AHC32816 | 095726J

Certificate III in Rural Operations

Start your career in rural operations with this entry-level course and develop practical skills needed to work across a variety of roles including senior operations farmhand.

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STUDY LOCATIONS Darling Downs and South West

WAYS TO STUDY On campus Online International

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

Fee-Free TAFE

Concession

$3,760

Subsidised

$4,290

Full Fee

$8,465

International

$11,200

Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Kick start your career in rural operations with this entry-level course. Get the qualification you need to start working as a senior operations farmhand, or in a variety of other roles across supporting industries.

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as general farm hands few very strongly over the past five years. There is stable future growth predicted in this area with around 3,000 job openings expected over the next five years.

This course will give you the skills you need to operate a variety of equipment including tractors and quad bikes, perform a range of farm maintenance activities, care for animals and monitor weather conditions. You also have the option to specialise your skills in the beef cattle industry. Our highly-experienced staff are still strongly embedded in the industry and will give you the one-on-one guidance you need to succeed.

Successful completion of this course will give you the practical skills to seek employment in a wide range of settings within agriculture and rural operations.

What can I do?

Rural Sales Assistant
Rural Operations Worker
Senior Rural Operations Farmhand

Course outcome:

AHC32816 Certificate III in Rural Operations

Real-world training

TAFE Queensland believes in providing professional and real-world training environments. Rural operations students have access to a range of specialised facilities, allowing you to develop your knowledge and skills in professional environments like our purpose-built Rural Centre of Excellence.

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What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 14 elective units from the list below.

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
AHCWHS301

Contribute to work health and safety processes

UNIT CODE :
AHCWHS301

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out enterprise work health and safety policies and procedures.
UNIT NAME
Contribute to work health and safety processes

UNIT CODE
AHCWRK309

Apply environmentally sustainable work practices

UNIT CODE :
AHCWRK309

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to apply environmentally sustainable work practices.
UNIT NAME
Apply environmentally sustainable work practices

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
AHCCHM304

Transport and store chemicals

UNIT CODE :
AHCCHM304

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely transport, handle and store liquid and dry chemical formulations across a broad range of industry sectors.
UNIT NAME
Transport and store chemicals

UNIT CODE
AHCCHM307

Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases

UNIT CODE :
AHCCHM307

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely prepare and apply chemicals for the control of pests, weeds and diseases, using general application equipment.
UNIT NAME
Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases

UNIT CODE
AHCINF303

Plan and construct conventional fencing

UNIT CODE :
AHCINF303

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and construct conventional fencing.
UNIT NAME
Plan and construct conventional fencing

UNIT CODE
AHCLSK204

Carry out regular livestock observation

UNIT CODE :
AHCLSK204

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out regular livestock observation.
UNIT NAME
Carry out regular livestock observation

UNIT CODE
AHCLSK206

Identify and mark livestock

UNIT CODE :
AHCLSK206

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out the identification and marking of livestock.
UNIT NAME
Identify and mark livestock

UNIT CODE
AHCLSK210

Muster and move livestock

UNIT CODE :
AHCLSK210

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to muster and move livestock as part of a team.
UNIT NAME
Muster and move livestock

UNIT CODE
AHCLSK301

Administer medication to livestock

UNIT CODE :
AHCLSK301

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to apply preventative health treatments and other medications to livestock under professional supervision.
UNIT NAME
Administer medication to livestock

UNIT CODE
AHCLSK305

Maintain livestock water supplies

UNIT CODE :
AHCLSK305

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain livestock water supplies.
UNIT NAME
Maintain livestock water supplies

UNIT CODE
AHCLSK309

Implement animal health control programs

UNIT CODE :
AHCLSK309

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement animal health control programs.
UNIT NAME
Implement animal health control programs

UNIT CODE
AHCLSK311

Implement feeding plans for livestock

UNIT CODE :
AHCLSK311

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to monitor available pasture for grazing and implementing a feeding plan.
UNIT NAME
Implement feeding plans for livestock

UNIT CODE
AHCMOM202

Operate tractors

UNIT CODE :
AHCMOM202

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate tractors with and without attached equipment.
UNIT NAME
Operate tractors

UNIT CODE
AHCMOM204

Undertake operational maintenance of machinery

UNIT CODE :
AHCMOM204

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake operational maintenance of machinery.
UNIT NAME
Undertake operational maintenance of machinery

UNIT CODE
AHCMOM217

Operate quad bikes

UNIT CODE :
AHCMOM217

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely operate quad bikes including undertaking pre-start checks and shut down procedures.
UNIT NAME
Operate quad bikes

UNIT CODE
AHCPMG301

Control weeds

UNIT CODE :
AHCPMG301

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and coordinate weed control activities using appropriate strategies to provide effective, economic control while minimising environmental damage.
UNIT NAME
Control weeds

Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.

Ways to study

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Online self-directed

You will access learning materials including documents, videos, assessments and more through Connect - our learning management system and will complete self-paced study. Learn more
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STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Online self-directed	Anytime	up to 2 years	Workplace - 5 hours per week	Fee-Free TAFE: $0 Concession: $3,760 Subsidised: $4,290 Full fee: $8,465 More Apply
Online self-directed Online Time The estimated proportion of time you will spend each week working through content online. 100% On Campus Time 0% START DATE The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can. Anytime The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can. DURATION The expected length of time to complete your course. up to 2 years The expected length of time to complete your course. Workload The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course. Workplace - 5 hours per week The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Fee-Free TAFE: $0 Concession: $3,760 Subsidised: $4,290 Full fee: $8,465 Class format The learning format for your course. Self-paced The learning format for your course. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement. Online The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of choosing when and where you study. Direct your own learning with all your study materials online, allowing you to manage your own workload and fit your studies around your lifestyle. Access your learning space 24 hours a day, seven days a week and be supported by high-quality educators who are devoted to your outcomes. Learn more

You will be able to access your learning materials from the first day of the study period. You must be enrolled to be able to access your learning materials. You will be expected to undertake additional self-directed study in order to complete the course requirements.

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Certificate III in Rural Operations (AHC32816)

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Certificate III in Rural Operations

COURSE CODE: AHC32816

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help.

See if you qualify for a subsidy

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help.

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more

Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

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International student payment

Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Convera Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal. Convera and Flywire both allow you to complete your payment in your own currency using a telegraphic transfer with no processing fees or delays.
Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

Domestic students
The following selection criteria requirements apply only to Domestic students:

This external program has been designed for existing workers in the rural industry who have access to an appropriate workplace. If you are not an existing worker, please refer to our blended or face to face training options.

It is also recommended that you:

are aged 16 years or older; and
have successfully completed Year 10 (or equivalent) with sound literacy and numeracy skills.

International students
The following selection criteria requirements apply only to International students:

English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 5.5 (no individual band less than 5.0) or ISLPR 2+ on all skills or other - For a list of all English Language test accepted by TAFE Queensland International; and
Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. For more information on the international education achievement levels equivalent to Year 10 and 12.

Applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age and turning 18 during the first year of study with TAFE Queensland. International students who are under 18 years of age and are applying for a student visa are required by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs to have adequate welfare arrangements in place.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

You will also be required to have access to and bring to class:

a light long sleeved shirt
protective footwear with safety toe cap and non-slip soles to AS2210
safety glasses
ear muffs or plugs
a sun safe hat
sunscreen
secateurs
rubber dishwashing gloves
gardening gloves

You may also be required to have access to an 8m retractable tape measure and calculator for select units.

Transition statement

Replacement qualification
This qualification has been replaced by AHC32822 Certificate III in Rural Operations, as of 23 January 2023. A transition period applies to enable current students to complete their study. The transition period finishes on 22 January 2025.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.

For International students

International students can either apply directly through our TAFE Queensland International Application portal, or through one of our education agents. Our registered agents can assist you with your visa application and guide you through the enrolment process. If you are from this list of countries, you will need to apply through an agent.
Learn more

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Prior Experience

I already have an experience, can i get credit?

Fastrack your way to formal education by earning credit for the things you already know.

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Certificate III in Rural Operations

Course overview

What can I do?

Course outcome:

Real-world training

Fee-Free TAFE

Core units

Elective units

Download Brochure

Ask a question

Certificate III in Rural Operations

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

See if you qualify for a subsidy

Payment plan

Upfront payment

International student payment

Entry requirements

Selection criteria

Resources required

Transition statement

Assessment methods

Pathways

University pathways

How to apply

Direct application

For International students

Course disclaimer

Prior Experience

Related courses

Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Careers