About the course
The apprenticeship/traineeship program provides practical training in farming operations along with the underpinning theoretical knowledge necessary for individuals involved in broadacre cropping and livestock related industries. Participants undertake formalised training at Longerenong College while working in the industry or continuing at secondary school.
The Certificate II in Agriculture is part of a packaged three year program moving to Certificate III in the second year and Certificate IV in year 3.
The School Based Apprenticeship/Traineeship (SBNAT) program allows students to undertake a farm apprenticeship/traineeship while still completing years 10, 11 or 12 at school.
Both school based full time apprentices/trainees will undertake three training blocks (4 to 5 days each) with other farm apprentices/trainees at Longerenong College.
What are the career outcomes?
In almost all cases, the successful completion of the Certificate II in Agriculture leads to a transition to the Certificate III and then the Certificate IV program. Final career outcomes include:
- Agricultural contracting business owners
- Farm machinery sales
- Farm managers
- Rural merchandise sales
How do I gain a qualification?
The course has been designed to meet the qualification requirements of the Certificate II in Agriculture as part of the Rural Production Training Package (AHC). Students must successfully complete a set number of competencies as prescribed by the Australian Qualifications Framework to be awarded the Certificate II in Agriculture allowing progression to the next certificate level.
What do I study?
1st Year Apprenticeship/Traineeship (Certificate II in Agriculture)
The first year of an apprenticeship/traineeship and SBNAT involves basic skills training. Students will be enrolled in a Certificate II in Agriculture. Units are delivered under topic areas such as:
- Crop production
- Animal production
- Vehicle operation (tractors)
- Vehicle operation (quad bikes)
- First aid
- Communication
How is the course delivered?
A farm apprenticeship/traineeship combines full time paid work on the farm with ‘off the job’ training at Longerenong College. A school based apprentice/trainee undertakes the same program while still attending school. The ‘off the job’ training component comprises three, week long training blocks conducted at Longerenong College throughout the year. The blocks involve 4 to 5 days of intense theoretical and practical training which is then reinforced in the workplace. Some assessment is also undertaken in the workplace.
