Agriculture

Study for an exciting career in agriculture in a wide range of certificate and diploma programmes in New Zealand’s premium agriculture region. There are new programmes under development, contact us if you don't find what you want.

Taratahi Food and Fibre: Taster Camps

Enrol now to experience life on the land with our selection of taster course. 

Find your place in the future of Food and Fibre

Let’s face it, times can be tough. We’ve all been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in some way, and we know that some people are out of work and need help to find jobs. We also know that some people will need to re-train.

New Zealand’s Food and Fibre sector need more than 50,000 jobs filled by 2025. If you are interested in helping to fill those jobs, we want you to join us. Training providers UCOL | Te Pūkenga and EIT | Te Pūkenga together with those working in the sector, are rising to the challenge and are offering a unique free taste of what the Food and Fibre sector has to offer.

That’s why we’ve come up with a variety of ‘on the land’ short courses that leads to great career opportunities for you, right now!

And what’s more, all courses including food and accommodation are FREE!

Short Courses at Taratahi

Currently there are seven courses that let you experience a range of activities in the primary sector so you can decide if you wish to pursue a career in this sector.

What do they include?
An overview of essential information about the primary sector and a variety of short experiences from working with animals to shearing, farm vehicle operation and maintenance.

Where are they held?
They are held at Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre, 529 Cornwall Road, Masterton.

How much do they cost?
The training for all taster courses FREE, including accommodation and meals Monday to Friday. You are welcome to stay for the weekends and
self-cater. You need to make your own way to Taratahi.

What are employers looking for?
Great work ethic and attitude, ability to read and write, effective communication skills, willingness to work and learn new skills, prioritise health and safety, able to complete work on own and with teams, nutrition, hydration and being able to look after oneself is also important.

What drivers licence do I need?
You should hold a full class 1 drivers licence. Other driver training will be provided.

Free Agriculture Short Courses

Beginners Shearing Course

Advanced Shearing Course

Dairy Course

Wool Handling Training Course

Wheels, Tracks and Rollers (WTR) Endorsement Course

Farm Chainsaw Course

Farm Vehicle Familiarisation

I’m keen - what’s next?

Send us your registration of interest to enquiry@ucol.ac.nz or by phoning 0800 GO UCOL (0800468265).

 

Facilities

Ōtātara and EIT | Te Pūkenga Training Farm

Students establish basic skills in fencing, agri-vehicles and stock handling on this farm due to it being located right on campus. The farm encompasses a woolshed and yards enabling students to develop their stock handling and animal health knowledge. Ōtātara farm is adjacent to this and provides extra land for breeding ewes with the offspring farmed for sale.

ADB Williams Trust

ADB Williams Trust is a 1321ha effective operation with the main farm located at Otope 12km south east of Dannevirke. It is supported by a 381ha effective summer-safe block located at Coonoor 30-minues southeast of Otope. The Trust has a mandate to support charitable purposes and in particular training and education for people in agriculture. 

Please feel free to make an appointment to discuss your study options. You can meet with our staff in person at our Hawke’s Bay or Tairāwhiti campuses, or simply give us a call on 0800 22 55 348. And, you’re most welcome to visit EIT | Te Pūkenga to view our facilities at any time.