Certificate in Land Skills (Level 2)

Program Overview

Designed for individuals seeking careers in agriculture and outdoor-related fields, this 9-week Level 2 program combines practical workshops, community volunteering, and work experience to enhance employability skills, including reading, writing, numeracy, and safety practices. Upon completion, students are well-prepared for roles in farming, horticulture, agriculture, conservation, and outdoor-related areas, with pathways for further study in these fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program is designed for individuals interested in pursuing careers in farming, horticulture, agriculture, conservation, or other outdoor-related fields. It offers a blend of practical workshops, community volunteering, and work experience, equipping students with the necessary skills for success in these industries. The program aims to enhance employability skills, including reading, writing, numeracy, digital literacy, and the use of Te Reo. It also provides guidance on career planning, CV writing, and interview techniques. Students benefit from small class sizes and supportive staff, creating a conducive learning environment. Upon completion, the program offers pathways for further study in trades, farming, conservation, and outdoor practical work.

Outline:

The program is structured as follows:

• Health and Safety (5 credits): This module focuses on applying health and safety practices in a farm-related context.
Topics include managing personal safety and the safety of others in rural environments, safe use and maintenance of hand tools, and the responsibilities of workers in health and safety, leave, holidays, sick leave, and contracts. Assessment includes written assessments and observation checklists.
• Employability Skills (15 credits): This module aims to develop essential employability skills for success in a farm-related context.
Topics include 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, and career planning, CVs, and interview skills. Assessment is through an e-Portfolio.
• Practical Skills (10 credits): This module provides hands-on experience in a farm-related context.
Students participate in placements at plant nurseries, farms, conservation/biodiversity projects, or other outdoor practical work experience settings. The specific work tasks are seasonal and depend on workplace priorities. One week is dedicated to conservation work-based experience. Assessment is through observation checklists for placement providers, assessed and moderated by Otago Polytechnic staff.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module. They include:

• Written assessments: Used in the Health and Safety module.
• Observation checklists: Used in the Health and Safety and Practical Skills modules.
• e-Portfolio: Used in the Employability Skills module.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a combination of teaching methods, including:

• Practical workshops: Provide hands-on experience and skill development.
• Community volunteering: Offers real-world application of skills and knowledge.
• Work experience: Provides practical experience in a farm-related setting.
• Small class sizes: Facilitate personalized attention and support.
• Supportive staff: Provide guidance and mentorship throughout the program.

Careers:

Upon completion of the program, students are well-prepared for careers in:

• Farming: Working on farms, managing livestock, and participating in agricultural practices.
• Horticulture: Cultivating and maintaining gardens, nurseries, and other horticultural settings.
• Agriculture: Engaging in various aspects of agricultural production, including crop cultivation, livestock management, and agricultural technology.
• Conservation: Protecting and managing natural resources, including wildlife, ecosystems, and habitats.
• Outdoor-related areas: Pursuing careers in outdoor recreation, adventure tourism, and environmental management.

Other:

• The program is delivered on campus in Dunedin.
• The program duration is 9 weeks full-time.
• The program is offered at Level 2.
• The program has 30 credits.
• The program has intakes in October.
• The program is offered to both domestic and international students.
• The program includes a work experience component of 150 hours.
• The program provides opportunities for further study in trades, farming, conservation, and outdoor practical work.
• The program is delivered in partnership with Malcam Trust.
• The program includes a conservation work-based week.
• The program provides safety gear and protective clothing when necessary.
• The program offers free fees to domestic students who do not already hold a Level 2 or higher qualification (some restrictions may apply).
• The program has a Student Levy that is calculated upon enrollment.
• The program has a Student Hub login.
• The program has an Application portal.
• The program is offered by Otago Polytechnic, a business unit of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of skills and technology.