Primary Industries

Qualifications:

This course may count towards your ATAR as well as allow you to achieve a Certificate II in Agriculture (AHC20122)

Course Overview:

 In this course, students have the opportunity to gain a range of general skills and knowledge suitable for employment in an agricultural/horticultural or outdoor workplace.

 The course is based on practical activities including; animal husbandry and management, pasture and crop production, tractor and general machinery operation, farm maintenance and operations - fencing, chemical applications, irrigation, and seasonal activities.

 Most of the course is conducted at the school farm. Excursions to commercial operations and field days are also included. Part of the course involves the completion of 1 week’s work placement in both Year 11 and Year 12. Students can select preferred areas, relevant to their interest / potential career path.

 Examples of Occupations:

·         Farm or station hand/labourer

·         Shearing hand

·         Livestock worker

Important Information:

2026 Course Information - Wagga Wagga RTO 90333 

. 

Mandatory course requirements

You must complete 240 indicative hours of coursework and a minimum of 70 hours of work placement. Not meeting these requirements will incur an `N` determined as required by NESA.

Assessment procedures:

 Competency-Based Assessment

In this course you will work to develop the skills and knowledge described in each unit of competency. To be assessed as competent you must demonstrate your ability to complete the tasks required in the assessments.

Appeals and Complaints 

You may lodge a complaint or an appeal about a decision (including assessment decisions) by following the Appeals and Complaints Guidelines. 

External Assessment (optional HSC examination for ATAR purposes)

The Higher School Certificate examination for Primary Industries is only available after completion of 240 indicative hours and will involve a written examination consisting of multiple-choice, short answers and extended response items. The examination is independent of the competency-based assessment undertaken during the course and has no impact on your eligibility to receive a vocational qualification. 

·         To withdraw from the HSC Examination students and parents must complete the required documentation.

School-based part-time apprenticeship:

 A school-based traineeship is available in this course. For more information: https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/career-and-study-pathways/school-based-apprenticeships-and-traineeships 

Exclusions:

In this Framework, students can only undertake the Primary Industries (120 indicative hours) course or the Primary Industries (240 indicative hours) course information about NESA VET course exclusions can be found https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/stage-6-learning-areas/vet/course-exclusions 

Course cost:

Preliminary course fee $30.

HSC course fee $30.