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- Course areas
- Farming and Primary Production
- Certificate III in Agriculture
Overview
About this course
Learn the art, science and practice of farming. Develop your interests, skills and knowledge to choose from various avenues in agriculture. Take the first step towards a future career in this varied industry.
Outcomes
What you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
handle livestock and deliver health treatments
build standard and electric fences
apply farm biosecurity measures
operate tractors and equipment
prepare and apply chemicals
establish and maintain crops and pastures.
Course outcomes
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
A nationally accredited Certificate III qualification.
The ability to handle livestock and work independently.
Strong pathways to continue your studies and improve your job options.
Suitability
Is this course right for you?
Entry requirements
Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol.
There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.
Completion requirements
During your study, you'll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
an interest in the agriculture industry
the physical fitness to lift heavy materials and work on your feet for extended
periods
good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team
good planning and organisational skills
the ability to work during peak periods, such as harvest and sowing seasons
your own personal protective equipment (PPE), including a cotton long-sleeved shirt, cotton long-sleeved trousers, leather work boots and a wide-brimmed hat suitable for outdoor work.
Note:
A valid form of ID to prove you are at least 18 years old as part of SafeWork NSW requirements to undertake the SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence assessment conducted via this course
You must successfully pass both the TAFE NSW and SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence assessments to be eligible for your SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence. For more details, see the licensing section below.
The following foundation skills:
You can plan your work and try to solve problems on your own.
You can read everyday texts and find important information.
You can write short sentences or lists to share information.
You can ask and answer questions in a simple conversation.
You can do everyday maths like working out prices or reading a timetable.
You can use email, search the internet and open files.
We tailor our courses to meet local community needs, so some campuses may have extra entry requirements. Check your preferred location for details. Need help preparing? Contact us for support.
Find Your Fit
This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.
Pathways
Future career and study options
Career pathways
Our graduates go onto roles like: animal attendant/stockperson, farm or station hand/worker/labourer, assistant farm fencing contractor, farm machinery worker, farm overseer and senior jackaroo or jillaroo.
Licensing
Under the NSW Pesticides Regulation 2017, people who use pesticides in NSW must hold an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level 3 chemical qualification to purchase and apply chemicals without supervision.
Completing the units AHCCHM304 Prepare and apply chemicals and AHCCHM307 Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases will help you meet these requirements and allow you to:
- apply for chemical user accreditation, which allows you to work without supervision when purchasing, transporting, storing and applying agricultural and horticultural chemicals
- apply for a chemical ground applicator licence, which allows you to work as a chemical application contractor.
For more information, read the Ground Applicator Licence Fact Sheet (PDF
327 KB) on the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) website.
This course leads to a licensed occupation in NSW which means you must hold a SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence to gain employment in this field. This course includes unit/s that allow you to apply to be assessed for the SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence. SafeWork NSW conducts the licence assessment and requires you to be at least 18 years old by the time you are assessed, evidenced by a valid form of ID.
During your course, you will enrol in your specific licensing assessment by logging into the MyServiceNSW app. Visit MyServiceNSW to set up your account. Once logged in, follow these 4 steps:
- Complete your digital proof of identity by providing 2 forms of listed identification.
- Select and enrol in your chosen SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence assessment through your MyServiceNSW account. You’ll receive a confirmation email with your Assessment Enrolment Number (AEN).
Provide your AEN to the SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence accessor before your assessment. - After successfully completing your assessment, your results will be sent directly to your email address.
Please note: You can get support with the SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence enrolment process by calling Service NSW on 13 77 88 Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm (AEST).
Visit SafeWork NSW for more information.
Study pathways
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Previous study1 Course
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Further study2 Courses
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Related study0 Courses
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
The Certificate III in Agriculture does not have any related courses.
Your experience counts
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
Units
Units taught in this course
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Agriculture qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 16 units of competency, including 2 core and 14 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units - 2
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
Contribute to workplace health and safety processesAHCWHS302
Apply environmentally sustainable work practicesAHCWRK320
TAFE NSW services
Facilities and support
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs - be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning - an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations - get social with our student community
Info sessions
Want to know more?
There are a total of 3 information sessions planned for this course. They'll take place at different locations across the state.
You can view all sessions related to Farming and Primary Production.
Study options