Horticulture

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Certificate in Kiwifruit - Orchard Skills Level 3

Horticulture student and graduate, Ashleigh Mercer
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Gain hands-on experience and a qualification with this industry-endorsed course. All assessment is carried out on an orchard - you won't spend any time in a classroom!

The programme will provide you with the practical learning experience you need to work effectively on a kiwifruit orchard during the growing season. You will be trained to:

  • Winter prune and tie down kiwifruit vines
  • Summer prune for optimum fruit quality
  • Thin fruit to maintain crop load
  • Prune male kiwifruit vines to optimise return bloom
  • Harvest kiwifruit to meet market requirements
  • Complete a number of other seasonal tasks

Content Details

Compulsory Courses

  • Picking kiwifruit
  • Winter prune female kiwifruit vines
  • Tying down female kiwifruit vines
  • Summer prune female kiwifruit vines
  • Prune male kiwifruit vines

Elective Courses

  • Fruit thinning
  • Girdling
  • Check and drive a tractor in an orchard during picking
  • Picking male kiwifruit flowers
  • Time management in the workplace
  • Train young kiwifruit vines

Note: Some of the titles of courses may differ from those published.  

Entry

The programme is based on the seasonal activities of kiwifruit production so you can register for the programme at any stage throughout the year.

You need to be employed in the industry by an employer who has agreed to participate in the programme as they will provide you with the training and work experience required to achieve the certificate. Once enrolled you will be trained by your employer and assessed once you have completed the required duration of work (usually 80 hours working to the required standard), and believe you are proficient in the skills required.

English Language Requirements

All assessments are carried out in English. If English is not your first language, assessments may be carried out using an interpreter supplied by you or your employer and acceptable to the Polytechnic.

Indicative Fees

  • $20/course for NZ citizens and permanent residents, incl. course related costs
  • $100/course for international students

The standard published fee is applicable for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents only.

An international fee is payable for non New Zealand citizens/permanent residents.

Qualifications Gained

On successful completion of the specified 45 credits you will receive:

  • Certificate in Kiwifruit - Orchard Skills Level 3

On successful completion of the specified 60 credits you will receive:

  • Certificate in Kiwifruit - Orchard Skills Level 3 Advanced

Career Opportunities

Kiwifruit orchard worker