Rural traineeship – Paterson

Training is delivered via study blocks where attendance is required for 6 weeks per traineeship. It emphasises the value of face-to-face, classroom learning that includes practical components and hands-on exercises. It can be supplemented by online study and workplace assessment.

Training includes use of the College farms, visits to commercial farms in NSW and uses the experience of industry professionals and mentors whenever possible.

You may be involved in the following subject areas, depending upon your desired qualification and level of training, as well as the units selected:

Each subject area is related to a specific unit of competency. These will be more clearly described when your Tocal Traineeship Coordinator develops a Training Plan with you.

Possible job roles (depending on qualification level) include:

• Assistant animal attendant/stockperson
• Assistant farm or station hand
• Assistant farm or station worker
• Assistant farm or station labourer
• Farm or station hand
• Farm or station worker
• Livestock transport driver
• Farm team leader
• Farm supervisor.

Entry requirements are determined by the level of qualification you wish to gain. Trainees with some previous industry experience or a farming background, or completion of the HSC Primary Industries/Agriculture course, may be eligible to commence the Certificate III program.

Trainees with considerable industry experience and preferably HSC Primary Industries/Agriculture or equivalent may be eligible for direct entry into the Certificate IV program. If you would like more specific information, contact the Traineeship Coordinator or the Australian Apprenticeship Centre.

Trainees:

• need to be employed or will be employed at the commencement of your training
• and have commenced the process to enter into a contract with an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider

If this is your first traineeship you may be given up to 24 months to complete. Depending on your experience and skills, you may be able to complete it in a shorter timeframe. This would need to be discussed with your Traineeship Coordinator. Second and subsequent traineeships, or qualifications, are normally provided for over 12 months.

Assessment is normally carried out using Tocal's online Learner Management system, Cloud Assess. (Access to a laptop with Microsoft OS and basic programs is therefore required). assessment methods methods may include:

• written reports
• case studies and scenarios
• oral presentations
• quizzes
• observations
• interviews

The principles of assessment will be followed and all assessments will be valid, reliable, flexible and fair and carried out by qualified assessors. Students will be advised of the assessment requirements prior to the assessment taking place.

Support is available via email, phone, face-to-face on-campus, and through Cloud Assess (the online learner management system).

Learn what sort of problem-solving you'll do day-to-day as an Australian Apprentice. Take a quick quiz to find out if you need support with reading, writing or maths. Select the option for Animal Care and Management.

Fee free traineeships: Eligible Traineeships provided through the NSW Smart and Skilled vocational education and training (VET) system will remain fee-free until 30 June 2027. (more info here).

Existing worker course fee (those ineligible for Government funding) is $2950.

Employer Support: Employers of trainees may be eligible for funding and support. Contact an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (more info here).

More information is available in the Traineeship Course Guides for Employer and Trainee, from an Apprentice Connect Australian Provider, or by contacting the Traineeship Coordinator. You can also visit the Smart & Skilled website .

1. Sign your contract and Training Plan Proposal (TPP)
   Your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) will help you and your employer prepare these documents.
2. Your ACAP sends us your TPP
3. We review and approve your TPP
4. Enrol with Tocal College
   When enrolments open, we’ll confirm your place and send you an enrolment link or form. If you’re under 17, a parent or guardian must co-sign.
5. Your ACAP lodges your TPP and contract
   Your ACAP submits these to Training Services for approval, usually within 2 weeks.
6. Registration complete
   Once Training Services approves everything, your apprenticeship or traineeship is officially registered. You’ll receive a confirmation letter and Training ID.
7. Develop your Training Plan
   We’ll work with you and your employer to set key dates, assessments and milestones. This happens within 12 weeks of contract approval.

Once these steps are done, you’re ready to start learning on the job.

For information on students rights and responsibilities see Student policy information.

Students may decide to progress to further study within the College. The AHC50122 Diploma of Agriculture follows on from the Certificate IV in Agriculture and covers farm management, farm planning, marketing, cattle breeding and other units. This qualification is delivered online.

Tocal also has articulation (credit for study at Tocal) arrangements in place with a number of Australian universities. For further information please contact us.