Home›Programmes›Agriculture & Conservation›New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Operational Skills (Level 3)

New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Operational Skills (Level 3)

Level 3

Need Some Advice?Apply Now
button for easy access to information about this qualification

Are you keen to get work assisting farm, stable or nursery daily operations? The UCOL New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Operational Skills programme will help you gain a range of operational skills that are in demand.

A paddock with lambs and a red cod bike with a sheep dog on it
Quick info

Level: 3

Locations: UCOL Wairarapa in Masterton

Duration: 27 weeks part-time
(See Course Hours & Duration for details)

Dates:
17 Feb 2025 – 17 Sept 2025

Domestic Fees: *
2025 fees TBC

Scholarship info

Find out if you're eligible for fees-free study

International Fees:*
2025 fees TBC

Additional Fees
Compulsory course costs may apply.

* Fees are indicative only, and are inclusive of the student services levy and GST (goods and services tax). The fee shown is for one year of study.

Need Some Advice?Apply Now

The New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Operational Skills is for learners from a wide range of primary industry workplaces who want to develop a range of competencies that contribute to the safe and effective operation of a primary industry workplace.

This qualification helps you develop your skills for safely and effectively completing operational activities involving vehicles, machinery, and infrastructure in the workplace.

 Course Hours & Duration

This programme runs for 27 weeks, including 2 holiday weeks.

Per week, your learning will include approximately:

Class Time
12 hrs

Lectures, tutorials and/or online recordings. The timetable is set by your lecturer.


Industry Experience
8 hrs

In-work activity.


Study Time
20 hrs

Study in your own time.

 Career & Study Outcomes

Graduates of this programme will be able to:

  • Identify and assist with the management of workplace risks.
  • Plan and carry out operational activities using mechanised equipment with consideration for environmental impacts.
  • Manage personal wellbeing when carrying out primary industry operational activities.

Graduates of the Specialist Equipment strand will also be able to:

  • Operate specialist equipment for primary industry operational activities.

Graduates of the Infrastructure strand will also be able to:

  • Carry out activities related to the maintenance of workplace infrastructure.

Career outcome
Graduates of this qualification are likely to be employed as a general hand, junior shepherd, farm assistant, harvester, assistant beekeeper, stable assistant, nursery worker or in other similar roles in primary industry workplaces.

 Course Information

Note: As a business division of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

The programme consists of 40-60 credits.

Management of workplace risks and personal wellbeing (15 Credits)

After completing this course, learners will be able to:

  • Identify risks that can affect personal wellbeing and describe and apply wellbeing management strategies for operational activities.
  • Identify and discuss factors that can contribute to primary industry workplace risks.
  • Describe primary industry workplace strategies to eliminate or minimise risks.
  • Provide and manage first aid in a primary industry workplace.

Mechanised equipment – vehicles (15 Credits)

After completing this course, learners will be able to:

  • Explain compliance requirements and environmental implications for safe and effective operation of specific primary industry vehicles.
  • Explain the purpose, functions, components, maintenance, and environmental implications for operating specific primary industry vehicles.
  • Safely operate specific primary industry vehicles.

Mechanised equipment – machinery (10 Credits)

After completing this course, learners will be able to:

  • Explain the purpose, functions, components, maintenance, and environmental implications of specific primary industry machinery.
  • Safely operate small powered machinery and equipment for specific primary industry purposes.

 Domestic Entry Requirements

Under 20 years of age applicants:

Applicants under the age of 20 years must have NCEA Level 1

OR

Equivalent academic achievement on a case-by-case basis;

OR

At the discretion of the Executive Dean.

NB: If undertaking the completion of individual Unit Standards refer to Advice and Guidance for more detail as some driver licence criteria applies

 

For more information about NCEA Credits see the UCOL Te Pūkenga NCEA explained page.

 International Entry Requirements

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international learner applicants.

English language proficiency

International learner applicants must have an IELTS General or Academic score of 5.0 with no band lower than 5.0. IELTS scores must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

Under 20 years of age
International applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.


 Advice & Guidance

Learners need to be aware of the physical requirements for operating in the rural workforce. Learners will be advised to put any special needs or requirements in writing and advise the Programme Leader before the programme begins.

There are 110 work experience hours for the three core courses.

While some personal protective equipment is provided by UCOL, learners must supply their own gumboots, overalls, wet weather gear and sturdy work shoes /steel cap boots. 


Graduates of this qualification may be eligible to continue their studies in an apprenticeship with the Primary ITO.

Learners who choose to complete individual Units Standards will need to be aware of the following driver license requirements:

Unit Standard 17978 requires the appropriate current New Zealand license for the particular vehicle being driven.

Unit Standard 17574 requires a minimum of a current New Zealand Class 2L driver’s license.

Unit Standard 17978, 16701, 16702 and 16703 requires the appropriate current New Zealand license for the particular vehicle being driven. 

Unit Standard 17574 requires a minimum of a current New Zealand Class 2L driver’s license.

Unit Standard 18496 requires a current full New Zealand driver’s license other than a Class 6.

Unit Standard 18496 (Forklift driver licence endorsement) requires a current full New Zealand class driver licence other than Class 6.

 Accreditation

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Universal College of Learning Limited, a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga is accredited to teach it.

Top