GOTAFE
2 years
Develop practical dairy farming skills over 2 years through workplace-based learning combined with online classes and farm training. This qualification prepares you to work as a dairy farmhand managing livestock, milk production, and farm equipment with limited supervision.
Applicants must complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to demonstrate required literacy and numeracy levels. A Pre-training Review interview is required to ensure the course suits your needs and aspirations. For traineeship or apprenticeship pathways, you must apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider with your employer. Workplace students must be employed a minimum of 2 days per week on a dairy farm and provide the employer's ABN during enrolment. You will need a laptop/computer with internet access, digital camera or video camera for assessments, work boots, and appropriate outdoor clothing.
The course comprises 17 units: 10 core and 7 elective. Core units cover chemical transport and storage, pest and disease control, milking operations coordination, milking equipment maintenance, animal health programs, livestock feeding plans, newborn livestock rearing, calving procedures, workplace health and safety, and emergency response. Elective units include pasture and crop establishment, electric fence construction, livestock water supply maintenance, tractor operation, front-end loader operations, side-by-side utility vehicle operation, and environmentally sustainable work practices. Students attend one 2-hour virtual online class per week on Mondays, complete approximately 8 hours of weekly coursework, attend 2 days of compulsory Farm Chemical Users Training on campus, and participate in minimum four workplace visits annually.
GOTAFE is a government-accredited Registered Training Organisation (RTO 3094) with national recognition and extensive experience in agricultural and vocational training. The provider offers flexible delivery options combining workplace experience with structured learning, comprehensive student support services including learning support, counselling, and disability support, and multiple payment options including government subsidies and concession rates. GOTAFE's William Orr Farm facility provides hands-on practical training in authentic dairy farming environments.
Graduates are prepared to work as Dairy Farmhands with responsibilities for skilled work on dairy farms including livestock care, milk harvesting, and equipment maintenance. Upon completion, students may pursue further study in the Certificate IV in Agriculture (AHC40122) to advance their career prospects. Career pathways include progression to farm management roles, dairy production supervisory positions, or specialization in areas such as animal health, breeding programs, or sustainable farming practices.
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