The purpose of this micro-credential is to address the dairy industry need for practical, hands-on training for learners transitioning into a junior role in the dairy farming sector. The course is intended to provide learners with a foundation in the core skills and knowledge required to successfully transition from secondary school to starting work on a NZ dairy farm. By introducing learners to the core competencies of stockmanship, farm machinery operation, basic farm infrastructure, and wellbeing skills such as cooking and personal budgeting, this micro-credential aims to prepare new entrants to start work in the New Zealand dairy industry.

On successful completion of this micro-credential, learners/akonga will be equipped with core skills necessary to begin work on a New Zealand dairy farm. Graduates will have learned how to safely operate a farm vehicle on flat terrain and perform basic farm maintenance tasks under supervision. They will be able to support daily milking processes, and have a basic understanding of the infrastructure and technologies that support dairy farming. In addition, learners will have gained experience in the foundational wellbeing skills of planning and cooking nutritional meals and managing a personal budget.

Learning Outcomes:
* Learning outcome 1: Operate a farm vehicle including pre-ride checks under supervision
* Learning outcome 2: Assist with daily livestock care, and recognise basic signs of animal health and wellbeing
* Learning outcome 3: Describe the basic elements of the New Zealand dairy industry
* Learning outcome 4: Identify the purpose and practice basic maintenance of key farm infrastructure components
* Learning outcome 5: Develop basic self-management, and wellbeing practices in order to be work ready on a dairy farm.

It is expected that graduates of this micro-credential will continue on to a six-month farm placement through the NextGen programme. This combination of practical farm skills and personal wellbeing competencies ensures that learners are prepared to effectively contribute to their farm placements, and to the New Zealand dairy industry.

MC201 Introduction to Dairy Farming is one component of a larger programme called NextGen Future Farmers, which aims to address gaps in the foundational skills of dairy industry employees through an integrated pathway of attraction, retention, and training. The NextGen Future Farmers programme consists of a six-stage integrated pathways model, which intentionally inducts school leavers into the industry to ensure an effective and comfortable transition from school into working.

The six stages of the integrated pathways model are:
1. Recruitment to pre-employment training
2. Pre-employment training programme
3. Job placement
4. Wrap-up around pastoral care
5. Continued work-based training
6. Transition into permanent employment.

MC201 Introduction to Dairy Farming seeks to formalise stage two of this pathway.

Entry into the Introduction to Dairy Farming micro-credential (Level 2) micro-credential will be in accordance with the Dairy Training Course Entry Policy and Procedures, and as outlined below.

Learners must:
1. Be 16 years of age or older
2. Have proficiency in English and Mathematics that will enable likely successful completion of this course (for example a minimum of NCEA English and Maths level 1, or equivalent)
3. Have their application reviewed by Dairy Training staff
4. Have completed an interview with DTL representatives
5. Have completed an interview with a prospective (vetted) employer.

Applications outside the above conditions of entry may be considered in some circumstances, at the discretion of the Dairy Training Manager.