Ag Contracting Course
Course details
About the course
There is huge demand for contractors in our agricultural sector – if you’ve got the right attitude, we can give you the skills. This free one week course is your chance to join NZ’s largest export earner and most essential industry.
Learn all about what’s involved in ag contracting, and get yourself work-ready. During this free one week course, you’ll get a good understanding of the range of work contracting involves, and build your skills in driving farm machinery, basic mechanics, and farm health and safety.
This programme, including accommodation, is completely free, and there are also free meals included Monday-Friday. The course is held at Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre, just outside of Masterton in the Wairarapa, where hard-working Kiwis have developed their farming skills for over 100 years.
The future of our primary industries won’t look the same, and our Government has pointed out the need for diverse, innovative new people and skills. This is your chance to get started on a rewarding and flexible new path, and help shape our country’s future success.
Vaccination Policy
All students must be fully vaccinated by 1 March 2022 in order to study on our campuses. The only exception is for fully online programmes, or for USkills or secondary school students or those with a Ministry of Health exemption.Read more about the Policy.
If you are unvaccinated please do still reach out to us, so we can talk and see if there is an alternative study option for you.
How to register
Apply now through the "Apply Now" button on the right, or you can chat to us by phoning 0800 GO UCOL (0800 468 265).
- Two weeks of Taratahi skill development, including farm Health and Safety, first aid, basic mechanics, tractor driving, towing trailers and implements, and understanding the work of an agricultural contractor.
- Two weeks of driver training, which includes earning your wheels endorsement, forklift OSH and F endorsement, learning about loads, driver fatigue, log books, defensive driving and advanced driver training.
- Final two weeks is on work placement: Health and safety; reading and applying Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs); coached by a more experienced person to work on tractors, attachments, and trailers; basic mechanics.
About the provider
UCOL in its many forms has been part of the community for more than a century. We are a proud example of a successful Institute of Technology and Polytechnic. We have a rich heritage and much to contribute to the future of vocational learning.
When you study with UCOL you’re much more than a number. We take the time to get to know you, to understand who you are. By sharing your strengths and what you want to achieve, we can truly help you get to where you want to be.
At UCOL, we’re here to support you all the way. Studying can be a challenge, we get that.
Study takes commitment, which, together with a learning style that suits you and the support you need, is a very powerful combination. At UCOL we encourage resilience and build self-confidence while you learn - providing our students with even greater opportunities.
As a student studying on or off campus, you can expect to learn skills and gain knowledge that sets you on your way. Gaining a qualification is a wonderful achievement that is earned, not given. We encourage you to stay in touch and make life-long learning a part of your journey. Ultimately, we want you to find your own place, whatever that may mean for you.
Our networks with local employers go beyond one-way exchanges, we value meaningful connections that are mutually beneficial. These relationships keep our education grounded, our programmes relevant, and job opportunities real. Our approach is truly collaborative.
UCOL graduates are well-rounded and possess the skills and values employers are looking for. They are valued members of their local community. With campuses in Palmerston North, Whanganui, Wairarapa and Horowhenua, and various delivery locations, we’re well known throughout the central and lower North Island.
Being close to our communities is a vital part of who we are. We strive to deepen connections and help our communities to grow and prosper. We aspire to build positive, meaningful relationships that benefit our students and graduates. That is why we exist.