.
• Fees must be paid 6 weeks before the start date of the programme. If no payment is received application will be placed into the next available intake.

• Students enrolling in the NZ Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Level 2)* will be required to obtain a work visa once they have been offered a position on a farm. ATC Vision College use the services of a Hamilton based company, that finds placements and assist students to process work visas. The cost for this service is $1207.00 and the work visa application of $540.00. Students who choose to use another recruiting agency will need to cover the costs of that agency. ATC Vision College will not be responsible for the student’s application for a work visa, or if the employment relationship does not work. Note: Students who start with one agency and shift to another may be liable for costs in both agencies.

*Awaiting NZQA approval