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  4. Certificate III in Rural Operations
SCHOOL STUDENTS

Certificate III in Rural Operations


 National Code: AHC32822
 TAFE SA Code: TP01432


Course Type: School Students

2027 start

Description

TAFE SA's courses for school students are designed for students in Year 11 to Year 12. They provide the opportunity to learn specific industry skills and gain credit towards a nationally recognised qualification, all while students undertake their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Certificate III in Rural Operations (Conservation Ecosystem Management Focus) Grow your career in rural and regional industries with this practical qualification focused on conservation and ecosystem management. You'll develop the skills and knowledge to support sustainable land use, restore and maintain natural environments, manage weeds and pests, protect native flora and fauna, and contribute to the conservation of ecosystems across parks, reserves and rural landscapes. Combining hands-on rural operations skills with environmental management practices, this qualification prepares you for a rewarding career protecting and enhancing Australia's natural environments for future generations.
Duration
SACE Credits
Print Course Page
18 month

Part Time

140 Stage 2
Print
Campus / Location
Study Mode
Study Load
Commences
Scheduled
Application
Berri Campus
On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.
Part Time Part Time
Semester 1 CommencementSemester 1
Day Only Day Only
How To Apply

Icon Legend

On campus/location

On Campus/Location

On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.
Online

Online

Online – learn at your own pace, in your own space. Lecturer support will be provided via email and interaction with fellow students may be available via forums and chat groups. Online courses require access to a computer with an internet connection.
Blended

Blended

Blended – learn in a mixture of classroom and online environments. On campus learning will be scheduled but online learning can provide more flexibility. Lecturer support will be provided for all study. Access to a computer with an internet connection is required.
Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom – online classes are delivered by Collaborate. Collaborate is a web-based online classroom collaboration tool that acts as a real-time virtual classroom.
Workplace

Workplace

Workplace – if you are currently employed in the industry but do not have a formal qualification TAFE SA can recognise the skills you already have. The duration of the course will be determined by your individual study plan.
Full Time

Full Time

Full Time classes
Part Time

Part Time

Part Time classes
Day Classes

Day Classes

Day time classes
Evening Classes

Evening Classes

Evening time classes
International

International

A course available to International students

Course Admission Requirements

You must be a school student undertaking SACE or equivalent, and meet the Flexible Industry Program eligibility criteria.

Course Delivery

  • Delivered one day per week over 18 months,
  • It is recommended that students do not have a full study band at school if they wish to also study this qualification at TAFE SA,
  • At times, some courses may be combined with adults and/or apprentice classes,
  • Applications to study at a Technical College may require an alternative application process; please contact the relevant Technical College for full details,
  • Regulatory requirements for course content, assessment and/or student absence may result in completion after SACE reporting deadlines, this may impact SACE and ATAR outcomes.

Additional Information

This course has an incidentals fee of $50 which covers the following: Earmuffs; Riggers gloves; Spray suit; Nitrile gloves; Safety glasses. Students must have the following Personal Protective Equipment (that students must organise themselves) including: long pants, steel capped boots, sun protection hat, long sleeve shirt.

Fees

Total Fees for the 18 month course

Subsidised co-payment Fees information and eligibility criteriaFees information and eligibility criteria.

$2,996

Subsidised training will require applicants to meet eligibility criteria.

Fees may vary for each delivery location, depending on the subjects being offered, and are subject to change.

  • Employment Outcomes & Skills Covered

    Employment Outcomes

    This qualification provides an occupational outcome for industries and agencies in rural and regional Australia.

    Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.

    Qualifications & Skills Covered

    Certificate III in Rural Operations (AHC32822)
    This qualification provides an occupational outcome in agriculture, horticulture and conservation land management and at least one and up to four other related industries. Individuals with this qualification perform tasks in a variety of contexts, which involve some judgement in selecting equipment and services. Depending on the units selected individuals will be able to seek employment not only in rural industries but also other industry sectors, such as local government, tourism, hospitality, transport, construction, information technology and metals. To complete the qualification you are required to complete all 2 core units and 14 elective units.

    Note: Students who successfully complete only one or more units of competency but not the full qualification are eligible to receive a Statement of Attainment.

    91%*
    of TAFE SA graduates are satisfied with their training.
    89%*
    of TAFE SA graduates would recommend their training.



    * 2025 NCVER Student Outcomes Survey findings

  • Course Units

    Below is a list of all units that TAFE SA can offer in this qualification. The selection of elective units you will be enrolled into depends on the campus you attend, and the qualification packaging rules described on www.training.gov.au.

    Not all elective units listed below must necessarily be completed to achieve your qualification.

    Core

    Name Nominal Hours
    Apply biosecurity measures 100
    Apply environmentally sustainable work practices 60
    Contribute to workplace health and safety processes 50

    Elective

    Name Nominal Hours
    Administer medication to livestock 80
    Comply with industry animal welfare requirements 40
    Conduct Front End Loader Operations 60
    Establish agricultural crops 60
    Identify and draft livestock 40
    Implement animal health control programs 50
    Implement feeding plans for livestock 140
    Keep production records for a primary production business 60
    Maintain Livestock Water Supplies 30
    Operate and maintain chainsaws 40
    Operate machinery and equipment 40
    Operate quad bikes 60
    Operate side by side utility vehicles 50
    Operate Tractors 40
    Participate in workplace communications 40
    Plan and construct conventional fencing 60
    Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases 70
    Transport and store chemicals 50
    Undertake agricultural crop harvesting activities 80
    Work effectively in industry 30

Further Information

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Course enquiries and more information

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