Develop practical fencing skills for home projects, farming, landscaping or trade work. Learn how to select suitable fencing materials, plan fence construction, install a range of fence types and maintain fences for long-term performance.
By understanding fencing materials, construction methods, planning and maintenance, you'll be better equipped to:
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Select the most suitable fencing system for different applications
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Improve the appearance, security and functionality of a property
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Complete fencing projects more efficiently and safely
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Reduce maintenance costs through appropriate material selection
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Support landscaping and property improvement projects
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Expand the range of services you can offer clients
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Build confidence before undertaking larger fencing projects
COURSE CONTENT
There are six lessons in this course.
Lesson 1: The Scope and Nature of Fencing
- Introduction
- Uses for Fencing
- Defining Boundaries
- Safety
- Security
- Environmental Management
- Animal Control Infrastructure
- Privacy
- Aesthetics
- Determining Fencing Requirements
- Site Assessment
- Farm Fencing
- Fencing Posts, Materials, Costs and Function
- Materials
- Legal Concerns
- Lesson Review
Lesson 2: Planning Fencing
- Introduction
- Preparing a Plan
- Calculating Required Materials
- Preparing for Construction
- Identifying Possible Impacts
- Organising Materials, Tools and Labour
- Establishing a Safe Working Environment
- Lesson Review
Lesson 3: Conventional Urban Fencing Installation
- Introduction
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Mark Out the Fenceline
- Constructing the Fence – Step by Step
- Timber Posts and Panels
- Metal Fencing
- PVC and Composite Materials
- Positioning Gates
- Finalising Installation
- Lesson Review
Lesson 4: Farm Fencing Installation, Maintenance & Repair
- Introduction
- Verifying Task Requirements
- Preparing and Using Tools and Equipment
- Preparing Fencing Materials, Tools and Equipment
- Installing a Farm Fence
- Angle Stay
- Box Assembly
- Calculating Post Intervals
- Typical Farm Fence Heights
- Maintaining and Repairing Farm Fencing
- Completing the Work
- Lesson Review
Lesson 5: Electric Fencing
- Introduction
- Common Types of Electric Fences
- Power Sources and Conducting Materials
- Essential Elements
- The Key Factors of Effective Electric Fencing
- Summary Points
- Basic Electric Fencing Installation
- Erect, Tension and Energise Fencing According to Detailed Work Plans
- How to Use the Crank Method
- Test and Install Signage
- After Installing and Testing a Basic Electric Fence
- How to Install a Temporary Electric Fence – Quick Guide
- Lesson Review
Lesson 6: An Introduction to Virtual Fencing
- Introduction
- Farm Applications
- General Uses
- Virtual Pet Fences
- Roadside Virtual Fences for Wildlife
- Conclusion
- Lesson Review
Final Course Assessment: Online Exam
LESSON AIMS
- Describe different types of fencing, fencing materials, and fencing functions.
- Explain the most important aspects of planning a fence.
- Determine the key steps involved in construction of different types of urban fences.
- Determine the key steps involved in construction of different types of farm fences.
- Describe the nature and scope of electric fences.
- Explain virtual fencing, its functions, and applications.
Who Is This Course Suitable For?
| Homeowner |
Property Maintenance Professional |
Handyperson |
Landscape Contractor |
| Develop practical skills to build, repair and maintain fencing around your property. |
Expand your maintenance services with professional fencing knowledge. |
Add fencing installation and repairs to your range of practical services. |
Incorporate fencing into landscape construction and outdoor projects. |
| Farmer |
Hobby Farmer |
Farm Worker |
Rural Property Owner |
| Learn to select, construct and maintain fencing for livestock and rural properties. |
Improve acreage management with practical fencing skills. |
Develop skills for installing and maintaining farm fencing systems. |
Build safe, durable fencing for property boundaries, paddocks and stock. |
| Grounds Maintenance Officer |
Council Worker |
Construction Worker |
Trades Assistant |
| Maintain fencing in parks, reserves, sporting facilities and public spaces. |
Support fencing projects on council and community infrastructure. |
Gain practical fencing knowledge to complement construction skills. |
Build practical experience supporting fencing and landscaping projects. |
| Garden Designer |
Horticulturist |
Small Business Owner |
Career Changer |
| Design outdoor spaces that integrate practical and decorative fencing. |
Improve landscape projects with knowledge of fencing systems and materials. |
Expand your services or establish a fencing and property improvement business. |
Develop practical trade skills for employment or self-employment opportunities. |
Industry Needs People with Fencing Skills!
This course was developed following extensive research into vocational training needs within the fencing, landscaping and rural industries. During a comprehensive review of Australian vocational education and training, ACS Distance Education identified fencing as an important practical skill area that was often underrepresented in available training despite recognised industry demand.
To ensure the course addressed real workplace needs, we reviewed recognised vocational curriculum frameworks and competency requirements from both Australia and the United Kingdom. This research helped identify the core knowledge and practical skills expected of people working with residential, rural and commercial fencing.
Feedback from industry representatives helped us refine the content to ensure it reflected current practices, emerging trends and the skills most valued by employers and clients.
The final course has been developed by a multidisciplinary team of educators and industry specialists with expertise spanning agriculture, landscaping, construction and property management, resulting in a practical, relevant and industry-informed learning experience.
Ready to Build Your Fencing Skills?
Whether you're improving your own property, expanding your trade skills or preparing for a new career opportunity, this course provides practical fencing knowledge you can apply with confidence.
Study online at your own pace with expert-developed learning materials and enjoy the flexibility to fit your studies around work and family commitments.
Start building practical fencing skills today and receive your personalised Certificate of Completion when you successfully finish the course.