FAQs for trainees New Zealand's agriculture industry is a dynamic and vital part of our economy. It's made up of a wide range of industry types, so you have plenty of career choices full of potential. Whether you're still at school, considering a career in farming or already working in the industry, these frequent asked questions (FAQs) will tell you all you need to know about agriculture industry training. Choose from the menu below: To study with Agriculture ITO, you need to be already employed in the agriculture industry. Each qualification has been developed by industry, for industry, so you get the latest and the most relevant training for your job. And you learn from the best - all our trainers are recognised by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. Select from the list of questions below or scroll down the page. What is industry training? Why train with us? Where will it take me? What will I learn? Where is it taught? How long will it take? What is industry training? Industry training is a great way to learn new skills, get a qualification and earn money at the same time! It's the smart way to get ahead. You learn practical skills at your workplace from an 'on-job trainer' (often your employer), and get extra theory-based training off the job from contracted training providers. Your work is marked by assessors, and every success counts towards your qualification - which makes your CV look even better. Of course all this time you continue to get paid your wages - PLUS it's a whole lot cheaper than studying at university. Sound good? Check out the rest of this section! FAQs for trainees Why train with us? Training with Agriculture ITO is ideal for everyone - whether you are in your early years of farming or are currently in (or progressing towards) a farm management, sharemilker or ownership role. The great thing about it is that you learn while you're working and earning a regular wage. That means there's no need for a student loan - it's a cost-effective, convenient and easy way to become qualified and progress in your chosen career. All our NZQA qualifications have been developed by industry for industry, so they're up-to-date and relevant to agriculture of today. What's more, they cover the range of job requirements, from the basic essentials to higher-level management and everything in between. Plus you get help and support from a specialist Agriculture ITO Training/Industry Adviser all the way through! Enrol in an Agriculture ITO training course and you'll have the opportunity to: keep earning while you learn increase your knowledge and sharpen your skills learn about the latest agriculture management practices from experts in the industry progress along your career pathway enhance your career opportunities for the future get a nationally recognised qualification get ongoing support from our nationwide network of specialist Training/Industry Advisers. FAQs for trainees Where will it take me? Anywhere in the agriculture industry you want to go! Our nationally recognised qualifications provide all the essential skills needed for a successful future. Agriculture ITO has it covered, with a wide range of qualifications in dairy, sheep, cattle, arable, deer, poultry, pork, fencing, rural servicing, agrichemicals, wool harvesting, apiculture, seed dressing and water industry services. FAQs for trainees What will I learn? You'll learn everything you need to do your job - and do it well. That's because every Agriculture ITO qualification has been developed by people with in-depth experience in the industry who know the kinds of skills it needs. So whether you want to work with bees or beef, pigs or poultry, there's a qualification to suit. Plus you learn from the best - all our trainers are recognised by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. As an Agriculture ITO trainee, you'll gain your qualification through a mix of practical and theory-based study. Note you need to be already working in the industry to enrol. Practical Learning: Your practical learning takes place on the job, where you learn the ropes from the people you work with - employers with years of experience in the agriculture industry. Your practical work is then assessed by a registered assessor (usually your employer). Theory Learning: Your theory-based training happens off the job through specially contracted training providers or, if you live in a remote location, by distance learning services - all officially recognised and registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Your theory training is arranged by your Agriculture ITO Training/Industry Adviser. Your study and your qualification are based on 'unit standards'. These are the building blocks of each qualification, specifying what you need to know and be able to do in a range of agricultural activities. For example, practical unit standards include driving tractors, building fences and handling livestock. Every unit standard you complete goes towards your 'National Certificate' - a nationally recognised qualification that you can take wherever you go. FAQs for trainees Where is it taught?  One of the great things about an Agriculture ITO qualification is that you don't sit in a classroom all day. You learn your skills on the job, from your employer and others on the team - and this is backed up with essential 'theory' work via a polytechnic, PTE or MRC. It's a great way to learn, combining hands-on with brainpower! If you can get to a polytech, PTE, or MRC near you, that's great. If that's not possible, you can do the theory work by distance learning. Either way, your training is delivered by specialists who are officially recognised by and registered with the NZQA. Plus it's arranged by your Agriculture ITO Training/Industry Adviser - they'll help with anything else you need. FAQs for trainees How long will it take? There's no set timeframe for getting your qualification, though of course the faster you study, the sooner you finish! It's a good idea to be disciplined and set aside some time every day - and of course your Training Adviser can give you help and support when you need it. They'll also keep an eye on your progress, so you don't get behind in your learning. Of course we realise that everyone learns at a different pace. So if you find your study more demanding than you expected, you won't be penalised for taking longer to complete your qualification than we estimate. FAQs for trainees Back to main