Agricultural Skills Development Programmes

Cultivating the skills of young farmers

Our agricultural programmes empower young farmers to thrive in modern agriculture. Course content is delivered through a combination of structured training, mentorship and hands-on experience, with a focus on resource-efficient agricultural practices, pest management and plant life cycles. This practical foundation instils confidence and prepares participants for employment, entrepreneurship or sustainable livelihoods in the sector.

Building pathways into agriculture

We offer two programmes to support participants at different stages of their agricultural journey. The two-month Farming Essentials Programme is designed for school leavers and community members, while the 12-month Professional Farming Programme is for tertiary graduates.

Professional Farming Programme

This 12-month internship bridges the gap between tertiary education and the practical demands of climate-smart production systems. Interns complete eight modules of a university-accredited course, delivered through a blend of online learning and practical training in Cape Town or Durban. Graduates complete the programme as confident, work-ready professionals, equipped to enter the formal agriculture or horticulture sectors or pursue their own farming enterprises.

 

What are the benefits?
  •  Practical training in hybrid-hydroponics incubators
  • Online coursework with NQF Level 5 credits
  • A certificate of completion from UniVen
  • A monthly stipend
  • Exposure to cutting-edge agri-tech
  • Networking and career development opportunities
Farming Essentials Programme

A two-month internship for school leavers and community members involved in subsistence agriculture. Participants receive on-site training and mentorship, gaining foundational skills in horticulture and small-scale food production. Interns complete the programme with the practical knowledge and confidence to strengthen food security in their communities, support institutions such as schools and early childhood development centres, and contribute to local food networks and markets.


What will I gain?
  • Practical training in hydroponics and the African Grower system
  • Planting, fertilizer and vermiculture application
  • Pest and disease treatment
  • Harvesting and record keeping 
  • A Certificate of Completion
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FAQs

Tertiary candidates should be unemployed South African citizens, aged 18 to 33, final year students or recent graduates in agriculture, horticulture, or related fields seeking specialized knowledge and skills in hydroponics. Candidates are expected to commit full-time to the programme for its entire duration and should be comfortable with hands-on, outdoor work.

Candidates are invited to apply through our engagements with institutional entities.  After our initial screening, evaluation and conduct assessment, successful candidates are contracted into the programme.

No, however preference is given to candidates who live in or near our agricultural incubators in Cape Town and Duban.

Training is held onsite in Cape Town and Durban. The Professional Farming Programme is a blend of online learning and onsite practical experience.

Community interns should be unemployed South African citizens, aged 18 to 33, who are currently working in local community development projects or are interested in contributing to local food security and community development through sustainable farming practices. Candidates are expected to commit full-time to the programme for its entire duration.

As far as possible, we source suitable applicants from our community partners to ensure we are engaging with and uplifting the target community. 

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