Step up with the RIST Traineeships and Apprenticeships Program

RIST now offers traineeships/apprenticeships to interested people wishing to pursue a career in Agriculture. This will include farm employees already working in this field.

This new initiative provides an exciting opportunity for RIST to further expand the training opportunities we currently offer, above and beyond our current Diploma of Agriculture and in addition to, our proven successful short course delivery model.

Greater opportunities

Traineeships/Apprenticeships provide greater opportunities for those people choosing agriculture as a career or for those who simply want to build on their current work practices to develop valuable skills that they can apply in the workplace.

Initially, RIST will offer training in the qualifications listed below, however, it is envisaged that the range of qualifications will expand to include Rural Merchandising, Rural Business and higher level qualifications in Shearing and Wool Clip Preparation.

Current Traineeships/Apprenticeships available in Agriculture (offered by RIST)

• RTE20103 Certificate II in Agriculture.

• RTE20303 Certificate II in Wool Handling.

• RTE30103 Certificate III in Agriculture.

• RTE40303 Certificate IV in Wool Classing.

• R RTE20603 Certificate II in Production Horticulture.

• R RTE31603 Certificate III in Production Horticulture.

What are Traineeships/Apprenticeships?

• A traineeship is a paid full-time or part-time job that involves work (usually on the farm) and includes a combination of on farm and off farm training and assessment.

• RIST will continue to uses its extensive experience in accredited short course training to ensure that trainees gain the opportunity to further develop their skills through participation in a range of workshop activities.
The skills gained through these workshops will set the foundations for the on farm component of the training and assessment.

• During the period of the traineeship/apprenticeship, the trainees not only develop valuable skills that they can apply in the workplace, but have the opportunity to obtain a recognised qualification in Agriculture.

• These traineeships/apprenticeships are funded by the Department of Education and made available by Registered Training Organisations like RIST.

Why employ a trainee for your farm or agricultural business?

• Traineeships/Apprenticeships produce a more productive staff member who is familiar with your business and trained specifically for the agriculture sector.

• Your skilled staff member will be well trained, versatile and make valuable contributions to your business team.

• You will receive industry support from experience training specialists.

• Financial incentives from the government are available for farm businesses that take on trainees or education existing employees.

• $$$ savings on your Work cover premiums may apply.

What can you expect from the training?

• Traineeships are ‘Competency Based’ training activities built around a recognised qualification usually at Certificate II and Certificate III level (for new employees) and Certificate III level (for existing employees).

• The training is structured in such a way to ensure minimum disruption to the employer whilst maximising learning opportunities for the trainees.

• The training is ‘hands-on’ and is structured to meet real work expectations in a real work setting.

• Traineeships are flexible and offer a self paced way of learning for your trainee.

• The duration of the course will reflect your individual needs and circumstances but will generally be approximately 2 year in duration.

Who do I contact?

Louise Cameron, RIST's Traineeship Coordinator can be contacted by calling the RIST Centre on 03 55 730 943.

For further information about financial incentives available to your business, contact the National Apprenticeship Centre or RIST can assist in arranging an appointment for you.

Mount Napier Road, Hamilton. Victoria 3300 Ph (03)5573 0943