Practical Work, Field Operations and Employability Skills: Procedures and Records
Practical Work, Field Operations and Employability Skills tests field procedures, measurement, record keeping, tool use, teamwork and communication. The exam expects you to perform a task safely and explain each step.
Core rules
- Prepare a level seedbed, use treated seed, calibrate the drill or sprayer, and record inputs, dates and plot numbers.
- Measure plots accurately; convert hectares, acres and square metres before calculating seed or fertilizer. Confirm instructions and use PPE.
- Maintain tools, clean them after use and store them safely. Work in a team with clear roles and report hazards.
- Employability skills include punctuality, digital literacy, resume preparation and the ability to explain a farm plan clearly.
Worked example
Prepare 0.2 ha of wheat. Seed rate 100 kg/ha gives 0.2 × 100 = 20 kg seed. Nitrogen recommendation 120 kg N/ha gives 24 kg N. If DAP supplies 60 kg P2O5/ha, DAP = 60 ÷ 0.46 = 130.4 kg/ha; for 0.2 ha = 26.1 kg DAP. This supplies 26.1 × 0.18 = 4.7 kg N. Balance N = 24 − 4.7 = 19.3 kg; urea = 19.3 ÷ 0.46 = 42.0 kg. Record seed lot, fertilizer, date and plot.
Traps that cost marks
Do not mix units, skip calibration, use a cracked tool, or leave records to memory. Do not work alone with machinery, ignore PPE, or assume a verbal instruction is understood without confirming it. Poor record keeping makes every later calculation unreliable.