Course Overview

About This Course

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.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Toowoomba, Darling Downs and South West, QueenslandTOOWOOMBA

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students will be invited to complete a Skills Check following application submission, before enrolling to their studies
Recommended benchmark levels for this course are 3 in English, 3 in Maths and 3 in Digital Technology
The external (workplace) 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 blended or face to face training options
It is recommended that you are aged 16 years or older (domestic)
International students: Academic IELTS 6.0 (no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent
International students: Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent); non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion
International applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age and turning 18 during the first year of study with TAFE Queensland
International students under 18 years of age applying for a student visa are required by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs to have adequate welfare arrangements in place
Resources required: reliable internet connection, computer with up-to-date software including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader
Students must also 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, and gardening gloves
You may also be required to have access to an 8m retractable tape measure and calculator for select units

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Rural Sales Assistant, Rural Operations Worker, Senior Rural Operations Farmhand

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units3 units

AHCBIO303

Apply biosecurity measures

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to interpret and apply control measures in a biosecurity plan to protect a site from the entry and spread of biosecurity threats.

AHCWHS302

Contribute to workplace health and safety processes

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to contribute to workplace health and safety procedures, including applying policies and procedures, assisting in hazard identification and risk control, and observing safe practices during work operations.

AHCWRK320

Apply environmentally sustainable work practices

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to apply environmentally sustainable work practices.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What career outcomes can I expect after completing this course?

After completing the Certificate III in Rural Operations, you can seek employment as a Rural Sales Assistant, Rural Operations Worker, or Senior Rural Operations Farmhand, with practical skills to work in a wide range of settings within agriculture and rural operations.

How much does this course cost and are there any funding options available?

The course has several fee options: Fee-Free TAFE ($0) for eligible students under the government initiative, Concession ($4,050) for eligible students, Subsidised ($4,610) for eligible students accessing government funded courses, Full Fee ($9,090) for domestic students, and International ($12,200) for international students. Payment plans are also available for those who have difficulty paying the full cost upfront.

What are the study options and locations available for this course?

The course is available at Toowoomba campus in the Darling Downs and South West region. You can study fully on campus (100% face-to-face, starting 13 Jul 2026, 1 year full time up to 3 days per week) or as an existing worker via on campus with some online delivery (80% on campus, 20% online, commencing anytime, up to 2 years part time at 5 hours self-directed online study per week).

What practical skills and equipment will I learn to use in this course?

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. Students have access to a range of specialised facilities including a purpose-built Rural Centre of Excellence.

What are the entry requirements for international students?

International students must demonstrate English Language Proficiency at Academic IELTS 6.0 (no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent, have completed Year 10 (or equivalent), and non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or a qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. Applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age and turning 18 during the first year of study. Students under 18 applying for a student visa must have adequate welfare arrangements in place as required by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

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