Farmhand Courses
A Farmhand performs varied tasks like feeding livestock, operating machinery, maintaining equipment, and assisting with crop care in all weather.
AI Exposure
Low
Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Farmhand
Get qualified to work as a Farmhand with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
AHC20122
Duration
1 week - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
Get qualified as a farm hand (without a work placement) by enrolling in the AHC20122 Certificate II in Agriculture. This nationally recognised training course will teach you how to work safely on a farm — operating a range of machinery (motorbikes, tractors) and carrying out standard jobs (mustering, marking livestock, fencing, weed control). The course takes 9 months to complete and is delivered via a mix of online components, face-to-face, and practical sessions.
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Duration
1 week - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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AHCPMG304
The AHCPMG304 Use Firearms to Humanely Destroy Animals describes the skills and knowledge required to humanely destroy animals using firearms. It covers shooting techniques conducted on foot or with various vehicles, depending on the animal type and mobility. This does not apply to using firearms from aircraft. It is intended for individuals with a valid firearms licence, who work under broad direction, take responsibility for their own work, and exercise discretion and judgement in resource allocation an...
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AHCMOM213
Duration
Half day - 2 days
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
The AHCMOM213 Operate and Maintain Chainsaws assesses students' skills in using, maintaining, and safely storing chainsaws according to manufacturer specifications, cutting methods, and environmental impact considerations. The unit of competency covers the safe operation of hand-held chainsaws and their maintenance to ensure operational readiness. It applies to individuals who undertake cross-cutting of fallen timber using safe cutting techniques, adhering to low-risk work procedures and workplace hea...
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Duration
Half day - 2 days
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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RIIVEH305F
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
The RIIVEH305F Operate and Maintain a Four Wheel Drive Vehicle prepares participants to safely operate and maintain four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles off-road, including remote areas. It's designed for personnel like geologists, drilling operators, and mine operators who drive across diverse terrains as part of their job roles. The unit covers operating and maintaining 4WD vehicles in the resources and infrastructure industries, suitable for those in supervisory or technical specialist roles, requiring ...
Career opportunities
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Farmhand.
Common questions
How much does a Farmhand earn?
In Australia, a full time Farmhand generally earns $1,346 per week ($69,992 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for a Farmhand?
There are currently 108,500 people employed as farm workers in Australia and this number is expected to rise slightly in the next five years. Work can be found across all states of Australia, but mostly in rural or regional areas.
Source: The Labour Market Information Portal – 2019 Occupation Projections
How do I become a Farmhand?
If you’re thinking of becoming a Farmhand, a Certificate II or III in Rural Operations is a good place to start. You could also consider the Certificate II or III in Agriculture. You’ll learn all the skills you need to work safely in a range of farming sectors.
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Learn the basics of farm planning, operations, cropping and rural safety and progress to advanced agricultural training. Start your career in agriculture today.
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Perfect for aspiring apiarists and hobbyists, these courses offer practical skills in bee management and hive maintenance. Pathways for domestic and international students.
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Learn how to nurture and sustain aquatic life, specialising in areas like aquaculture farming, hatchery management, and seafood industry operations. Pathways for domestic and international students.
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Advance your career in forestry, specialising in areas like breeding, forest establishment, or fire control. Pathways for domestic and international students.
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More information
Farmhands assist with the daily work on farms including looking after livestock and tending to crops. You’ll help out with a range of tasks to keep the farm operating and your typical day will probably vary depending on the time of year. Your daily work will depend on the type of farm you’re working on but it might involve things like operating farm machinery, putting up fencing, doing repair work around the farm or feeding livestock. You might be involved in irrigating, fertilising or harvesting crops, moving animals to different areas of the farm, fixing and maintaining equipment or looking after the health of livestock.
Being a Farmhand is a very physical job. You’ll work hard and probably have long days in all sorts of weather conditions. You’ll need to like being outdoors and be able to handle manual labour and heavy lifting. You’ll need to be skilled in operating a range of farm machinery and be very comfortable working with animals.
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