This programme is to provide primary industry workplaces with individuals who can safely and effectively carry out operational activities that involve vehicles, specialist equipment, and infrastructure.

Graduates will be capable of working under limited supervision.

On completion of the programme, graduates can:

• Complete a risk assessment and develop a recording system for primary industry machinery use.
• In a primary industry operation demonstrate and apply knowledge of sustainable environmental practices.
• Manage personal wellbeing during primary industry operational activities.
• Operate primary industry mechanised equipment safely and effectively.

Those who are:

• Graduates of the Specialist Equipment strand can use specialised plant to required quality standards.
• Graduates can be awarded New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Operational Skills (Level 3) with optional strands in Specialist Equipment, and Infrastructure

Learners are required to complete all compulsory unit standards listed in Module One (see table below).

Learners must also complete Module Two by selecting one or more sets of unit standards from sets one to six and/or elective unit standards from set seven to obtain at least 23 credits.

Learners who complete a further 10 credits from Module Three or Four will have completed the New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Operational Skills (Level 3) with strand in Specialist Equipment or Infrastructure depending on the module selected.

Learners who do not wish to complete the full programme will not require Module Three or Four and may exit the course on completion of Modules One and Two (40 Credits) and may be awarded the New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Operational Skills (Level 3).

UNIT STANDARDS

Applicants must be:

• Aged 16 years or over.
• Physically fit.
• Working in a relevant primary sector environment in New Zealand and have access to required vehicles and equipment.
  Have access to required supervision, equipment, and personal protective equipment to complete selected unit standards and 352 hours of work experience.
• Have the relevant driver licence and/or endorsement where needed.

Suitability to enrol will be established through an interview with VHNZ prior to offer of place.

There may be specific requirements for some unit standards as follows:

These requirements will be discussed during the enrolment process.

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

This qualification may lead to other primary industry qualifications at Levels 3 and 4.

The programme investment will vary depending on specific course requirements such as customisation of training location and number of learners.

Funding/subsidies may be available for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents or Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents living in New Zealand.

Learners will be required to complete 7 days of face-to-face training*, and up to 352 relevant work experience hours recorded in a logbook and validated by the employer or supervisor. Applicants, employers, and VHNZ will agree on the learning content to be delivered and sign a training agreement specifying:

• Employer obligations.
• Trainee obligations.
• VHNZ obligations.

This will be discussed with each party prior to enrolment.

*Duration may vary depending on the stand selected.

Minimum: 6

Maximum: 8

• Employer obligations.
• Trainee obligations.
• VHNZ obligations.

This will be discussed with each party prior to enrolment.

This course also has the following optional unit standard available delivered via e-learning: