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AHC21216

Certificate II in Rural Operations

Kick start your career in rural operations with this entry-level qualification. This course will give you the foundation skills you need to work across a range of positions in agriculture or horticulture.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Darling Downs and South West Wide Bay Burnett
WAYS TO STUDY TAFE at School
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 03 Feb 2025 Duration: 4 terms View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
TAFE at School Subsidised Fee

A government initiative covering some or all of course fees for eligible High School students also studying at TAFE. Learn more

$0
TAFE at School Full Fee

This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE.

$4,500

Course overview

Make a start on your rural operations career with this entry-level course. This qualification will give you the practical skills you need to work in varied capacities in agriculture, horticulture, and animal care. 

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as general farm hands few very strongly over the past five years. There is stable future growth predicted in this area with around 3,000 job openings expected over the next five years. 

If you choose to study the rural operations stream, you will develop basic knowledge and practical skills across livestock handling, health and welfare, fencing, machinery maintenance and operation, and more. If you choose to study the horticulture stream, you will learn to recognise, propagate and plant different plants, operate horticultural machinery and equipment, treat weeds, pests and diseases, construct landscape, paving and retaining walls, establish turf, and more. You can also choose to specialise in animal studies with a focus on small animals. Our passionate, industry experienced staff are still strongly embedded in the industry and will give you the one-on-one guidance you need to succeed.

Successful completion of this course will give you the skills to work across a variety of entry-level positions in rural operations, agriculture, horticulture, or animal care including station hand, first year jackaroo/jillaroo, yardsman, gardener, landscaping assistant, nursery hand, and more. You will also have a solid foundation to continue with further study.

What can I do?

  • Plant Propagator
  • Nursery Hand
  • Nursery Retail Worker
  • Rural Operations Worker

Course outcome:

AHC21216 Certificate II in Rural Operations

Innovative teaching staff

Our courses are delivered by passionate industry experts with years of experience in the agricultural sector. Our teachers understand the manual aspects of the job and are ahead of the game in innovation and tech, preparing you for the future of farming in Australia.

Choose a specialisation

Depending on your location TAFE Queensland offers specialised streams in rural operations, agriculture and animal studies, animal sciences, or horticulture. You can develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to work across a variety of areas within the industry.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 12 elective units from the list below.

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • AHCWHS201
    Participate in work health and safety processes
    UNIT CODE :
    AHCWHS201
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise and report hazards in the workplace. It also describes the skills and knowledge required to follow workplace safety procedures and directions.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Participate in work health and safety processes

  • UNIT CODE
  • AHCWRK204
    Work effectively in the industry
    UNIT CODE :
    AHCWRK204
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to work effectively on an individual basis and with others as well as within a hierarchy of management.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Work effectively in the industry

  • UNIT CODE
  • AHCWRK209
    Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
    UNIT CODE :
    AHCWRK209
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to follow workplace procedures and instructions and to participate in environmentally sustainable work practices.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

Ways to study
  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Ipswich
On Campus
03 Feb 2025
4 terms
Part time 1 day per week
  • TAFE at School Subsidised Fee: $0

    A government initiative covering some or all of course fees for eligible High School students also studying at TAFE. Learn more

  • TAFE at School Full Fee: $4,500

    This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE.

demo

Ipswich

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

03 Feb 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

4 terms
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time 1 day per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • TAFE at School Full Fee: $4,500

    This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Roma
On Campus
03 Feb 2025
4 terms
Part time 1 day per week
Friday
  • TAFE at School Subsidised Fee: $0

    A government initiative covering some or all of course fees for eligible High School students also studying at TAFE. Learn more

  • TAFE at School Full Fee: $4,500

    This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE.

demo

Roma

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

03 Feb 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

4 terms
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time 1 day per week
Friday
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • TAFE at School Full Fee: $4,500

    This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Toowoomba
On Campus
03 Feb 2025
4 terms
Part time 1 day per week
  • TAFE at School Subsidised Fee: $0

    A government initiative covering some or all of course fees for eligible High School students also studying at TAFE. Learn more

  • TAFE at School Full Fee: $4,500

    This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE.

demo

Toowoomba

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

03 Feb 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

4 terms
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time 1 day per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • TAFE at School Full Fee: $4,500

    This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Kingaroy
On Campus
03 Feb 2025
4 terms
Part time 1 day per week
  • TAFE at School Subsidised Fee: $0

    A government initiative covering some or all of course fees for eligible High School students also studying at TAFE. Learn more

  • TAFE at School Full Fee: $4,500

    This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE.

demo

Kingaroy

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

03 Feb 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

4 terms
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time 1 day per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • TAFE at School Full Fee: $4,500

    This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Bundaberg
On Campus
06 Feb 2025
4 terms
Part time 1 day per week
Thursday
  • TAFE at School Subsidised Fee: $0

    A government initiative covering some or all of course fees for eligible High School students also studying at TAFE. Learn more

  • TAFE at School Full Fee: $4,500

    This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE.

demo

Bundaberg

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

06 Feb 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

4 terms
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time 1 day per week
Thursday
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • TAFE at School Full Fee: $4,500

    This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

Download Brochure

Certificate II in Rural Operations (AHC21216)

Ask a question

Certificate II in Rural Operations

COURSE CODE: AHC21216
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

You will be provided with a recommended reading list and/or required textbooks during orientation or at the start of each unit. The purchase of these resources may incur additional costs, or you may be able to borrow them from the TAFE Queensland library network.

You are responsible for meeting the minimum occupational health and safety requirements in practical classes.

This includes having access to and wearing:

  • appropriate attire including cotton long sleeved shirts and trousers
  • safety footwear compliant with the Australian Standard AS 2210
  • safety glasses
  • a broad brimmed hat

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more