A number of training providers offer courses from taster courses to National Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees.

At high school it’s recommended you study maths, sciences and business. IT skills are also important.

Qualifications like New Zealand Certificates in Agriculture (Level 2, 3 or 4) are completed while you work and offered by Primary ITO. Other training institutions include polytechnics and offer Level 5 study programmes. Some providers offer fulltime residential-based training courses. Bachelor degrees in an agricultural field are usually from Lincoln University, Massey University or Waikato University.

TYPES OF TRAINING

ON-THE-JOB Training

Training while in employment (on and off site) provided by employer and/or training provider.

CONTINUED EDUCATION (Life-long learning)

Personal development courses, specialist and technical courses, and upskilling

AGRICULTURE TRAINING PROVIDERS

These include polytechnics, residential courses, and extramural study.

UNIVERSITY

For undergraduate and master’s qualifications.

Key links

Careers New Zealand

For each career, visit CareersNZ to explore study options, and find out pay, job opportunities, length of training, and how to enter the career.

Dairy events calendar

Dairy sector events from discussions groups to NZ Dairy Industry Awards.

JOB SEARCH

Ask around or approach a farm. Check out Farm Source jobs, Trade Me jobs, Seek or Indeed.