Get paid while you get trained. Tocal’s rural traineeships gain you a nationally-recognised qualification to push your career in agriculture to new heights.
Traineeships provided through the NSW Smart and Skilled vocational education and training (VET) system, will be fee-free from 1 January 2020 (more info here).
Eligible traineeships for new trainees attract a 10% wage subsidy capped at $1500.00 per quarter, in the first year and second years of the traineeship (more info here).
Traineeships enable students to gain nationally accredited training and qualifications while being paid to work in the agriculture industry. They are open to paid farm employees, and lead to a nationally accredited Certificate II, III or IV in Agriculture.
Rural trainees may work in a variety of enterprises, accumulating many valuable farm skills.
| Location: | Paterson campus |
| Course duration: | Maximum of two (2) years |
| Start date: | Enrol anytime |
| Number of units: | Dependent on entry level |
| Indicative fees: | The NSW Government has expanded its support for trainees and apprentices by waiving the $1000 Smart and Skilled co-contribution fee for traineeships. |
Training is delivered via several study blocks where attendance is required for up to 6 weeks per traineeship. It includes a blend of face-to-face, online courses and workplace assessment with practical components and hands-on exercises. 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:
| Apiary Operations | Biosecurity |
| Breeding & Selection | Chainsaw Maintenance and Handling |
| Chemical Application | Cropping |
| Dairy Operations | Fencing |
| First Aid | Forklift Licence |
| Irrigation | Livestock Handling & Husbandry |
| Motorbike/Quad Operation | Natural Resource Management |
| Nutrition & Feeding | Pasture Establishment and Management |
| Pest & Disease Management | Quality Assurance |
| Queen Bee Breeding | Safe Tractor Operation and Maintenance |
| Team Work & Communication Skills | Vertebrate Pest Control |
| Welding | Wool Handling |
| Work Health & Safety |
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:
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 Tocal College or the Australian Apprenticeship Centre.
This traineeship will take 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.
Assessment methods may include:
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 Canvas (the online learner management system).
Fee free traineeships: Traineeships provided through the NSW Smart and Skilled vocational education and training (VET) system, will be fee-free from 1 January 2020. (more info here).
Existing worker course fee (those ineligible for Government funding) is $2950.
Wage subsidy: Eligible Trainees will now attract a 50% wage subsidy for Employers if signed up before the 30th June 2022. Eligibility criteria does apply. (more info here). NSW Government rebates for accommodation and travel are also available. Scholarships are also available.
More information is available in the Traineeship Guidebooks for Employer (PDF, 8182.72 KB) and Trainee (PDF, 8245.47 KB), from the Australian Apprenticeship Centre, or by contacting the Traineeship Coordinator. You can also visit the Smart & Skilled website .
For information on students rights and responsibilities, and the Tocal College Code of Practice see Student policy information.
Student may decide to progress to further study within the College. The AHC50116 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.
Type: Short course
Units: 2
Drones in agriculture
This course will teach you how to use drones to collect farm data to help make informed decisions such as refined fertiliser plans, sowing plans or monitoring water systems.
Type: Short course
Units: 1
Operate a Telehandler
This nationally accredited course covers the skills and knowledge required to conduct telehandler (telescopic materials handler) operations and applies to those who work in operational roles across a range of industries.
Type: Short course
Units: 2
Drones for livestock businesses
This course will teach you how to use drones to collect farm data to make informed decisions in your farm enterprises such as moving and monitoring livestock, checking animal health & wellbeing including calving & lambing checks as well as monitoring and maximising the efficiency of farm water systems.
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