Course Overview

The purpose of this qualification is to allow junior personnel and elected candidates to progress towards a position of farm labourers (operators) with specific reference to animal production. The learner will be able to perform directed activities and take responsibility for guiding others at a lower level within an animal production context. Competency will be gained in any of the specialised sub-fields of animal production as specified under areas of specialisation (i.e., small stock, large stock, dairy production, aquaculture, etc.). The learner will be able to make responsible decisions within a familiar range based on a sound understanding of the basic principles of agribusiness and good agricultural practices in meeting the set objectives and targets within the broader farm plan, which includes the economical application of general resources, agricultural production, and technical knowledge and skills, all in an animal production context. The learner will be able to carry out familiar procedures in a limited environment and will be able to adhere to the relevant safety, quality, hygiene, and technical standards as applicable within the industry. In addition to the above, the learner will be well positioned to extend learning and practice into other sub-fields, such as plant production and mixed farming, since such efforts will only require additional learning within the elective scope of other qualifications at this level. The learner will be well positioned to progress towards higher levels of management and technical production practices as defined by qualifications at the next level. Learners will be enabled to actively participate in the primary agricultural sector through the production of quality agricultural products, enhancing the overall agricultural process and gaining opportunities to access local, national, and international agricultural markets.