NEW! Fencing Course at NorthTec | Te Pūkenga

NorthTec | Te Pūkenga is launching the NZ Certificate in Fencing (Level 4) in 2023. The course will be aimed at those who are currently managing or want to manage a fencing crew.

The certificate builds on the foundations of the NZ Certificate in Fencing (Level 3) with a focus on fence and stockyard design and construction, managing staff and client relationships, and leadership skills.

“We’re excited to be offering the next step for our graduates and those who have been working in the fencing industry,” says Jim Smith, Pathway Manager for Agriculture at NorthTec | Te Pūkenga. “With this new qualification, learners will be able to take the next step in their careers and open up the pathway to management or solo business ownership.”

The programme is designed to suit the needs of people already working in the industry. It’s no secret that people are busy with full-time work and need to shape learning and assessments around their jobs. We can’t all commit to full-time study. With this in mind, NorthTec | Te Pūkenga has created a programme where most of the assessments can be done on the job, as part of the workday, rather than taking time outside work to complete. That way you can still gain new skills and gain qualifications without sacrificing part of your paycheck or your valuable free time.

The programme will be delivered using online zoom tutorials, online learning, and one-on-one worksite visits, so learners will need access to a computer and a stable internet connection. However, the majority of the work will be done on the job through a hands-on learning approach.

Like the Level 3 course, the NZ Certificate in Fencing (Level 4) is available across Aotearoa New Zealand and is not limited to the Northland area. This provides training to fencing workers across the country.

The course aims to provide the fencing industry with people who have the knowledge and practical skills to design and construct fences, interpret a livestock yard design and construct a yard to meet client requirements; and the ability to lead a team and manage client relationships. This not only improves outcomes for the learner, giving them the ability to work their way up in the workplace, but it also provides great benefits for the industry by providing highly skilled and knowledgeable workers.

Five papers make up the course. This includes Fence Line Design and Specifications, Fence Line Construction, Livestock Yard Design and Specifications, Livestock Yard Construction, and Managing Client Relations and Teamwork. Learners will have constructed a set of commercial yards by the end of the course. Graduates of the programme will be able to manage fencing and yard design and construction both solo and as a team leader or crew manager.

Applicants must have completed the NZ Certificate in Fencing (Level 3) or have 3+ years experience working in the fencing industry, be managing a crew or can assist in managing a crew or team, and be physically able to do the particle parts of the programme.

For more information, see northtec.ac.nz/ programmes/new-zealand-certificate-infencing-level-4