Organic Training College of Aotearoa New Zealand

Organic Horticulture Programmes

[ Contact | Course Details | Qualifications | Fees | Loans & Scholarships]

Student Resources

The Organic Training College delivers practical and theory training in Organic Horticulture for Telford Rural Polytechnic for Telford Rural Polytechnic. The college is located at the Biological Husbandry Unit at Lincoln, utilising its 10 hectares of Certified Organic gardens and orchards and the on-site propagation and greenhouse facilities and classrooms.

The training is practical hands-on plant cultivation and high quality face-to-face tuition. Teaching staff have a high level of experience in certified organic production, and a wide range of organic certified vegetables and fruit are grown and marketed. The training content is NZQA unit standard based. The BHU delivers the following Telford Rural Polytechnic programmes:

Enroll now for the following Telford Rural Polytechnic programmes 3rd October 2011

Contact us now: Course Info - Phone BHU 03 325 3684 Enrolment Info - Phone Telford 0800 835 367 Email college@bhu.co.nz   >> Download a brochure here (pdf) << >> Download Telford enrolment form here (pdf ) <<
Organic Training College Programmes for 2011-12 What the training will cover There are two programmes: Year 1 and Year 2. Students are encouraged to enroll in the Year 1 programme unless they have a background in horticulture or organic farming. Year 1 Sowing, planting and harvesting organic crops Composting and liquid fertilisers Vermiculture Soil biology and management Plant structure and function Organic pest and disease control Organic weed identification and management Shelter selection, planting and maintenance Companion planting Beekeeping Permaculture Introduction to pruning The development of Organics in New Zealand Chainsaw use and safety (optional short course) Tractor driving (optional short course) >> for further information, please click here << Year 2 Organic standards and certification Planning for organic production Beekeeping Permaculture Plant propagation from seed and cuttings Fruit tree pruning and training Marketing Water use and quality Applied soil management Plant growth factors, processes and lifecycles The legal requirements for a horticultural business The development of Organics in New Zealand Chainsaw use and safety(optional short course)  Tractor use and safety (optional short course) >> for further information click here << Short Courses Short courses can be studied independently or in conjunction with the Year 1 or Year 2 programmes. >> for further information click >>here<< Year 2 Stepping Stone Programme Year 2 students also have the option of using land and greenhouse facilities at the BHU to produce their own crops under Organic Farm New Zealand certification. Students taking up this option are mentored by a local commercial organic grower.
Who are the programmes for? The programmes are open to people who are: Interested in organic growing Planning a career in organic horticulture Seeking re-training With or without formal qualifications Wishing to continue with tertiary studies Wanting to progress to Lincoln University courses. Who can apply? This course is open to anyone interested in organic growing as a career. You need to have the ability to work to the required standard, and to show those personal and skill attributes to lead to successful course completion. Full time and part time options are available Student loans and allowances may apply to you - enquire today! Accommodation may be available in the Lincoln University Halls of Residence Fees and Course Related Costs There are no fees for any of the programmes at the Organic Training College. Students are encouraged to purchase secateurs, sturdy footware and appropriate clothing for hot, cold and wet weather Grants and Scholarships New Zealand Nature Farming Society scholarship Year 2 students can apply for the  New Zealand Nature Farming Society scholarship. The successful applicant will receive a weekly grant to manage the Kyusei model garden over the summer growing season as well as airfares and accommodation to attend a Kyusei Nature Farming training course in Thailand." Qualifications Students can expect to achieve one of the following qualifications at the end of their 43 week programme: NC1013 National Certificate in H orticulture (Introductory) Level 2 NC1014 National Certificate in H orticulture Level 4 TF0747 Telford Certificate in Rural Health & Safety The Organic Training College of Aotearoa New Zealand is working with Telford Rural Polytechnic in the delivery of certificate level Telford qualifications and National Certificates in Horticulture. The programmes offer the potential to achieve NZQA National Certificates in Horticulture at Level 2 (year 1) and NCH Level 4 (year 2) plus a pathway to higher levels of study. Loans and Allowances Telford Rural Polytechnic has applied for student loan and allowance eligibility for BHU programmes. You may be eligible,please check with Telford for details.

The Organic Training College, in co-operation with:

The Biological Husbandry Unit

Telford Rural Polytechnic

Work and Income New Zealand

OANZ - Organic Aotearoa New Zealand

Contacts

For course information contact:

Bill Martin, Organic Training College - Phone 03 325 3684, Email college@bhu.co.nz

For enrolment information contact:

>>Telford Rural Polytechnic Enrolement Form

Telford Rural Polytechnic - Phone 0800 835 367

Or write to Telford, Freepost 73901, Private Box 6, Balclutha