Something Unique: six modules; your choice!
You can choose any six modules from those available, as long as the combination makes sense and is approved by one of the school's academic staff.
To enrol in a self designed certificate, you must first determine at the subjects you will take. This is usually done by contacting the school and discussing this with an academic staff member (by email, letter or phone). Choose any combination of agriculture modules. You may even include one or two modules from outside of our agriculture list provided that they are relevant to the broad area of study, or can be readily justified as relevant to your particular situation.
Once your subjects have been determined and approved, you will be issued with a unique Course Code. Supply this code, the course title and the name of the tutor (or staff member) who approved the course when you enrol.
Assessment
Module-based courses: Standard modules within a course have assignments (normally one per lesson) and one exam on completion of the module. All assignments and the exam must be satisfactorily completed in order to pass the module.
Note: Exam fees are in addition to the course cost and are paid at the time the exam is undertaken.
Lesson-based courses: Have different exam requirements. Please inquire about these when you enrol in these courses.
Projects and Research Modules: No exams apply.
You may enrol via any of the following methods:
- Use the shopping trolley on this page to enrol
- Phone the school
- Submit an enrolment form by post or fax
- Use the Custom Payment section
Modules
Note that each module in the Certificate in Agriculture (Self-designed) is a short course in its own right, and may be studied separately.
WORKING IN THE FARMING INDUSTRY
Opportunities exist for work both on a farm, and among businesses that supply goods and services to farms.
This certificate can greatly improve your capacity to work better and be more productive in either situation.
Here are just a couple of examples of what an on farm job might be like:-
FARM MANAGER
Farm managers are responsible for the overall day to day operation of the farm; and the level of responsibility and complexity of that job can be variable according to the size and scope of operation involved.
Some farms may employ only a handful of part time staff, whereas others can be very large scale operations with scores of employees.
The farm manager of a smaller property can be very much a hands on position, working in the paddocks tending to animals or crops, undertaking repair and improvement work to facilities and directing other staff and contractors. The farm manager on a larger property may be more involved in management and coordination of employees, with less hands-on work.
Many farm managers are self employed, and others are employed by the farm owner to manage their farm. Many companies which sell agricultural products such as fruit and vegetables and animal products purchase farms to increase their profits, thus requiring the employment of a farm manager.
Typical Jobs for Farm Managers
- Ordering equipment and supplies
- Planning work programs
- Directing staff (and contractors)
- Managing the maintenance of facilities and equipment
- Managing stock levels and quality
- Managing animal or crop health/condition
- Budget control
- Record keeping
- Staff training
- Workplace health and safety
- Farm Contractor
Environmental factors such as droughts can affect the remuneration level within the agriculture industry. When times are good, work opportunity and remuneration can be good in this industry, however, often times are not so good which can reduce the remuneration levels available to farm managers.
In some areas within the industry there is much less vulnerability for farm managers, so it is worth doing your research beforehand before applying for a position.
Risks and challenges
Stress levels and risk in this industry can be high due to such external factors as weather (drought, flood) and markets (supply and demand; both local and overseas prices). When times are good, work opportunity and remuneration can be good; but when times are bad, the workplace can become more stressful and opportunities less certain. Enterprises that are less susceptible to such fluctuations are likely to be more secure, less stressful and offer more opportunity for advancements. This varies depending upon the type of farm, and the financial position of the employer.
How to become a Farm Manager
Experience and knowledge are invaluable qualities in a successful farm manager. Some farm managers may not have a desirable length of experience in the field but may have acquired invaluable knowledge to gain employment.
If you are thinking of gaining some knowledge in the industry it is worthwhile to study a different combination of modules or varied course. Be sure to only study courses that enhance your ability to think laterally -something that is critical for success in research.
You may also wish to gain more experience in the field before moving into the position of farm manager. This may mean working as an assistant to a farm manager. This will give you invaluable skills and knowledge to move up in the industry.
Other related jobs
- Farm Hand
- Veterinarian
- Wildlife Officer
- Horticulturist
- Machinery Operator/Tractor Driver
- Consultant
- Organic Farmer
- Permaculture/self-sustainability
- Farm Supplier
- Small Business Owner
- Consultant
FARM HAND
Are you looking for a lifestyle change as well as a career change? Working as a farm hand can be physically demanding but very rewarding. If you enjoy working outdoors or with animals, but have minimal experience, then this could be the job for you
Typical Jobs for a Farm Hand:
- looking after animals
- handyman work
- checking feed and water
- cleaning paddocks
- cleaning stables, barns, sheds, stock yards
- repairing fences
- weed control
- driving machinery (plowing, etc)
As this is a start level job, the remuneration can be quite low. It will vary however, depending on the size of the farm and responsibilities involved in the job. On larger farms there is room for advancement eg. Herd Manager. This would require some experience in the field and possibly some training (eg. Certificate in Agriculture), but remuneration increases significantly with increased responsibility.
Risks and challenges
The viability of any agricultural enterprise is dependent upon external factors such as weather (drought, flood) and markets (supply and demand; both local and overseas prices). When times are good, work opportunity and remuneration can be good; but when times are bad, the workplace can become more stressful and opportunities less certain. Enterprises that are less susceptible to such fluctuations are likely to be more secure, less stressful and offer more opportunity for advancements. This varies depending upon the type of farm, and the financial position of the employer.
As work can also be seasonal (depending on the type of farming) there may not be a lot of job security for farm hands. It is a good idea to do some research on the type of farming available and your strengths before applying for work.
How to become a Farm Hand
Employers generally seek honest and reliable workers. Some experience or knowledge, a driver's license and your own transport will be necessary to get employed. If it is an animal farm, you also need to be at ease working with animals.
Study a different combination of modules or a different course. Be sure to only study courses that enhance your ability to think laterally -something that is critical for success in research.
This will also show that you are committed to the job and are looking to move forward the industry. Employers like to see this in their employees, it also is a sign of stability.
Other related jobs
- Farm Manager
- Machinery Operator/Tractor Driver
- Gardener
- Land Care Officer
- Handyman
- Agricultural Sales Officer
- Organic farmer/permaculture
- Contract Worker
WHAT WILL THIS COURSE DO FOR YOU?
If this type of work interests you then this course could be an excellent program for you to follow; it allows you to choose areas of interest that best suit your current gaols and also your future aspirations. This can also be viewed as a beginning - you can add on units later if you decide that you want to further expand your qualifications.
This course will cater to your needs and not skimp on the fundamental knowledge needed to be successful in farming.
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