TAFE Queensland
Up to 2 years
This entry-level Certificate II in Agriculture prepares you for a career as a farmhand across Australia's diverse agricultural sector. Combining hands-on training in livestock handling, machinery operation, and sustainable farming practices, it's ideal for anyone seeking to launch a career in modern agribusiness.
You must be employed to enrol as an apprentice or trainee with TAFE Queensland. Recommended benchmark levels include English Level 2, Maths Level 2, and Digital Technology Level 2. You'll need access to a reliable internet connection and a computer with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. For practical classes, appropriate personal protective equipment is required including cotton long-sleeved shirts, trousers, safety footwear (AS 2210 compliant), safety glasses, and a broad-brimmed hat. For horse-related units, you may need your own safety helmet (AS/NZS 3838 compliant), riding boots, and access to suitable horses and tack.
The course comprises core and elective units covering essential agricultural competencies. Core units include workplace health and safety, environmentally sustainable work practices, working effectively in industry, and workplace communications. Elective units cover electric fencing operations, farm fencing installation and repair, livestock observation and handling, livestock identification and marking, loading and unloading livestock, mustering and moving livestock, livestock feeding, tractor operation, machinery and equipment operation and maintenance, chainsaw operation, utility vehicle and quad bike operation, and weed treatment. Students complete all core units plus 12 elective units from the available options.
TAFE Queensland delivers agriculture courses through passionate industry experts with years of experience in the agricultural sector. Working closely with industry, TAFE has identified key areas of knowledge needed for Australia's agribusiness future, including biosecurity, crop diversity, and farm business management. Teachers understand both the manual aspects of farm work and are ahead of the game in innovation and technology, preparing students for the future of farming in Australia. TAFE offers flexible training options including workplace training, block training, day release, mobile training, and online delivery.
Successful completion of this Certificate II in Agriculture opens doors to employment as a farmhand, assistant farm hand, or animal attendant/stockperson across Australia's diverse agricultural estates and farms. The qualification provides a clear pathway into further agricultural studies, including progression to Certificate III in Agriculture and the Diploma of Agriculture, which can lead to senior farm hand roles, farm management positions, and careers as agronomists, production unit managers, and station managers.