Pathways to tertiary study for careers in Technology, Engineering and Science

FORESTRY/AGRICULTURE/HORTICULTURE

CareersAs well as traditional hands-on jobs, there are many science and business roles in these sectors including forest managers, soil and environmental scientists, plant and animal breeders, and lab technicians.

TertiaryWork as a technologist, engineer, scientist or manager in these industries requires a tertiary qualification such as a national certificate, diploma or degree.

Recommended School Subjects

Towards a certificate/diploma: English, Science (Biology and Chemistry emphasis), Mathematics, Processing Technologies, Digital Technologies, Design and Visual Communication. Secondary school students may be able to work towards national certificates in horticulture while still working towards the NCEA.
Towards a degree: English, Biology, Chemistry, Statistics and Modelling, Physics, Processing Technologies, Mathematics with Calculus.

Related Careers Biosecurity and fisheries officers, park ranger, sports ground manager, environmental engineer, environmental health officer, pest control technician.

Read more about careers in forestry, agriculture, horticulture and the dairy and meat processing industries.

BIOTECHNOLOGY

CareersBiotechnology uses scientific knowledge about living organisms to create new products. Most jobs are in agriculture, food, healthcare or environmental protection.

TertiaryTo become a biotechnologist you need to have either a Bachelor of Science majoring in Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology or Food Technology, a Bachelor of Engineering majoring in Biotechnology or a Bachelor of Technology majoring in Biotechnology, Industrial Bioscience, Biochemical Engineering or Food Technology. A degree is often required even for technician level roles.

Recommended School Subjects

Towards a certificate/diploma: English, Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), Mathematics, Processing Technologies, Digital Technologies, Design and Visual Communication.
Towards a degree: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Statistics and Modelling, Mathematics with Calculus, Processing Technologies.

related Careers Biochemist, biomedical engineer, environmental scientist, microbiologist, medical laboratory scientist/technician, forensic scientist.

Food Technology

CareersFood technologists, scientists and engineers work on the development of new food and beverage products, as well as on improvements to existing products. They may specialise in production, quality control or research and development.

TertiaryTo be a food technologist you need a degree or diploma in Food Science or Food Technology.

Recommended School Subjects

Towards a certificate/diploma: English, Science (Chemistry and Physics emphasis), Mathematics, Processing Technologies, Digital Technologies, Design and Visual Communication, Construction and Mechanical Technologies.
Towards a degree: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics with Calculus, Statistics and Modelling, Processing Technologies, Construction and Mechanical Technologies. Entry into food science and technology degrees requires Level 3 Chemistry and Calculus.

related CareersFood safety officer, microbiologist, product development technologist, chemical & process engineer.

Read more about careers in Food Science and Technology.