At a glance
Start your career in rural operations with this entry-level course and choose a specialist stream in either horsemanship or beef cattle. You will develop practical skills needed to work across a variety of roles including senior operations farmhand.
JOB PROSPECTS
- Rural Sales Assistant
- Rural Operations Worker
- Senior Rural Operations Farmhand
COURSE OUTCOME
AHC32816 Certificate III in Rural Operations
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, monitor weather conditions, and more. You will also have the opportunity to choose a specialist stream in either horsemanship or beef cattle. 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, or take the next step with further education.
TAFE Queensland offers a specialised stream in horsemanship. You can develop the practical skills and knowledge to work with horses including daily care routines, preventing and treating equine injury and disease, handling young horses, riding and caring for horses and associated equipment, and more.
A beef cattle specialisation stream is offered at TAFE Queensland. You can develop the knowledge and practical skills needed for regular stock observation tasks, identifying and marking stock, mustering and moving cattle, handling animals, preparing livestock for competition, and more.
Units
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 14 elective units from the list below.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| AHCCHM304 |
Transport and store chemicals | |
| AHCCHM307 |
Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases | |
| AHCINF303 |
Plan and construct conventional fencing | |
| AHCLSK204 |
Carry out regular livestock observation | |
| AHCLSK206 |
Identify and mark livestock | |
| AHCLSK210 |
Muster and move livestock | |
| AHCLSK301 |
Administer medication to livestock | |
| AHCLSK305 |
Maintain livestock water supplies | |
| AHCLSK309 |
Implement animal health control programs | |
| AHCLSK311 |
Implement feeding plans for livestock | |
| AHCMOM202 |
Operate tractors | |
| AHCMOM204 |
Undertake operational maintenance of machinery | |
| AHCMOM217 |
Operate quad bikes | |
| AHCPMG301 |
Control weeds | |
Note: Not all electives are available at all campuses.
Ways to study
Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more
What you need to know about studying on campus
Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.
As an international student at TAFE Queensland you'll gain hands-on experience in our modern classrooms, laboratories and workshops using state-of-the-art facilities and the same tools and equipment used in industry.
The diversity of our campus locations means you can choose the study location that suits you. Get the internationally-recognised qualification you need to launch your career while enjoying the unique Australian landscape, culture, and lifestyle.
No matter where you are in your study journey, our team of international student support advisors can help you settle into life in Australia and provide support and assistance to help you throughout your studies.
What you need to know about studying as an International student
As an international student you’ll study face-to-face in a classroom with other international and Australian students at one of our campus locations.
In addition to your scheduled class hours you will be expected to complete additional study in your own time.
The course cost indicated is for students on an international student visa. If you’re visiting Australia on a non-student visa (e.g. partner visa, working holiday, employer sponsor etc.) please contact us directly for the price applicable to you.
Do you need help?
- email us your questions
- call us on +61 7 3244 5100
- find an agent to help with your application
- check out our frequently asked questions (FAQs).
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
Payment options
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.
Upfront payment
This is the total amount you need to pay when you enrol. This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
Payment plan
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
International Student Payment
Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Western Union Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal. Western Union 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
Important Information
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 5.5 (no individual band less than 5.0) or ISLPR 2+ on all skills or other - For a list of all English Language test 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.
Students should be a minimum of 18 years of age. Student visa applicants under the age of 18 will be accepted where they demonstrate that they will be accompanied by a parent, legal custodian or a suitable relative who is aged 21 or over. This arrangement requires the approval of the Department of Home Affairs. For more information visit Department of Home Affairs - Welfare Requirements for Student Visa Applicants under 18.
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, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player. 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, steel capped boots, safety glasses, ear muffs or plugs, a sun safe hat, sunscreen, secateurs, rubber dishwashing gloves, and gardening gloves. You may also be required to have access to an 8m retractable tape measure and calculator for select units.
If you select the horsemanship focus, you must have access to horses for the duration of this program, and supply your own equipment farrier equipment.
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.
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.
How to apply
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.
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
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. Getting recognition for the skills you've gained from the workplace or previous learning means less study time for you, and getting the paper to prove you're qualified a whole lot sooner. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.
Get started with TAFE Queensland
If you have read and understood the student rules, refund policy, understand your fees and payment options, have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and checked you meet the entry requirements and selection criteria for this course, you're ready to get started.
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 