Explore 2025 open agricultural learnerships & internships in South Africa. Apply for DALRRD, AgriSETA & ARC programs to start your farming career today.

Open Agricultural Learnerships and Internships in South Africa 2025

Agriculture remains one of the fastest-growing sectors in South Africa, creating opportunities for young people who are passionate about farming, food production, and agribusiness. With the country’s focus on food security and sustainable farming, agricultural learnerships and internships have become a vital stepping stone for students, graduates, and job seekers looking to start careers in the industry.

In this article, we explore the available agricultural learnerships and internships for 2025, their benefits, entry requirements, and how you can apply.

Why Choose Agriculture as a Career?

South Africa’s agricultural sector is the backbone of the economy, contributing to food production, exports, and employment. By joining a learnership or internship, you not only gain practical farming skills but also become part of an industry that directly impacts the nation’s growth.

Here are a few reasons why more young people are choosing agricultural careers:

Job security: Food will always be in demand.
Wide career options: From crop production and livestock farming to agri-technology and agribusiness.
Practical learning: Hands-on training in real farming environments.
Opportunities for entrepreneurship: Many graduates later start their own farms or agribusinesses.

What Are Agricultural Learnerships?

Learnerships are structured programs that combine theory and practical training, usually lasting 12 to 24 months. They are funded by SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities) and approved employers.

Key Benefits of Learnerships:

You earn while you learn (monthly stipend provided).
Nationally recognized qualifications upon completion.
Hands-on experience in farming or agribusiness.

Popular agricultural learnerships include:

Plant Production Learnership
Animal Production Learnership
Mixed Farming Learnership
Poultry Production Learnership
Horticulture and Landscaping Learnership

What Are Agricultural Internships?

Internships are short-term work experiences, usually 6 to 12 months, offered by companies, government departments, or research institutions. They are designed for students or recent graduates to gain workplace exposure.

Key Benefits of Internships:

Develop practical skills for the workplace.
Build your CV with real-world experience.
Network with industry professionals.
Improve chances of permanent employment.

Open Agricultural Learnerships and Internships 2025

Here are some organizations and institutions currently offering open opportunities in agriculture for the 2025 intake:

1. Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD)

The DALRRD offers annual learnerships and internships for young people interested in plant sciences, animal husbandry, and rural development projects.

Opportunities include:

Plant and Animal Production Learnerships
Research Internships
Agricultural Extension Services Internships

👉 Apply here:

2. Agricultural Research Council (ARC)

The ARC runs internships and training programs for graduates in crop sciences, veterinary research, biotechnology, and horticulture.

Highlights:

Access to modern research laboratories.
Hands-on exposure to agricultural innovations.
Stipends for interns.

👉 Apply here: Agricultural Research Council Careers Page (check “Careers” section for open internships and learnerships).

3. AgriSETA Funded Learnerships

AgriSETA partners with employers across South Africa to fund various agricultural learnerships. These programs are aimed at empowering unemployed youth and farmworkers.

Available programs in 2025:

Plant Production (NQF Level 2–4)
Animal Production (NQF Level 2–4)
Mixed Farming Systems
Horticulture

👉 Apply here:

4. Private Agribusiness Companies

Large companies in the food and farming industry, such as Clover, Senwes, Pioneer Foods, and Astral Foods, offer internships and learnerships in:

Dairy production
Poultry and livestock farming
Crop and seed research
Agricultural finance and business management

👉 Apply here: Visit each company’s career portal:

5. Universities and Agricultural Colleges

Institutions like the University of Pretoria, Stellenbosch University, Cedara College of Agriculture, and Fort Cox College often place students in internships as part of their diploma and degree programs. These are excellent opportunities for hands-on training.

👉 Apply here: Check the official websites of these institutions for internship postings.

Requirements for Agricultural Learnerships and Internships

Although requirements may differ by program, applicants generally need:

For learnerships: Grade 12 with agricultural sciences, life sciences, or related subjects.
For internships: Diploma or degree in agriculture, crop production, animal science, or agribusiness.
South African citizenship.
A passion for farming and rural development.

How to Apply

Check official websites – Visit the DALRRD, ARC, AgriSETA, or company websites for open calls.
Prepare your CV – Highlight your academic background and any volunteer farming experience.
Submit online or via email – Most applications are now processed digitally.
Follow deadlines – Applications for 2025 intakes usually close between October 2024 and March 2025.

Tips to Stand Out When Applying

Write a strong motivation letter showing your passion for agriculture.
Get recommendation letters from teachers, lecturers, or community leaders.
Apply early before deadlines.
If you live in rural areas, emphasize your knowledge of farming practices.

Career Paths After Completion

After finishing a learnership or internship, you can explore career paths such as:

Farm Manager
Animal Technician
Crop Production Specialist
Agricultural Entrepreneur
Horticulturist
Research Assistant

Many participants also start their own small-scale farms, contributing to food production and local economies.

Final Thoughts

Agriculture is more than just farming—it is a gateway to food security, job creation, and innovation. With open agricultural learnerships and internships in 2025, young South Africans have the chance to gain skills, earn qualifications, and build meaningful careers.

If you are passionate about farming and the future of food, do not miss these opportunities. Check the official portals above, prepare your applications, and take the first step toward a rewarding agricultural career.

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Open Agricultural Learnerships & Internships 2025 South Africa