New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Production (Fruit Production) (Level 4)

Location

Online and in your workplace

Duration
One to two years part-time; full-time not available
Credits
90
Level
4
Start
Anytime
Apply
Anytime
  • Location
    Intake
    Study breaks
  • Distance
    18 January 2021

Further develop the fundamental skills and knowledge required of horticulturists in orchards or vineyards while you work.

A 50/50 mix of theoretical and practical studies, this programme is for domestic students only and you must be employed within the fruit production or viticulture industry to undertake it. 

It provides the perfect opportunity for you to upskill via supported online learning and block courses at the Central Campus whilst using your workplace as a setting to practice your developing skills. 

Employment opportunities are extremely diverse in this industry and, with motivation and hard work, you may find yourself working as an irrigation technician, fruit grower, vineyard supervisor or even at the head of your own business. This qualification will help you make the next step up within your workplace. 

Successful graduates will receive the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Production (Level 4) (Fruit Production).

Skills required
  • An enjoyment of working outdoors
  • Physical fitness
  • Planning and organisational skills
  • Good communication skills
  • An eye for detail.
Entry requirements
  • Open entry.
  • This programme is not available to international students.   
  • If English is not your first language, you must provide:

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.  

You will study

This programme is based in your workplace with regular visits and support from your programme facilitator. You will also have the opportunity to attend some block courses at the Central Campus. You will build your experience and knowledge of the techniques required to grow commercial fruit or wine grapes. In addition to the compulsory courses listed below, you will have the option of choosing Viticulture Canopy Management (15 credits) or Orchard Canopy Management (15 credits) elective courses.

  • Soils and Water (15 credits)
  • Plant Science (15 credits)
  • Seasonal Tasks (10 credits)
  • Pests, Weeds and Agrichemicals (15 credits)
  • Machinery, Tools and Equipment (10 credits)
  • Communication (10 credits)
  • Orchard Canopy Management (15 credits) - Elective 
  • Viticulture Canopy Management (15 credits) - Elective 
Your workload

You should expect to spend a minimum of 10 hours a week on this programme.

Further study options

Advance your knowledge with our Level 5 Fruit Production programme.

Paying for your study

TTAF

The Government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) is currently running but will end in December 2022. That means only your part-time study undertaken in 2022 will be covered. You may be able to get some financial help for your remaining study through the Fees Free scheme if you’re eligible (see info below).

Whilst this programme is free for you to study during 2022, the TTAF fund only covers tuition fees and compulsory costs such as student levies. It does not cover any additional costs or living costs. 

You can pay for additional and living costs yourself if this is possible.

As a part-time learner, you're generally not eligible for student loans and allowances through Studylink but some help may be possible depending on your circumstances (for domestic students). Check the Studylink website for more information.  

Fees Free

The Government is also running a funding scheme called Fees Free for domestic learners. This scheme normally pays for your first year of study if you’ve never been enrolled in tertiary study over 60 credits at Level 3 or higher in New Zealand. They have confirmed that TTAF does not impact on a learner’s entitlement to also access the Fees Free scheme. 

So, you’ll be covered by TTAF for your first year of part-time study and, if you would have originally been eligible for Fees Free, you’ll be able to access that to cover some of your remaining part-time study. 

You can check your Fees Free eligibility here > 

Fees Free only covers your tuition fees. You would still need to pay for things like accommodation, living costs and placement transport costs.  

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