Agricultural Machinery Operation NC II TESDA Course

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Agricultural Machinery Operation National Certificate III (TESDA Course)

The Agricultural Machinery Operation NC II Qualification consists of competencies that an Agricultural Machinery Operator,  Agricultural Tractor Operator, Agricultural Post-harvest Machinery Operator or Agricultural Production Machinery Operator must have in order to operate agricultural small production machinery and equipment, operate agricultural large production machinery and equipment and operate agricultural post-production machinery and equipment.

This Qualification is packaged from the competency map of the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery

A person who has achieved this Qualification is competent to be:

  • Agricultural Machinery Operator
  • Agricultural Tractor Operator
  • Agricultural Post-harvest Machinery Operator
  • Agricultural Production Machinery Operator

AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY OPERATION NC II QUALIFICATION

Course Title: AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY OPERATION
Level: NC II
Nominal Training Duration : 284 Hours

This course is designed to provide the students/learner with knowledge, desirable attitudes and skills required to perform the following competencies in accordance with industry standards: operate agricultural small production machinery and equipment, operate agricultural large production machinery and equipment, operate agricultural post-production machinery and equipment.

These guidelines are set to provide the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) providers with information and other important requirements to consider when designing training programs for AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY OPERATION NC II

TRAINEE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Trainees or students wishing to gain entry into this course should possess the following requirements:

  1. Able to read and write;
  2. Able to communicate, both orally and in writing; and
  3. Fundamental arithmetical skills (four basic operations)
  4. Physically able*

COMPETENCY STANDARDS in AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY OPERATION NC II

This units of competency comprising this qualification include the following:

UNIT CODE CORE COMPETENCIES (192 Hours)
AFF834367 Operate agricultural small production machinery and equipment
AFF834368 Operate agricultural large production machinery and equipment
AFF834369 Operate agricultural post-production machinery and equipment
UNIT CODE COMMON COMPETENCIES (72 Hours)
AGR321201 Apply Safety Measures in Farm Operations
AGR321202 Use Farm Tools and Equipment
AGR321203 Perform Estimation and Basic Calculation
UNIT CODE BASIC COMPETENCIES (20 Hours)
500311105 Participate in workplace communication
500311106 Work in team environment
500311107 Practice career professionalism
500311108 Practice occupational health and safety procedures

CORE COMPETENCIES (192 Hours)

Core competency units comprising this qualification in AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY OPERATION NC II

OPERATE AGRICULTURAL SMALL PRODUCTION MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT (AFF834367) – This unit covers the  knowledge, skills and attitudes required to operate agricultural production machinery and equipment powered by small engines. This also includes to select of agricultural small production machineries, prepare agricultural machineries for operations, operate agricultural machineries and perform post-operation activities.

  1. Select agricultural small production machineries
    • Field is assessed as per established practice
    • Land condition is determined based on industry standard
    • Crop condition is evaluated based on industry standard
    • Agricultural machineries are identified based on assessment result
  2. Prepare agricultural machineries for operations
    • Agricultural machineries are checked and adjusted in accordance with job requirements
    • Tools and materials are prepared according to work requirements
    • Attachments are checked and adjusted following manufacturer’s manual
    • Resources are readied to meet the work requirements
  3. Operate agricultural machineries
    • Personal Protective Equipment are selected and worn as per work requirement
    • Machine is operated following operator’s manual
    • Malfunctions are identified and corrected in accordance with operator’s manual
    • Performances are assessed according to set standards/client’s specification
    • shutdown according to operator’s manual.
  4. Perform post-operation activities
    • Wastes are managed according to environmental regulations
    • Machineries and engines are cleaned and checked prior to storage
    • Work area is cleaned and maintained according to OHS and enterprise requirements
    • Records of information are prepared in with reference to enterprise format
    • Basic preventive maintenance is performed according to manufacturer’s manuals

OPERATE AGRICULTURAL LARGE PRODUCTION MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT (AFF834368) – This unit covers the  knowledge, skills and attitudes required to operate agricultural production machinery and equipment with more than 20kW power rating. This also includes to select agricultural large production machineries, prepare agricultural machineries for operations, operate agricultural machineries and perform post-operation activities.

  1. Select agricultural large production machineries
    • Field is assessed as per established practice
    • Land condition is determined based on industry standard
    • Crop condition is evaluated based on industry standard
    • Agricultural machinery is identified based on assessment result
  2. Prepare agricultural machine for operations
    • Agricultural machineries are checked and adjusted in following manufacturer operator’s manual
    • Agricultural machineries are loaded and unloaded on carrier in accordance with manufacturer operator’s manual
    • Tools and materials are prepared based on work requirements
    • Attachments are checked and adjusted in accordance with manufacturer’s manual
    • Resources are made available to meet the work requirements
  3. Operate agricultural machineries
    • Personal Protective Equipment are worn per work requirement
    • Machine is operated according to operator’s manual.
    • Malfunctions are identified and corrected in accordance with the standard operating procedures
    • Performances are assessed according to set standards or client’s specification
    • Machine is shutdown according to standard practices
  4. Perform post-operation activities
    • Wastes are managed according to environmental regulations
    • Machine and engine are cleaned and checked prior to storage
    • Work area is cleaned and maintained according to OHS and enterprise requirements.
    • Records of information are prepared in appropriate format Basic preventive maintenance is performed according to manufacturer’s instructions and/or standard practices

OPERATE AGRICULTURAL POST-PRODUCTION MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT (AFF834369) – This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required in operating post-production machinery and equipment. It also includes to prepare post-production machineries, to operate machineries and monitor performance and to perform post-operation activities.

  1. Prepare postproduction machineries
    • Post production machineries are checked and adjusted in accordance with established standards and manufacturer’s manual
    • Tools and materials are prepared as per work requirements
    • Accessories are prepared and checked as per work requirement and established standards and manufacturer’s manual
  2. Operate machineries and monitor performance
    • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are selected and worn as per work requirement
    • Machine is operated according to established standards and manufacturer’s manual
    • Abnormal conditions are identified and corrected in accordance with the standard operating procedures
    • Performances are assessed according to set standards and clients’ specifications
    • Malfunctions are recorded for appropriate adjustment by proper personnel
    • Machine is shutdown according to established standards and manufacturer’s manual
  3. Perform post-operation activities
    • Wastes are managed according to environmental regulations
    • Machine and engine are cleaned and stored as per established standards and manufacturer’s manual
    • Work area is cleaned and maintained according to OHS and enterprise requirements.
    • Records of information are prepared in appropriate format
    • Basic preventive maintenance is performed according to manufacturer’s instructions and/or standard practices

RANGE OF VARIABLES

  1. Land condition includes:
    • Low land
    • High land
  2. Crop condition includes:
    • Pest incidence
    • Water shortage
    • Nutrient shortage
  3. Agricultural machineries include:
    • Hand tractor/power tiller
    • Seeder/planter/digger
    • Irrigation pump
    • Weeder/Cultivator
    • Grass cutter
    • Power sprayer
  4. Agricultural Machines with more than 20kW power rating:
    • 4-Wheel tractor
    • Irrigation pump
    • Grass cutter
    • Power sprayer
  5. Post production Machineries may include but are not limited to:
    • Harvester
    • Dryer
    • Mill
    • Thresher
    • Sheller
    • Decorticator
    • Dehusker/Depulper
  6. Malfunctions may include but is not limited to:
    • Erratic engine speed
    • Belt slippage
    • Unplowed field/area
    • No water discharged
    • Pesticide leak
  7. Performances may include but are not limited to:
    • Even seeding rate
    • Straight row planting
    • Uniform transplanted seedlings
    • Acceptable field efficiency
    • Discharge capacity
    • Efficiency of machines
    • Capacity of machines
  8. Waste may include but are not limited to:
    • Excess seeds after operation
    • Sacks
    • Remaining seedlings after operation
    • Pesticide bottle
    • Used Teflon seals
    • Used fertilizer
    • Container/sacks
  9. Records of information
    • Machine failure
    • Fuel consumption
    • Area operated
    • Hours of operation
    • Manpower requirements
    • Date of operation
  10. Basic preventive maintenance
    • Dismantling and assembling procedures
    • Safety and pre-start checks
    • Testing
    • Tightening
    • Minor adjustments and repairs (e.g. belt tension/pulley alignment, engine speed)
    • Routine servicing procedures (e.g. cleaning, lubricating, priming pumps, cleaning filters, checks of cooling systems, fuel, grease and oil, battery levels)

COMMON COMPETENCIES (72 Hours)

Common competency units comprising this qualification in AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY OPERATION NC II

APPLY SAFETY MEASURES IN FARM OPERATIONS (AFF321201) – This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes
required to perform safety measures effectively and efficiently. It includes identifying areas, tools, materials, time and place in performing safety measures.

  1. Determine areas of concern for safety measures
    • Work tasks are identified in line with farm operations
    • Place for safety measures are determined in line with farm operations
    • Time for safety measures are determined in line with farm operations
    • Appropriate tools, materials and outfits are prepared in line with job requirements
  2. Apply appropriate safety measures
    • Tools and materials are used according to specifications and procedures
    • Outfits are worn according to farm requirements
    • Effectivity/shelf life/expiration of materials are strictly observed
    • Emergency procedures are known and followed to ensure a safe work requirement
    • Hazards in the workplace are identified and reported in line with farm guidelines
  3. Safekeep/dispose of tools, materials and outfit
    • Used tools and outfit are cleaned after use and stored in designated areas
    • Unused materials are properly labeled and stored according to manufacturers recommendation and farm requirements
    • Waste materials are disposed according to manufacturers, government and farm requirements

USE FARM TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT (AFF321202) – This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to use farm tools and equipment. It includes selection, operation and preventive maintenance of farm tools and equipment.

  1. Select and use farm tools
    • Appropriate farm tools are identified according to requirement/use
    • Farm tools are checked for faults and defective tools reported in accordance with farm procedures
    • Appropriate tools are safely used according to job requirements and manufacturers conditions
  2. Select and operate farm equipment
    • Identify appropriate farm equipment
    • Instructional manual of the farm tools and equipment are carefully read prior to operation
    • Pre-operation check-up is conducted in line with manufacturers manual
    • Faults in farm equipment are identified and reported in line with farm procedures
    • Farm equipment used according to its function
    • Safety procedures are followed.
  3. Perform preventive maintenance
    • Tools and equipment are cleaned immediately after use in line with farm procedures
    • Routine check-up and maintenance are performed
    • Tools and equipment are stored in designated areas in line with farm procedures

PERFORM ESTIMATION AND BASIC CALCULATION (AFF321203) – This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes
required to perform basic workplace calculations.

  1. Perform estimation
    • Job requirements are identified from written or oral communications
    • Quantities of materials and resources required to complete a work task are estimated
    • The time needed to complete a work activity is estimated
    • Accurate estimate for work completion are made
    • Estimate of materials and resources are reported to appropriate person
  2. Perform basic workplace calculation
    • System and units of measurement to be followed are ascertained
    • Calculation needed to complete work tasks are performed using the four basic mathematical operation
    • Calculate whole fraction, percentage and mixed when are used to complete the instructions
    • Number computed is checked following work requirements

BASIC COMPETENCIES IN CAREGIVING NC II (20 Hours)

Basic competency units comprising this qualification in AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY OPERATION NC II

PARTICIPATE IN WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION (500311105) – This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes
required to gather, interpret and convey information in response to workplace requirements..

  1. Obtain and convey workplace information.
    • Specific and relevant information is accessed from appropriate sources
    • Effective questioning, active listening and speaking skills are used to gather and convey information
    • Appropriate medium is used to transfer information and ideas
    • Appropriate non-verbal communication is used
    • Appropriate lines of communication with supervisors and colleagues are identified and followed
    • Defined workplace procedures for the location and storage of information are used
    • Personal interaction is carried out clearly and concisely
  2. Participate in workplace meetings and discussions
    • Team meetings are attended on time
    • Own opinions are clearly expressed and those of others are listened to without interruption
    • Meeting inputs are consistent with the meeting purpose and established protocols
    • Workplace interactions are conducted in a courteous manner
    • Questions about simple routine workplace procedures and matters concerning working conditions of employment are tasked and responded to
    • Meetings outcomes are interpreted and implemented
  3. Complete relevant work related documents.
    • Range of forms relating to conditions of employment are completed accurately and legibly
    • Workplace data are recorded on standard workplace forms and documents
    • Basic mathematical processes are used for routine calculations
    • Errors in recording information on forms/ documents are identified and properly acted upon
    • Reporting requirements to supervisor are completed according to organizational guidelines

WORK IN TEAM ENVIRONMENT (500311106) – This unit covers the skills, knowledge and attitudes to identify role and responsibility as a member of a team..

  1. Describe team role and scope
    • The role and objective of the team is identified from available sources of information
    • Team parameters, reporting relationships and responsibilities are identified from team discussions and appropriate  external sources
  2. Identify own role and responsibility within team
    • Individual role and responsibilities within the team environment are identified
    • Roles and responsibility of other team members are identified and recognized
    • Reporting relationships within team and external to team are identified
  3. Work as a team member
    • Effective and appropriate forms of communications used and interactions undertaken with team members who contribute to known team activities and objectives
    • Effective and appropriate contributions made to complement team activities and objectives, based on individual skills and competencies and workplace context
    • Observed protocols in reporting using standard operating procedures
    • Contribute to the development of team work plans based on an understanding of team’s role and objectives and individual competencies of the members.

PRACTICE CAREER PROFESSIONALISM (500311107) – This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes in promoting career growth and advancement.

  1. Integrate personal objectives with organizational goals.
    • Personal growth and work plans are pursued towards improving the qualifications set for the profession
    • Intra and interpersonal relationships are maintained in the course of managing oneself based on performance
      evaluation
    • Commitment to the organization and its goal is demonstrated in the performance of duties
  2. Set and meet work priorities.
    • Competing demands are prioritized to achieve personal, team and organizational goals and objectives.
    • Resources are utilized efficiently and effectively to manage work priorities and commitments
    • Practices along economic use and maintenance of equipment and facilities are followed as per established procedures
  3. Maintain professional growth and development.
    • Trainings and career opportunities are identified and availed of based on job requirements
    • Recognitions are sought/received and demonstrated as proof of career advancement
    • Licenses and/or certifications relevant to job and career are obtained and renewed

PRACTICE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURES (500311108) – This unit covers the outcomes  required to comply with regulatory and organizational requirements for occupational health and safety.

  1. Identify hazards and risks
    • Safety regulations and workplace safety and hazard control practices and procedures are clarified and explained based on organization procedures
    • Hazards/risks in the workplace and their corresponding indicators are identified to minimize or eliminate risk to coworkers, workplace and environment in accordance with organization procedures
    • Contingency measures during workplace accidents, fire and other emergencies are recognized and established in accordance with organization procedure
  2. Evaluate hazard and risks
    • Terms of maximum tolerable limits which when exceeded will result in harm or damage are identified based on threshold limit values (TLV)
    • Effects of the hazards are determined
    • OHS issues and/or concerns and identified safety hazards are reported to designated personnel in accordance with workplace requirements and relevant workplace OHS legislation
  3. Control hazards and risks
    • Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures for controlling hazards/risks in workplace are consistently followed
    • Procedures for dealing with workplace accidents, fire and emergencies are followed in accordance with organization OHS policies
    • Personal protective equipment (PPE) is correctly used in accordance with organization OHS procedures and practices
    • Appropriate assistance is provided in the event of a workplace emergency in accordance with established organization protocol
  4. Maintain occupational health and safety awareness
    • Emergency-related drills and trainings are participated in as per established organization guidelines and procedures
    • OHS personal records are completed and updated in accordance with workplace requirements

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT IN AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY OPERATION NC II

Recommended list of tools, equipment and materials for the training of AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY OPERATION NC II

TOOLS EQUIPMENT MATERIALS
Set of box wrench, 8 pieces Power sprayer Rubber Boots
6” and 12” adjustable Boom Sprayer Dust Mask
Sets Allen wrench Sprayer, knapsack, stainless Hand Gloves
Steel tape measure Hand tractor Hand tractor, 10 hp diesel engine with Earmuff/Earplug
Ballpeen hammer Harvester, 1.2 meter reaper Hand Gloves, cotton knitted rubber coated
Vice grip Wheel tractor Long Sleeve Shirt
Pliers Irrigation pump, 2 x 2, 5.5 HP gasoline Cover all clothing
Pliers, long nose Irrigation pump, 4 x 4, 10 HP diesel First Aid kit
C-clamp Grass cutter Teflon Tape
Locking Pliers Thresher Fuel and Oil
Grease Guns Sheller Engine Base
Sets Flat screw driver Decorticator Engine Base
Sets Flat screw driver Decorticator Belt
Sets Philips
screw driver
Size reduction
machine/mill
Pulley
24” adjustable wrench Dehusker/depulper Rags
Scythe Dryer Seeds
Air compressor Plastic twine
Tachometer Trailer (for transport of implements of hand tractor) Sacks (for seeds and waste)
Measuring can Pressurized water sprayer Planting materials
Weighing Scale (100kg) Crop samples
Weighing Scale, 30 kg capacity Fertilizer
Weighing Scale (10kg) Chemicals assorted
Thermometer Office supplies
Moisture meter Envelope
Agricultural – Implements Bond Paper
Moldboard /disc plow White Board
Harrow Pen Maker
Trailer (for transport of implements of hand tractor) Pad Paper
Rotavator
Leveller
Seeder/Planter/Digger
Weeder/Cultivator
Diesel engine (single cylinder engine) – 5 Hp
Gasoline engine (single cylinder) – 5 Hp
Agricultural – Accessories
Guide stick
Floater
Furrow opener and closer
Pressure gauge
Lance
Box –Nozzle (different sizes)
Hose
Grease
Sanding paper #220
Pipe connector

ASSESSMENT AND CERTIFICATION ARRANGEMENT

Competency Assessment is the process of collecting evidence and making judgments whether competency has been achieved. The purpose of assessment is to confirm that an individual can perform to the standards expected at the workplace as expressed in relevant competency standards.

The assessment process is based on evidence or information gathered to prove achievement of competencies. The process may be applied to a full qualification or employable unit(s) of competency in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the national qualification.

NATIONAL ASSESSMENT AND CERTIFICATION ARRANGEMENTS

The Full National Qualification of The Full National Qualification of AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY OPERATION NC II shall be acquired through the accumulation of Certificates of Competency in the following units of competencies: shall be acquired through the accumulation of Certificates of Competency in the following units of competencies:

  • COC 1 Operate agricultural small production machinery and equipment
  • COC 2 Operate agricultural large production machinery and equipment
  • COC 3 Operate agricultural post-production machinery and equipment

Upon accumulation and submission of all the above COCs acquired, an individual shall be issued the corresponding National Certificate signed by the TESDA Director General. Certificates of Competency (COCs) shall be issued to candidates who have been assessed as competent in any of the above COCs (COC 1, COC 2, COC 3).

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

  • 4-Wheel Tractor – wheeled power source having two axles, design to carry work by
    pulling or propel various agricultural machines and implements. They are classified
    according to horsepower rating Agricultural machinery – consists of agricultural
    tractors, self-propelled and pedestrian-operated machines, implements, and other
    equipment primarily used for agricultural operations
  • Attachment – anything that is specifically approved by the manufacturer of farm
    machinery
  • Coconut coir decorticator – machine to crush matured coconut husk through
    impact or beating action to separate coco fiber and coconut peat from the husk
  • Coffee pulper – machine to remove and separate the soft pulp of ripe coffee cherry
    without making any damage to the parchment coffee
  • Corn husker-sheller – machine used to remove the husk of corn ear, detach,
    separate and clean the corn kernels from the cobs in one operation
  • Corn sheller – machine used to detach, separate and clean the corn kernels from
    the cobs
  • Cultivator – field cultivator implement for seedbed preparation, weed eradication, or
    fallow cultivation subsequent to some form of primary tillage, equipped with spring
    steel shank
  • Disc harrow – implement used to pulverize the soil to attain a better soil tilth for the
    seed germination and growth
  • Disc plow – implement with individually mounted concave disc blades which cut,
    partially or completely invert soil slices to bury surface material, and pulverize the
    soil
  • Dryer – machinery device used to lower down or remove available water from the
    crop through evaporation by the application of heated air
  • Fiber decorticator – mechanical device used for extracting fibers by crushing,
    beating and scraping actions effected by the rotating cylinder with equally spaced
    blades and breaker or scraper block
  • Grass cutter – a machine or device for cutting grass
  • Hammer mill – device use for grinding which is a result of the impact between the
    particles and hammers, which are mounted on a shaft rotating along a horizontal
    axis
  • Hand tractor/power tiller– self-propelled machine having a single axle designed
    primarily to pull and propel trailed or mounted agricultural implements and machinery
  • Harvester – machinery device used to gather the useful portion of the crop from the
    field
  • Irrigation pump – pump device used to lift or transfer water from one source to
    another
  • Lever-operated knapsack sprayer (LOKS) backpack sprayer – sprayer which is
    operated manually with a lever and can be carried on the back of an operator for
    spraying
  • Multicrop micromill – machine that grinds dried product meal of various crops into
    finer particles suitable for the purpose of food seasoning or as flour
  • Peanut sheller – machine used to remove kernels from the shell by
    breaking/splitting the pods
  • Power Sprayer – equipment powered by an electric motor or by an engine used to
    spray fertilizer or pesticide to a certain height
  • Seeder/Planter/Digger– machinery device whether self-propelled or pulled/hitch to
    a wheeled vehicle, used to place seeds or plant into the soil for propagation and
    production of crops
  • Small engine – internal combustion engines with one or two cylinders of up to 20
    kW rating used for agricultural purposes
  • Weeder – implement used to remove/destroy the weeds from an agricultural land

List of Schools that offer TESDA Courses for Agricultural Crops Production


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