Certificate III in Dairy Production
AHC30224
Length
1.5 Years (part time)
Location
Study Mode
Workplace Training & Online Study
Certificate III in Dairy Production - AHC30224
Course Overview
The Certificate III in Dairy Production is the recognised qualification to become a qualified Dairy Farmhand.
Students will learn core skills in animal nutrition and care, establishing crops and pastures, and rearing newborn/young livestock. Participants will also learn how to oversee the harvesting of livestock milk, and maintain milking equipment and facilities to ensure maximum and high-quality production.
Careers & study pathways
Where can this course take me?
This course prepares graduates to work as a Dairy Farmhand.
Further study
After graduating, students might like to undertake further study in the AHC40122 Certificate IV in Agriculture.
Course details
Upcoming dates and times
Choose a location below to learn more about when this course is offered and on which days you’ll need to attend.
Shepparton - William Orr
(8 commencing soon)
Open From: 03-Feb-2025 - Traineeship - Part time - Monday - 1.00pm - 3.00pm - Workplace Training & Online Study
Block 2 - Starts On: 03-Mar-2025 - Workplace - Part time - Monday - 1.00pm - 3.00pm - Workplace Training & Online Study - Applications Close: 17-Feb-2025
Block 3 - Starts On: 28-Apr-2025 - Workplace - Part time - Monday - 1.00pm - 3.00pm - Workplace Training & Online Study - Applications Close: 14-Apr-2025
Block 4 - Starts On: 02-Jun-2025 - Workplace - Part time - Monday - 1.00pm - 3.00pm - Workplace Training & Online Study - Applications Close: 19-May-2025
Block 5 - Starts On: 21-Jul-2025 - Workplace - Part time - Monday - 1.00pm - 3.00pm - Workplace Training & Online Study - Applications Close: 07-Jul-2025
Block 6 - Starts On: 25-Aug-2025 - Workplace - Part time - Monday - 1.00pm - 3.00pm - Workplace Training & Online Study - Applications Close: 11-Aug-2025
Block 7 - Starts On: 06-Oct-2025 - Workplace - Part time - Monday - 1.00pm - 3.00pm - Workplace Training & Online Study - Applications Close: 22-Sep-2025
Block 8 - Starts On: 10-Nov-2025 - Workplace - Part time - Monday - 1.00pm - 3.00pm - Workplace Training & Online Study - Applications Close: 27-Oct-2025
Study units
Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.
This course requires a total of 17 units: 10 core and 7 elective.
Core units
10 unit(s)
- AHCCHM304 Transport and store chemicals
- AHCCHM307 Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases
- AHCDRY303 Coordinate and monitor milking operations
- AHCDRY304 Carry out routine service of milking equipment
- AHCLSK309 Implement animal health control programs
- AHCLSK311 Implement feeding plans for livestock
- AHCLSK318 Rear newborn and young livestock
- AHCLSK330 Implement procedures for calving
- AHCWHS302 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
- AHCWRK315 Respond to emergencies
Attendance & commitment
Traineeship blended delivery | 1.5 years course length | Part-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend 3 hours per week for a virtual class (Mondays 1pm - 3pm)
- Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
- Spend approximately 8 hours per week working through their course materials research, revision, and completion of assessments.
- Attend the William Orr Campus for 2 days to complete Farm Chemical Users Training.
- Consolidate their learning in their workplace.
- Attend a minimum of six workplace visits (3 hours/visit) over the duration of the course. Days & times will be organised directly with the Trainer.
Students may be required to attend William Orr Farm for weekly farm skills days, or practical training or assessments, depending on access to required workplace resources.
Workplace blended delivery | 1.5 years course length | Part-time study load
- Attend 3 hours per week for a virtual class (Mondays 1pm - 3pm)
- Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
- Spend approximately 8 hours per week working through their course materials research, revision, and completion of assessments.
- Attend the William Orr Campus for 2 days to complete Farm Chemical Users Training.
- Consolidate their learning in their workplace.
- Attend a minimum of six workplace visits (3 hours/visit) over the duration of the course. Days & times will be organised directly with the Trainer.
Before you begin
Entry requirements
GOTAFE entry requirements
Before being accepted into this course applicants:
- Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
- Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
- Prospective Traineeship or Apprenticeship students are required to apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider with their employer to organise their apprenticeship contract before applying for this course.
- Prospective Workplace students are required to be working a minimum of 2 days per week on a Dairy Farm and provide an ABN on enrolment.
Inherent requirements
- This industry requires you to work outdoors and in a variety of conditions.
- You will need to be physically fit.
- Working in this industry may require weekend and early morning work.
- Participants must enjoy working with animals and operating machinery.
Student resources
Students must have:
- A laptop/computer with internet access.
- Access to a digital camera or video camera for visual and audio assessment tasks.
- General stationary (pens, pencils, rulers).
- Work boots and appropriate outdoor clothing for the weather
Enrolment
Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government-subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:
- Aspirations/career goals
- Educational attainment and capability
- Literacy and numeracy skills
- Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer
Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.
You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:
- Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.
Fees and payments
Student support
As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.
Learning support
A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.
Learn more about our learning support services
Library
Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.
Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton
Jobs and study options
Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.
Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres
Contingent Study Arrangements
Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.
Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.
Support for personal issues
We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.
Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you
Disability support
Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.
Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors
Counselling services
We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.
Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors
Koorie Unit
The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
Browse other courses
Course in Minimising Risks in the Use of 1080 and PAPP Bait Products for Vertebrate Pest Control (22661VIC)
Short Course in Minimising Risks in the Use of 1080 and PAPP Bait Products for Vertebrate Pest Control
Safe Use of Telehandlers (SA3TELEH25)
This short course provides the skills and knowledge required to safely operate a telehandler, including the use of attachments and maintenance.
Tractor & Front End Loader Operations & Maintenance (SA2TRAOM25)
This short course provides nationally accredited training on the safe operations and maintenance of tractors and front-end loaders for work-related requirements.
