Certificate in Land Skills (Level 2)

A place to start if you want to work in farming, horticulture, agriculture, conservation or other outdoor-related areas. You'll take part in practical workshops, volunteer in your community and do 150 hours of work. At the same time you'll build employability and study skills and get clarity on your next step.

Domestic
International
Duration
9 Weeks Full-time
Level
2
Credits
30
Fees
$0*
*Approximate full qualification tuition fee
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Intakes
October
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About the programme

Looking for a way to get some hands-on learning and increase your chances of getting a job?

This programme has a great mix of study and hands-on experience and will give you the skills you need to work in farming, agriculture, horticulture, conservation or other outdoor-related areas.

You'll take part in practical workshops at Otago Polytechnic, undertake 150 hours of authentic work experience, volunteer in the community, explore your own study style and potential work options, learn about Health and Safety and build your employability skills (reading, writing, numeracy, digital literacy and the use of Te Reo). 

With small class sizes and very supportive staff, take advantage of the chance to upskill in a way that suits you. 

And, if you're keen to keep learning once you finish this programme, we provide plenty of options for further study in trades, farming, conservation and outdoor, practical work.   

What you study
Entry
Fees
Application

Courses

This programme is a great mix of study and hands-on experience. You'll take part in practical workshops, volunteer in the community, undertake 150 hours of work experience, explore your own study style and potential careers, learn about Health and Safety and build your employability skills (reading, writing, numeracy, digital literacy, use of Te Reo). 

Please note: Delivery of this training scheme could include Malcam Trust as our sub-contracted partner.

Course and overview Topics and assessment Duration

Health and Safety

(5 credits)

Learn how to apply health and safety practices in a farm-related context 
  • Managing personal safety and safety of others in rural environments
  • Safe use and maintenance of hand tools
  • Responsibility of workers in health and safety, leave, holidays, sick leave, and contracts

Assessment

  • Written assessment 
  • Observation checklist 

Weeks 1-8:

  • 1 day per week in work placement, and
  • 1/2 day per week at Otago Polytechnic 

Employability Skills 

(15 credits)

Gain the employability skills you need to be successful in a farm-related context 
  • Digital technology, literacy and numeracy in a primary industry context (budgets, taxes, Kiwi Saver, loans) 
  • Skills required for employment in primary workplaces and pathways to development
  • Career planning, CVs and interview skills  

Assessment 

  • e-Portfolio

Weeks 1-8:

  • 1.5 days per week

Practical Skills

(10 credits)

Demonstrate practical skills in a farm-related context
  • Placement at plant nursery, farm or on conservation/biodiversity projects or any other outdoor practical work experience setting (specific work tasks will be seasonal and depend on workplace priorities) 
  • One week conservation work-based week 

Assessment 

  • Observation checklists for placement providers (assessed and moderated by Otago Polytechnic staff)

Weeks 1-8:

  • Two days per week 

 

 

Week 9

  • One week 

Further study options

Get further training in farming, agriculture, horticulture or conservation with our New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2) or New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3).