Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute

Learnerships are learning programmes that lead to an occupational qualification. This includes classroom-based learning at the Institute and on the job training at our research farms.

Learnerships are based on legally binding agreements between an employer, a learner and training provider. This agreement is intended to spell out the tasks and duties of the employer, the learner and the training provider. It is designed to ensure the quality of the training and to protect the interests of each party. To participate in a learnership, an employer must be willing to provide the required work experience.

Who Can Apply for a Learnership?

• Anyone can apply for a learnership. It is open to both employed and unemployed people and to young people leaving schools and colleges. There are no age restrictions for learnerships.

How Much Will It Cost?

• There are no costs for participating in a learnership. Everyone selected for a learnership programme will be fully funded by the Department of Agriculture; the only cost may be travel expenses to and from Elsenburg. 

How Long Does it Take?

• The duration of a learnership may differ but will normally not be less than one year.  

What Will I Get at the End of the Learnership?

• If the learnership is completed successfully, you will have a qualification that is recognised throughout the country. You will be given a certificate as proof of your qualification after completing the learnership.

Will I Get a Job after Completing the Learnership?

• If you are unemployed when the learnership begins, there is no guarantee of a job at the end. The employer who provides you with training does not have to offer you a job. But with a qualification and work experience you will be in a better position to get a job than before. You might also want to think about getting more qualifications or starting up a business on your own.

National Certificate: Plant Production (NQF 1)

• Accredited by the AgriSETA, SAQA ID 48972, will be presented over a period of 12 months.
• The generic Plant Production qualification is presented in three agricultural disciplines; namely Vegetable Production, Viticulture and Pomology. Each programme is identical with regard to the registered unit standards, however teaching within the programmes focus on the relevant enterprise respectively.

NQF 1 Entrance Requirements:

• Learners in possession of different levels of practical experience in farming operations, with basic numeracy / literacy and communication competencies equivalent to NQF level 1 (Grade 9/ Std 7/ ABET 3)
• School leavers (Grade12/ Matric); and
• Youth, women and unemployed from previously disadvantaged communities involved in agricultural projects.
• Learners from both genders

National Certificate: Plant Production (NQF 4)

• Accredited by the AgriSETA, SAQA ID 49009, will be presented over a period of 12 months.
• The generic Plant Production qualification is presented in three agricultural disciplines; namely Vegetable Production, Viticulture and Pomology. Each programme is identical with regard to the registered unit standards, however teaching within the programmes focus on the relevant enterprise respectively.

NQF 4 Entrance Requirements:

• Learners in possession of different levels of practical experience in farming operations, with basic numeracy / literacy and communication competencies equivalent to NQF level 2 (Grade 10/ Std 8)
• School leavers (Grade12/ Matric) from agricultural schools; and
• Youth, women and unemployed from previously disadvantaged communities involved in agricultural projects.
• Learners from both genders

National Certificate: Animal Production (NQF Level 1)

• Accredited by the AgriSETA, SAQA ID, 48970 will be presented over a period of 12 months.

NQF 1 (Animal Production) Entrance Requirements:

• Learners in possession of different levels of practical experience in farming operations, with basic numeracy / literacy and communication   competencies equivalent to NQF level 1 (Grade 9/ Std 7/ ABET 3)
• School leavers (Grade12/ Matric); and
• Youth, women and unemployed from previously disadvantaged communities involved in agricultural projects.
• Learners from both genders

National Certificate in Farming (Junior Farm Management) (NQF Level 4)

• —  Accredited by the AgriSETA, SAQA ID 20290, will be presented over a period of 12 months.

NQF 4 (Junior Farm Manager) Entrance requirements:

• Farm operators / Farm Foreman who wish to obtain a formal skills qualification on the level of Junior Farm Manager / Farm Supervisor;
• Learners in possession of different levels of practical experience in farming operations, assessed through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL),    if   applicable; with basic numeracy / literacy and communication competencies equivalent to NQF level 2 (Grade 10).
• School leavers (Grade12) from agricultural schools; and
• Youth, women and unemployed from previously disadvantaged communities
• Learners from both genders.

Documents required:

• Certified copy of ID document
• Certified copy of statement of results
• Updated CV

Download the application form (pdf).