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AHC32822 | CRICOS: 114312C

Certificate III in Rural Operations

Start your career in rural operations with this entry-level course and develop practical skills needed to work across a variety of roles including senior operations farmhand.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS Darling Downs and South West
WAYS TO STUDY On campus Online International
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 28 Jan 2025 Duration: 1 year View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Fee-Free TAFE

Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

$0
Concession

Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

$3,760
Subsidised

There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

$4,290
Full Fee

This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

$8,465
International

This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

$11,200
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Kick start your career in rural operations with this entry-level course. Get the qualification you need to start working as a senior operations farmhand, or in a variety of other roles across supporting industries.

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.

This course will give you the skills you need to operate a variety of equipment including tractors and quad bikes, perform a range of farm maintenance activities, care for animals and monitor weather conditions. You also have the option to specialise your skills in the beef cattle industry. Our highly-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 practical skills to seek employment in a wide range of settings within agriculture and rural operations.

What can I do?

  • Rural Sales Assistant
  • Rural Operations Worker
  • Senior Rural Operations Farmhand

Course outcome:

AHC32822 Certificate III in Rural Operations

Real-world training

TAFE Queensland believes in providing professional and real-world training environments. Rural operations students have access to a range of specialised facilities, allowing you to develop your knowledge and skills in professional environments like our purpose-built Rural Centre of Excellence.

Fee-Free TAFE

The career of your dreams is within reach thanks to Fee-Free TAFE. Follow your passion with over 70 industry-recognised courses to choose from.  With a range of skill sets, certificates and diplomas available, now’s the time to get job ready with Fee-Free TAFE. Learn more

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 13 elective units from the list below.

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • AHCBIO303
    Apply biosecurity measures
    UNIT CODE :
    AHCBIO303
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to interpret and apply control measures in a biosecurity plan to protect a site from the entry and spread of biosecurity threats.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply biosecurity measures

  • UNIT CODE
  • AHCWHS302
    Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
    UNIT CODE :
    AHCWHS302
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to contribute to workplace health and safety procedures, including applying policies and procedures, assisting in hazard identification and risk control, and observing safe practices during work operations.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Contribute to workplace health and safety processes

  • UNIT CODE
  • AHCWRK320
    Apply environmentally sustainable work practices
    UNIT CODE :
    AHCWRK320
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to apply environmentally sustainable work practices.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply environmentally sustainable work practices

  • 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
Toowoomba
On Campus
28 Jan 2025
1 year
Full time up to 3 days per week
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0

    Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

  • Concession: $3,760

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $4,290

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $8,465

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

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. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

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

1 year
Workload

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

Full time up to 3 days per week
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0

    Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

  • Concession: $3,760

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $4,290

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $8,465

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

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
  • All of your study will be done online and you can work through your studies at your own pace. You can access your learning materials 24/7 through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Online self-directed
Anytime
up to 2 years
Existing Worker: Workplace delivery - 5 hours per week
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0

    Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

  • Concession: $3,760

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $4,290

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $8,465

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Online self-directed

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    100%
  • On Campus Time
    0%
START DATE

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

Anytime
DURATION

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

up to 2 years
Workload

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

Existing Worker: Workplace delivery - 5 hours per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0

    Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

  • Concession: $3,760

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $4,290

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $8,465

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

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

Self-paced
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.

Online
TEACHER COMMS

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

  • Phone, Email, Zoom
  • 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
Toowoomba
On Campus
28 Jan 2025
1 year
Full time up to 3 days per week
  • International: $11,200

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

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. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

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

1 year
Workload

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

Full time up to 3 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • International: $11,200

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

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
14 Jul 2025
1 year
Full time up to 3 days per week
  • International: $11,200

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

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. 

14 Jul 2025
DURATION

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

1 year
Workload

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

Full time up to 3 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • International: $11,200

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

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 III in Rural Operations (AHC32822)

Ask a question

Certificate III in Rural Operations

COURSE CODE: AHC32822
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
International student payment

Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Convera Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal. Convera and Flywire both allow you to complete your payment in your own currency using a telegraphic transfer with no processing fees or delays.
Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

Domestic students
The following selection criteria requirements apply only to Domestic students:

This external program has been designed for existing workers in the rural industry who have access to an appropriate workplace. If you are not an existing worker, please refer to our blended or face to face training options.

It is also recommended that you:

  • are aged 16 years or older; and
  • have successfully completed Year 10 (or equivalent) with sound literacy and numeracy skills.


International students
The following selection criteria requirements apply only to International students:

  • English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 6.0 (no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent - For a list of all English Language tests accepted by TAFE Queensland International.
  • Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. For more information on the international education achievement levels equivalent to Year 10 and 12.


Applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age and turning 18 during the first year of study with TAFE Queensland. International students who are under 18 years of age and are applying for a student visa are required by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs to have adequate welfare arrangements in place.

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 also be required to have access to and bring to class:

  • a light long sleeved shirt
  • protective footwear with safety toe cap and non-slip soles to AS2210
  • safety glasses
  • ear muffs or plugs
  • a sun safe hat
  • sunscreen
  • secateurs
  • rubber dishwashing gloves
  • gardening gloves

 You may also be required to have access to an 8m retractable tape measure and calculator for select units.

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. 

For International students

International students can either apply directly through our TAFE Queensland International Application portal, or through one of our education agents. Our registered agents can assist you with your visa application and guide you through the enrolment process. If you are from this list of countries, you will need to apply through an agent.
Learn more

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