AFGRI Farmer Development has opened applications for its 2026 Work Integrated Learning Programme for students pursuing agricultural qualifications. The opportunity is available at the company’s Vastfontein Farm in Pretoria North.
The programme is designed for students studying towards a National Diploma in Agriculture (Crop Production) or National Diploma in Agriculture (Irrigation Systems) who require practical workplace training to complete their qualification.
Successful applicants will be appointed on a 12-month fixed-term internship contract, where they will gain practical industry experience while supporting the organisation’s agricultural operations.
The ideal candidate is a South African student under the age of 35 who requires compulsory Work Integrated Learning (WIL) as part of their qualification and is eager to develop practical skills in the agricultural sector.
The salary or stipend has not been disclosed. Applications close on 21 July 2026.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
What is the Work Integrated Learning Programme opportunity?
The AFGRI Farmer Development Work Integrated Learning Programme provides students with structured workplace experience that complements their academic studies. It is intended to help learners apply classroom knowledge in a practical farming environment before completing their qualification.
Based within AFGRI Farmer Development’s operations at Vastfontein Farm, the programme exposes participants to daily agricultural activities while allowing them to contribute to real business projects.
The overall objective is to prepare future agricultural professionals by giving them meaningful industry exposure, practical technical skills, and experience working alongside experienced professionals.
Why could this opportunity be valuable?
This programme allows participants to strengthen both technical and workplace skills through practical agricultural experience. Students will gain exposure to crop production or irrigation systems while learning how agricultural operations function in a professional environment.
Participants will also develop teamwork, communication, problem-solving, project support, and workplace professionalism. These are valuable skills that can support future employment across commercial farming, agribusiness, irrigation management, agricultural consulting, and related industries.
Employers often value candidates who have completed Work Integrated Learning because they are familiar with workplace expectations and have already gained hands-on experience before entering the job market.
What will successful candidates do?
Successful candidates will work within a professional agricultural environment where they will gain practical experience linked to their field of study. The programme combines workplace learning with project participation to help students build industry knowledge.
Participants will support operational activities, collaborate with different teams, and complete tasks that contribute to the organisation’s objectives while developing their professional skills.
Responsibilities include:
Participate in a Work Integrated Learning project under the guidance of a line manager.
Gain practical workplace experience relevant to their qualification and career goals.
Assist with additional duties that support business objectives.
Work with teams on projects and day-to-day operational activities.
Who should apply?
This opportunity is suitable for students who are completing a National Diploma in Agriculture (Crop Production) or National Diploma in Agriculture (Irrigation Systems) and require compulsory Work Integrated Learning to graduate.
Applicants should have little or no full-time experience in their field, demonstrate a willingness to learn, and be ready to work within a professional agricultural environment. Strong academic performance will be advantageous.
No licences or professional certifications were mentioned in the advertisement.
Requirements:
Applicants must meet the following requirements before applying:
Must be a South African citizen under the age of 35.
Must be registered or planning to register for the final year of a National Diploma in Agriculture (Crop Production) or National Diploma in Agriculture (Irrigation Systems) at a recognised South African higher education institution in 2026.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) must be a compulsory requirement for completing the qualification.
Must attach an academic record.
Must attach an official letter from the educational institution confirming that WIL is compulsory.
Must not have worked full-time in their field of study for more than one year.
Should be based in the city of hire.
Good academic results will be an advantage.
Salary or Stipend
The job advertisement does not disclose the salary or remuneration package.
No additional employee benefits were listed in the advert.
Important Working Conditions
Successful candidates will be employed on a 12-month fixed-term internship contract at AFGRI Farmer Development’s Vastfontein Farm in Pretoria North.
No additional working conditions were specified in the advertisement.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application before 21 July 2026.
Applicants should ensure all information is complete and accurate before submission. The advertisement requires applicants to include an academic record and an official letter from their educational institution confirming that Work Integrated Learning is a compulsory requirement for completing their qualification.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Final Thoughts
This opportunity is ideal for National Diploma Agriculture students who need compulsory workplace experience to complete their studies and begin building a professional career in agriculture.
The programme offers valuable practical exposure that can strengthen future employment opportunities across the agricultural sector while allowing participants to develop essential workplace skills.
Applications close on 21 July 2026, so eligible candidates should prepare their documents and submit their applications on time.
Applicants who meet the requirements should submit their application before the closing date.