If you are a local student you may be eligible.
To find a course that's available to international students, please visit the search page:
Learn farming as part of your secondary school through VDSS at our Northern Lodge Training Centre in Eden Park. You'll gain hands-on experience with livestock and crops on a working farm. Build practical skills that prepare you for future jobs or further study in agriculture.
With this qualification you may be qualified to be an assistant animal attendant, stockperson, assistant farm hand or assistant station worker.
On completion of this course you may progress into the Certificate III in Agriculture AHC30122.
This course is taught in-person at Northern Lodge Training Centre.
Wednesday 8:30 am - 3:30 pm.
If you study a Units 3 and 4 sequence, you will be eligible for an increment towards your ATAR (10% of the average four scaled studies). This course does not offer scored assessment.
This course provides recognition of two or more units at Units 1 and 2 level and in a Units 3 and 4 sequence.
The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact us for the latest student contact hours information.
| Code | Subject | Type | Hours |
| AHCMOM202 | Operate tractors | Elective | 40 |
| AHCPMG201 | Treat weeds | Elective | 40 |
| AHCSOL203 | Assist with soil or growing media sampling and testing | Elective | 30 |
| AHCWHS202 | Participate in workplace health and safety processes | Core | 30 |
| AHCWRK211 | Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | Core | 30 |
You'll need protective boots, work gloves and hat.
2026 fee schedules will be provided to schools separately. Please contact us for more information: 03 9269 1292.
You must be at least 15 years old and in Year 10 or Year 11 in secondary school.
If you study a Units 3 and 4 sequence, you will be eligible for an increment towards your ATAR (10% of the average four scaled studies). This course does not offer scored assessment.
Talk to your school's VET Coordinator about enrolling into VDSS at Melbourne Polytechnic. You may be invited to attend an information session.
Apply through our dedicated VDSS Portal.
Nationally Recognised Training This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.