Program Overview

Certificate II in Rural Operations AHC21216

The Certificate II in Rural Operations AHC21216 is a nationally accredited qualification designed for senior secondary students (Years 10, 11, and 12) as part of UQ Skills' High School Program. This entry-level qualification provides foundational skills to work across the agriculture or horticulture industries.

Program Overview

• Duration: 12 months (4 high school terms)
• Delivery: Combination of online and in-person activity
• Location:
  • Gatton-based model: UQ Gatton one day per week
  • School-based model: on site at your school (minimum student numbers required)

Assessment

• Written assessments
• Online quizzes
• Skills portfolios
• Practical demonstrations

Start Date

This program begins in January each year, with the following term dates:

• Term 1: 27 January — 2 April 2026
• Term 2: 20 April — 26 June 2026
• Term 3: 13 July — 18 September 2026
• Term 4: 6 October — 11 December 2026

Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements for this program. Students must be in Years 10, 11, or 12 at an approved high school and have the approval of their parent/guardian and school.

Resources

• 2026 UQ Skills Student Handbook (includes student support and guidance on fees, withdrawal, and other policy information)

Third-Party Arrangements

UQ Skills has a third-party arrangement with Gympie State High School and Nambour Christian College to deliver training and assessment to their students on behalf of UQ Skills.

Careers

Graduates may find employment in a range of rural and regional sectors, including as:

• Animal attendant
• Stockperson
• Farm worker or labourer
• Station worker or labourer
• Station hand

Pathways to Further Study

The Certificate II in Rural Operations AHC21216 can be used as a pathway to further study into:

• Certificate III in Rural Operations AHC32816
• Diploma of Agriculture AHC50116

High School Students: Pathway to the Certificate III in Rural Operations AHC32822

Once students have completed their Certificate II in Rural Operations AHC21216, they may wish to continue their studies and complete the Certificate III in Rural Operations AHC32822 during their next school year.

Program Structure of the Certificate III in Rural Operations AHC32822

• Core units:
  • Contribute to work health and safety processes (AHCWHS302)
  • Apply environmentally sustainable work practices (AHCWRK320)
  • Apply biosecurity measures (AHCBIO303)
• Elective clusters:
  • Level 3 chemicals
  • Livestock

Fees and Funding for the Certificate III in Rural Operations AHC32822

• 6 units (3 core units + 1 elective cluster): $1,050
• 9 units (3 core units + 2 elective clusters): $1,575

Unlock Future Study Options

Completing a vocational qualification at school can open up opportunities for further study, whether considering additional applied studies or heading to university.

Program Details

• Nationally accredited qualification
• 12 months duration
• Government subsidised places
• Fee-free for high school students eligible for VET in Schools (VETiS) funding
• Full fee: $4,150 (discounts may apply)

Units

To gain the Certificate II in Rural Operations AHC21216, students must successfully complete 3 core units and 12 electives. Core units include:

• Participate in work health and safety processes (AHCWHS201)
• Work effectively in the industry (AHCWRK204)
• Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices (AHCWRK209) Elective units include:
• Handle livestock using basic techniques (AHCLSK224)
• Muster and move livestock (AHCLSK228)
• Identify and draft livestock (AHCLSK350)
• Monitor water supplies (AHCLSK227)
• Provide feed for livestock (AHCLSK229)
• Carry out regular livestock observation (AHCLSK223)
• Identify and mark livestock (AHCLSK225)
• Load and unload livestock (AHCLSK226)
• Handle horses safely (ACMEQU212)
• Prepare to work safely around horses (ACMEQU214)
• Load and unload horses (ACMEQU217)
• Apply chemicals under supervision (AHCCHM201)
• Treat weeds (AHCPMG201)
• Perform basic ecological restoration works (AHCECR203)
• Maintain native ecosystem areas (AHCECR301)
• Operate tractors (AHCMOM202)
• Undertake operational maintenance of machinery (AHCMOM204)
• Operate machinery and equipment (AHCMOM304)
• Undertake propagation activities (AHCNSY207)
• Maintain nursery plants (AHCNSY308)
• Operate side by side utility vehicles (AHCMOM216)
• Operate quad bikes (AHCMOM217)
• Operate and maintain chainsaws (AHCMOM213)
• Inspect and clean machinery, tools and equipment to preserve biosecurity (AHCBIO203)
• Plan and construct conventional fencing (AHCINF307)
• Prepare and present livestock for competition (AHCLSK355)
• Conduct front-end loader operations (AHCMOM207)
• Monitor weather conditions (AHCWRK314)
• Operate multi-rotor remote pilot aircraft systems (AVIY0027)
• Implement animal health control programs (AHCLSK351)
• Comply with industry animal welfare requirements (AHCLSK368)
• Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases (AHCCHM307)
• Install, maintain and repair farm fencing (AHCINF206)
• Transport and store chemicals (AHCCHM304)
• Perform machinery maintenance (AHCMOM302)
• Control weeds (AHCPMG301)