New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Production (Fruit Production) (Level 4) - work based
Learn while working in the fruit production or viticulture industry. Enjoy a 50/50 mix of theory and practical study, and use your workplace as a setting to practice your developing skills.
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.
We also offer this programme on campus, part-time across one year - find out more.
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
Funding help
As this programme is part-time, students generally aren't eligible for student loans or allowances to cover additional costs or living costs. But, some help may be possible depending on your circumstances. Check the Studylink website for more information.
If you have any questions about student loans and allowances, please email our Studylink Advisor: Amanda.McAra@op.ac.nz
If you're eligible, you may be able to get further tuition fee cover through the Fees Free scheme.
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.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Fees Free
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
Application
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, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
