Primary Industries

This qualification is recognised as an entry-level qualification for employment in the Agriculture industry. The course would suit students who are interested in a career in the Agriculture Industry, working in possible jobs such as an assistant animal attendant/stockperson or Farm or Station hand/worker/labourer. Students may also wish to complete this course for general interest and to assist in part-time work while undertaking further study.

Qualification

AHC20116 – Certificate II in Agriculture

Course Duration/Hours

This is a 240 hour course that runs over 2 years. It may be possible to undertake a 120 hour course in Primary Industries.

HSC Information

The is a Board Developed Course, Category B. Students who complete the 240 hour course may sit for the optional HSC exam. Mandatory units of competency from the list below are examined.

One Category B course (2 units) may be counted towards the calculation of the ATAR for university entrance. Students not wishing to achieve an ATAR need not sit the HSC examination.

Work Placement

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) requires students to complete a minimum of 70 hours of work placement. Work placement is a mandatory component of the course and must be completed prior to the student’s last HSC exam.

Days worked as part of a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship satisfies this NESA requirement.

Assessment

This course is competency based and the student’s performance is recognised against a prescribed industry standard. Assessment strategies may include:

  • Observation
  • Student demonstration
  • Questioning
  • Written tasks
  • Tests

Students are given a number of opportunities to demonstrate competence across the range of competency standards covered by this course.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

You may be entitled to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. If you have completed any training, either through your part-time work, TAFE or other school VET courses you have completed recently, or through experience gained in other ways you can apply for RPL. You should talk to your School VET Coordinator, Careers Adviser or course teacher for further information.

Costs

A course fee is generally charged by schools to cover consumable materials. Your school will provide further advice.

Units of Competency

To be eligible for this qualification you must successfully complete: 18 units: 3 core, 15 electives

Preliminary

  • AHCWHS201 Participate in work health and safety processes (Core)
  • AHCWRK205 Participate in workplace communications
  • AHCINF202 Install, maintain and repair farm fencing
  • AHCINF201 Carry out electric fencing operations
  • AHCLSK209 Monitor water supplies
  • AHCWRK204 Work effectively in the industry (Core)
  • AHCLSK211 Provide feed for livestock
  • AHCLSK202 Care for health and welfare of livestock
  • AHCLSK204 Carry out regular livestock observations
  • AHCLSK205 Handle livestock using basic techniques
  • AHCLSK207 Load and unload livestock

Electives (Your school will confirm which electives will be delivered)

  • AHCMOM202 Operate tractors
  • AHCMOM202 Operate basic machinery and equipment
  • AHCCHM201 Apply chemicals under supervision
  • AHCPMG201 Treat weeds
  • AHCPMG202 Treat plant pests, diseases and disorders
  • AHCWRK201 Observe and report on weather
  • AHCWRK209 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices (Core)
Further Study

Further training pathways from this qualification include, but are not limited to, Certificate III in Agriculture (Dairy Production), Certificate III in Pork Production, Certificate III in Horse Breeding.

Career Information

Job Roles

Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include:

  • Assistant animal attendant/stockperson
  • Assistant Farm or Station hand
  • Assistant Farm or Station worker
  • Assistant Farm or Station labourer

Duties and Tasks

Agricultural technical officers may perform the following tasks:

  • work with agricultural scientists using small plot experiments to compare plant varieties and test the effects of various treatments on growth and yield
  • work with soil scientists to study irrigation techniques and analyse plants used in soil treatment experiments
  • work with plant breeders to produce new strains and select superior products
  • work with animal breeders using artificial insemination techniques to produce offspring that mature earlier
  • record and interpret experimental data in field experiments
  • interpret aerial photographs and prepare maps showing soil and vegetation patterns
  • assist in the chemical analysis and laboratory culture of microorganisms that cause diseases in plants and animals
  • carry out research and provide advice about various technical issues.

Personal Attributes

  • Enjoy practical work
  • good at science
  • able to analyse and solve problems
  • enjoy agriculture and the environment
  • able to make accurate observations and recordings
  • able to work as part of a team

For further information: http://www.myskills.gov.au/
Type the qualification code into the search bar, then click on the qualification title.
Explore Career Pathways and Student Outcomes including Employment, Salary, Occupations.
Course Flyer: PRIMARY INDUSTRIES FLYER for Subject Selection.