Learn!


NZ Dairy Careers is devoted to excellence in training, learning and developing leaders to make a positive contribution to New Zealand's dairy industry. We are recognised globally, as a leader in providing training and development and an all round practical experience, where you are fully supported.

We combine theoretical learning with individualised tutoring to ensure you gain a full understanding of managing and overseeing the day-to-day operations on a dairy farm.

Learning is flexible and tailored to give you the latest dairy industry methods, information and expertise to accelerate your career, allowing you to earn and learn at the same time!

Our programme is delivered via classroom and practical learning, block training, discussion groups and forums with industry specialists. NZ Dairy Careers is passionate about training and developing people to become industry leaders. This is achieved through sharing real life experiences, knowledge, support, mentoring and pastoral care to bring out the strengths of each individual person.

Our Training and Development Management team will help you set individual goals and keep you on track with regular contact and mentoring to ensure your career aspirations become a reality.

Applications are open throughout the year - our training reflects the seasonality of the industry, so your learning is continuous and can be implemented on the farm straight away.

Start learning with us today!

Training & Development Programme


NZ Dairy Careers delivers industry training and a learning experience that delivers the best possible outcomes for candidates and the on-going needs of the Dairy industry.

We are a world-renowned company recognised for providing training, upskilling and development for people wishing to be successful in the dairy industry internationally and in New Zealand.

Industry training is designed for people in employment - it can be delivered online, on farm and through short courses, events, practical components and NZQA courses through third party organisations such as; PrimartyITO. We also offer a range of field trips and industry speakers to give you further exposure to gaining knowledge in the dairy industry.

It's tailored and supportive

Our training reflects the seasonality of the industry, so you can put your learnings straight into practice. It's also tailored to fit around you and your work commitments. Our tutor will visit you on farm and help you set goals and keep you on track. We also provide mentoring, guidance, support and motivation.

Our training starts at entry-level on arrival into NZ focusing on practical learning and an introduction to the basic dairy skills before going on farm; these include health and safety, motorbike training, animal health and welfare, confidence building and best practice.

Once on farm an individual training and development plan is put in place and covers topic everything from animal health, calving and milk quality to feeding and pastures, breeding and people management.

NZDC also assist with connecting you to accredited employers and help you every step of the way in arranging interviews and getting an employment offer for you to consider. If you accept an employment offer in NZ you will be provided with accommodation and full industry rates. (return airfares are paid for by your employer).

You will return home with a full understanding and qualification in the dairy industry and be able to continue to grow your career having had international experience and gained the relevant skills to be successful.

Examples of some of the training modules that will be completed while on the one year programme are set out below:

  • Milk Quality, Plant and Techniques
  • Calf Rearing and Calf Housing
  • Animal Welfare and Health
  • Farm Chemicals
  • Soil and Environmental Science
  • Irrigation Systems and Effluent systems
  • Pasture Management
  • Feed Budgets
  • Winter and Summer Crops
  • Farm Maintenance
  • Tractor Skills
  • Motorbike Safety

Costs & What's Included


Our fees for the 1 year training & development programme start from $3,995 for International candidates, and $2995 for NZ candidates.

Please contact us for short term college placements & programme options

Included:

  • Working Holiday Visa Fees
  • Picked up at the airport
  • Attend a 3-day orientation on arrival
  • Receive assistance to set up banking
  • Guided through tax registration and requirements
  • Pre-farm training including health and safety, motorbike skills and animal health and welfare
  • Introduction to, living in NZ
  • Receive ongoing pastoral care, mentoring and support
  • Training and development programme (further information under Learn)
  • Also included is discussion groups, field trips and open days.

Processes & Requirements


Once your application has been received and processed, our representatives will advise you and set up an initial interview by telephone or Skype. A face to face interview may also be arranged with a New Zealand Dairy Careers representative.

If your application is successful, you will be offered a place on the programme. A deposit will secure your place while we make the necessary arrangements.

We aim to confirm your suitability as quickly as possible and will keep you informed at every step. The process generally takes one month from interview to offer of placement decision depending on the information provided

General Minimum Requirements

  • Minimum age to enter the programme will be 18 years old.
  • Minimum of one year dairy farm work; experience milking cows with machines.
  • English skills; written and oral.
  • Meet Immigration New Zealand requirements.
  • Have no previous criminal convictions.
  • Be in good health and not in possession of or using any drugs other than those prescribed by a doctor.
  • Prepared to work up to 60 hours per week on roster over peak times.

Visas & Permits


To live and work in New Zealand, you will need a valid New Zealand work visa. The programme fee includes a working holiday visa. We use a registered and Licensed Immigration Consultant and ensure that a code of ethics and professional standards are maintained. If you require a one year work permit you are required to meet the cost (this can be added to your fees) along with associated costs such as; medical examinations, police background checks (as required by New Zealand Immigration Service), English translated and certified copies of all documents if required by Immigration New Zealand

We urge you to be completely honest in your application; if information comes to light that may affect your application the visa may be cancelled and you may have to leave the country. Visa fees are non-refundable.

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