Level 4 Fruit Production
This programme is for those already working in the fruit production or viticulture industry. A 50/50 mix of theory and practical, you’ll learn online whilst using your workplace as a setting to practice your developing skills. Courses include Soils and Water, Plant Science, Seasonal Tasks, Communication, and Pests, Weeds and Agrichemicals.
Domestic
About the programme
Further develop the fundamental skills and knowledge required of horticulturists in orchards or vineyards while you work.
A 50/50 mix of theoretical and practical studies, this programme is for domestic students only and you must be employed within the fruit production or viticulture industry to undertake it. It will take one to two years part-time to complete.
It provides the perfect opportunity for you to upskill via supported online learning and block courses at our Cromwell Campus whilst using your workplace as a setting to practice your developing skills.
Employment opportunities are extremely diverse in this industry and, with motivation and hard work, you may find yourself working as an irrigation technician, fruit grower, vineyard supervisor or even at the head of your own business. This qualification will help you make the next step up within your workplace.
Graduates will gain the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Production (Level 4) (Fruit Production).
What You Study
Courses
This programme is based in your workplace with regular visits and support from your programme facilitator. You will also have the opportunity to attend some block courses at the Central Campus. You will build your experience and knowledge of the techniques required to grow commercial fruit or wine grapes. In addition to the compulsory courses listed below, you will have the option of choosing Viticulture Canopy Management (15 credits) or Orchard Canopy Management (15 credits) elective courses.
- Soils and Water (15 credits)
- Plant Science (15 credits)
- Seasonal Tasks (10 credits)
- Pests, Weeds and Agrichemicals (15 credits)
- Machinery, Tools and Equipment (10 credits)
- Communication (10 credits)
- Orchard Canopy Management (15 credits) - Elective
- Viticulture Canopy Management (15 credits) - Elective
Further study options
Advance your knowledge with our Level 5 Fruit Production programme.
Workload
Your workload
This programme takes one to two years to complete part-time.
You should expect to spend a minimum of 10 hours a week on this programme.
Entry
Entry requirements
- Open entry.
- This programme is not available to international students.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Please note: This programme isn't available for international students.
Fees
Domestic fees
Study for free during 2022!
You can study this programme for free during 2022 due to the Government's Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF).
- You will need a laptop/device to study this programme online which isn't covered by this fund.
TTAF will only cover your study during 2022. You may be eligible for some additional tuition fees cover under the Government's Fees Free scheme. See the Paying for your study section below for more info.
Paying for your study
TTAF
The Government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) is currently running but will end in December 2022. That means part-time study undertaken in 2022 is free for all domestic learners. If your study runs into 2023, you may be eligible to have some of your tuition costs covered through the Fees Free scheme (see below).
Whilst this programme is free for you to study, the TTAF fund only covers tuition fees and compulsory costs such as student levies. It does not cover any additional costs or living costs. You can pay for additional and living costs by yourself if that is possible or by applying for a loan or allowance through Studylink (which is only available for domestic learners).
It is important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw your programme application or if it is unsuccessful.
For information about student loans and allowances please visit the Studylink website.
Fees Free
The Government is also running a funding scheme called Fees Free for domestic learners. This scheme normally pays for your first year of study if you’ve never been enrolled in the tertiary study over 60 credits at Level 3 or higher in New Zealand. They have confirmed that TTAF does not impact on a learner’s entitlement to also access the Fees Free scheme.
So, you’ll be covered by TTAF for your first year of part-time study and, if you would have originally been eligible for Fees Free, you’ll be able to access that to cover some of your remaining part-time study.
You can check your Fees Free eligibility here >
Fees Free only covers your tuition fees. You would still need to pay for things like accommodation, living costs and placement transport costs.
Again, you can pay for these costs by yourself if possible or by applying for a loan or allowance through Studylink (only available for domestic learners).
If you have any questions about student loans and allowances, please email our Studylink Advisor: Amanda.McAra@op.ac.nz
Tuition fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied.
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic 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. Enrolling in programmes that start in 2023, means that you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative ONLY. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.
