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

with Optional strands in Specialist Equipment and Infrastructure

New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Operational Skills (Level 3) with Optional strands in Specialist Equipment and Infrastructure

with Optional strands in Specialist Equipment and Infrastructure

In any workplace, you need to be able to operate safely. You will learn general health & safety as well as tractor safety, and cover topics such as quad bikes, two-wheelers, chainsaws, water systems; wooden, wire and electric fencing and repair; and tractor implements. This programme provides hands-on learning to help you on the farm.

The purpose of this qualification is to provide primary industry workplaces with individuals who can safely and effectively carry out operational activities which involve vehicles, machinery and infrastructure.

Primary industry workplaces will benefit by having staff with the skills to safely and effectively complete operational activities relevant to vehicles, machinery and infrastructure.

Learners will benefit by having a qualification within a training pathway that recognises progression through the industry and enables improved job performance.

This qualification 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.

Graduates will be capable of working under limited supervision.

You will learn how 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.

Learning context

New Plymouth intakes

Students who complete this course in New Plymouth will be on a dairy farm.  Learning will be done in the context of dairy farming

South Taranaki intakes

Students who complete this course in South Taranaki will be on a sheep and beef farm. Learning will be done in the context of sheep and beef farming. 

Employment/Cultural/Community Pathway

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.

Special requirements

It is recommended that students hold or are working towards a Restricted New Zealand Driver’s Licence.

Entry Requirements

  • Open entry.

Additional Expenses

Items from Farm Source

  • Gumboots Red Band 10 233313006 - $80
  • Overtrousers Bib Dairytex, GRN, L 248577003 - $135
  • Parka Dairytex, GRN, L 248580003 - $198
  • Overalls (Optional but recommended)

Changes for 2023 learners

On 1 November 2022, WITT and the programme you have enrolled in became part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology .
When you apply to study with WITT in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people. The great news is that this enables us to share skills and knowledge across a network of passionate education providers, to better help you succeed.
Please note that all programmes offered by WITT and other subsidiaries of Te Pūkenga are under review. This is to make sure they are portable, consistent, and aligned with the needs of the industry to provide you with excellent and quality educational opportunities.

Similar Programmes

New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Level 4)

New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture Farming systems (Level 3)

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