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

Learn general health and safety covering topics such as tractor safety, quad bike, two wheelers, water systems, tractor implements and wooden, wire and electric fencing and repair. 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)
Aliya and Eliot Primary Student Profile

From our hands-on learning experience, we have gained the necessary skills and knowledge that we need for our future career in the agriculture sector, as well as learning things about ourselves and gaining long-lasting friendships. Our amazing tutors and support team really have played a huge part in where we are today they go above and beyond for us and never fail to give us the support and encouragement we need and give us the best hands-on learning experience.

Aliya Fever and Eliot Webby

Primary Industry Operational Skills

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WITT and this programme are part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology 

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