Courses in Agriculture Offered in NSW-Australia.
Agriculture covers a large study area that includes the following specializations: agribusiness, agricultural biotechnology, agricultural economics, animal production/science, crop production, fisheries, horticulture, etc.
These disciplines are offered at certificate, diploma, up to PhD level.
In this post, we will focus on Vocational Education and Training programs. They are available at TAFE and private colleges in Australia with Certificates having the lowest entry requirements and Advanced diplomas the highest.
Typical entry requirements for the diploma courses include completing the Australian grade 12 or equivalent (completion of A levels, IB, KCSEe.t.c.).
Courses
Diploma of Agriculture AHC50116
This qualification reflects the role of personnel working on farms and stations who manage enterprise production units, employees and sole operators of agribusinesses. They provide crop production advice and services to production enterprises.
The course trains you in vital agricultural business skills and practical techniques, such as budgeting, production planning, climate risk strategies, animal husbandry and long-term crop management.
It’s a flexible diploma that takes an average of 62 weeks to complete, and students choose their study units from the following speciality areas: agribusiness, livestock, cropping, business administration, safety.
The industry expects individuals with this qualification will take personal responsibility and exercise autonomy in undertaking complex work. They must analyze information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities.
Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include:
Farm production manager
Production unit manager
Agronomist
Station/property manager
Farm operator
Stock manager
Agribusiness manager
Dairy farm manager
Diploma of Production Horticulture AHC50320:
This qualification describes the skills and knowledge for specialist or managerial job roles in the production horticulture industry, for example, the owner, farm manager, head grower, crop manager, section manager, dispatch manager, sales manager, marketing manager and specialist consultants.
Individuals with this qualification will take personal responsibility and exercise autonomy in undertaking complex work. They must analyze information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities. Work must comply with work health and safety and environmental regulations and legislation that apply to the workplace.
The diploma lasts 13 months on average will teach you how to oversee the staff, administration, and daily operations of a horticulture farm or production nursery. The course covers: managing WHS and quality assurance, developing a horticultural production plan, diagnosing plant health problems, managing staffing levels, implementing biosecurity measures, negotiating contracts, marketing horticultural products and services, business administration skills, and much more.
Diploma of Production Horticulture AHC50316:
This diploma, which takes 50 weeks on average, reflects the role of personnel working on production horticulture farms.
The qualification can be contextualized for a tree cropping, vegetable, berry, flower or mushroom production context as a job focus or, in the case of mixed enterprises, both.
You will learn to develop (and implement) a horticultural production program that incorporates propagation, crop regulation, harvest, irrigation, soil use, plant health, pest control and chemical use. Graduate with a range of business management and administration skills.
Possible job titles relevant to these qualifications include:
Agribusiness Manager
Agricultural Manager
Dairy Farm Manager
Farm Manager
Irrigation Specialist
Irrigation Technician
Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness Management AHC60319
This qualification reflects the role of individuals working in a range of agribusiness leadership or consulting roles. The role reflects the need for agribusiness specific expertise in:
planning and analysis, managing supply chains, financial and human resource management together with an emphasis on return on investment.
At this level, workers utilize significant theoretical agribusiness knowledge. They provide leadership and strategic direction across multiple enterprises.
Agribusiness leaders and consultants analyze, design and execute judgements using wide-ranging technical, conceptual and managerial competencies. Their knowledge base may be highly specialized or broad within the agribusiness field. They are often accountable for group outcomes and the overall performance of agricultural or horticultural production enterprises. The course lasts 50 weeks on average.
Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include:
Agribusiness Manager
Dairy Farm Manager
Farm Manager
Station manager
Advanced Diploma of Horticulture AHC60216
This qualification reflects the roles of individuals working in management roles in horticulture.
available as an Australian Apprenticeship for 13 months on average.
It is great for farming professionals and horticulturalists who need management and leadership skills. This qualification focuses heavily on business administration. Students choose up to 8 units from a range of electives in business analysis, strategic planning, and managing climate risk.
A nationally recognized training qualification. Part of the official Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package.
Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include:
Agriculture Manager
Landscape Manager
Nursery Manager
Diploma of Permaculture AHC52116
This qualification provides occupation outcomes for individuals to work in a leadership capacity for organizations, groups or enterprises. They require a whole system approach to planning, designing, managing and implementing integrated permaculture projects and programs
permaculture community programs and the operation of permaculture enterprises.
The qualification is suited to learners who wish to work within organizations and enterprises where these skills are required: strategic planning and project management, natural system and land use planning and specialist permaculture design.
Work is likely to involve working with teams of people at the strategic level and of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
For permaculture specialists and consultants who need advanced skills to advise on permaculture principles and practices. You will design an integrated permaculture system over 12-24 months of classroom study. Then develop a strategic plan for a permaculture project at your enterprise or organization.
Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include:
Sustainable farmer
Diploma of Organic Farming AHC51816
12 months
This qualification reflects the role of personnel working within an organic farming enterprise who manage: enterprise production units, the certification and continued compliance with organic standards and develop and maintain organic produce supply chains.
It meets the needs of owners and managers of organic farming enterprises.
This qualification is suitable for people who own or work at or are seeking employment in an organic farming enterprise.
It covers all aspects of organic farming, for example, organic livestock production, soil management, crop production planning, climate risk, weeds, diseases and pest control. Graduate with a fully developed production plan for your agribusiness.
Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include:
Farmer
Organic farmer
Diploma of Landscape Design AHC50616
1 Year is the average course duration
This high-end qualification takes over three years to complete at an advanced training centre. The course covers: assessing landscape sites, designing sustainable landscapes, preparing, quotes and tenders, using computer-aided (CAD) technologies to produce drawings and
managing projects.
Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include:
Garden designer
Landscaper
Diploma of ESI Generation – Operations UEP50218
Participants gaining this qualification can perform operations functions in the electrical supply industry. Functions may include the remote operation of network systems, the isolating of power generation plant systems for work, the development of operational procedures and systems, the start-up and shut down of boilers and turbines, the oversight of hydro plant and gas turbines and the implementation of safe working practices. It may also include the management of others and the coordination of work activities.
You can read more about VET institutions in NSW where you can pursue these diploma courses here.