AFGRI Farmer Development (AFD) has opened applications for its 2026/2027 Learnership Programme, offering 14 opportunities to unemployed South Africans who have completed Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.
The programme focuses on Farming with Crops and Animals and will be based at Vastfontein Training Farm in Pretoria North, Gauteng.
Successful learners will participate in both on-the-job and off-the-job training, giving them an opportunity to develop practical agricultural skills while gaining workplace experience.
The learnership runs for 12 months under a fixed-term contract.
Applications close on 28 October 2026.
AFGRI Farmer Development Learnership 2026/2027 – Quick Overview
| Programme Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | AFGRI Farmer Development (AFD) |
| Programme | Farming with Crops and Animals Learnership |
| Reference Number | AO-2494 |
| Number of Positions | 14 |
| Location | Vastfontein Farm, Pretoria North, Gauteng |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Contract | Fixed-term learnership |
| Minimum Qualification | Grade 12 / Matric or equivalent |
| Citizenship | South African |
| Employment Status | Must be unemployed |
| Industry | Agriculture and Farming |
| Previous Farming Experience | Not specified as compulsory |
| Preference | Historically disadvantaged individuals, women and persons with disabilities |
| Remuneration | Market-related; exact amount not disclosed |
| Closing Date | 28 October 2026 |
| Application Method | Online |
The official AFGRI recruitment listing confirms the 12-month programme, 14 opportunities, Vastfontein location and reference AO-2494.
What Is the AFGRI Farmer Development Learnership?
The AFGRI Farmer Development Learnership Programme is designed to provide practical and theoretical training to people who want to develop skills in agriculture.
The programme focuses on:
- Crop farming
- Animal farming
- Practical agricultural activities
- Workplace learning
- Team-based projects
- Agricultural workplace experience
Learners will be placed at the Vastfontein Training Farm in Pretoria North for the duration of the programme.
AFGRI states that learners will receive both on-the-job and off-the-job training and will perform duties and responsibilities aligned with the programme.
How Many AFGRI Learnership Positions Are Available?
There are:
14 Learnership Positions
The vacancy is listed as:
Learnership (x14) – Vastfontein Farm
The reference number is:
AO-2494
The opportunity was advertised on 20 October 2026, with applications closing on 28 October 2026.
Where Is the AFGRI Learnership Located?
The learnership is based at:
Vastfontein Training Farm
Pretoria North, Gauteng
Successful candidates will be placed at the training farm for the duration of the 12-month programme.
Applicants should therefore consider the practical requirements of travelling to or living near the training location.
The available advertisement does not confirm accommodation, transport or relocation assistance.
What Will AFGRI Learners Study?
The programme is focused on:
Farming With Crops and Animals
Learners will receive training connected to both crop and animal production.
The official vacancy does not provide a detailed module-by-module curriculum, so applicants should not assume that every agricultural skill they may find online is formally included.
However, the workplace exposure can introduce learners to the practical realities of working on a farm.
Crop Farming
Depending on the farm’s operational requirements, learners may gain exposure to activities associated with crop production.
These could include areas such as:
- Crop establishment
- Farm preparation
- Plant care
- Agricultural production activities
- Harvesting
- Produce handling
- Farm safety
These are examples of agricultural activities and should not be treated as a confirmed AFGRI module list.
Animal Production
The programme also covers farming with animals.
Learners may gain practical exposure to farm activities associated with animal production and general livestock operations, depending on the training environment.
Workplace Projects
AFGRI states that learners will perform various duties and responsibilities aligned with the programme and work with teams on projects.
This can help participants develop transferable workplace skills such as:
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Following instructions
- Time management
- Responsibility
- Problem-solving
- Workplace discipline
The exact duties will depend on the training and operational requirements at the farm.
AFGRI Learnership Requirements
Applicants must meet the basic requirements before applying.
According to the current vacancy, candidates must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Have completed Grade 12 / Matric or an equivalent qualification.
- Be unemployed.
- Meet the employer’s selection requirements.
- Be willing to participate in the 12-month learnership.
AFGRI also encourages applications from historically disadvantaged individuals and states that preference will be given to women and persons with disabilities.
Can I Apply With Matric Only?
Yes.
A Grade 12 or equivalent qualification is the advertised minimum educational requirement.
Applicants do not need to have a university degree or diploma to meet the basic education requirement for this particular learnership.
The opportunity may therefore be relevant to unemployed Matric graduates who want to enter the agricultural sector through workplace-based training.
Is Previous Farming Experience Required?
Previous farming experience is not specified as a compulsory requirement in the current vacancy.
This makes the opportunity potentially suitable for unemployed Matric applicants who have an interest in agriculture but have not previously worked on a commercial farm.
Applicants should still remember that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
Is There an Age Limit?
The current vacancy does not specify a numerical age limit.
Applicants should therefore not assume that this particular programme is restricted to a specific age range such as 18–35.
The applicable recruitment and selection conditions should be confirmed through AFGRI’s recruitment system.
Must I Be Unemployed?
Yes.
The current opportunity is advertised for unemployed South African applicants.
Applicants should ensure that their employment status meets the requirement when applying.
Preference for Women and Persons With Disabilities
AFGRI states that preference will be given to:
- Women
- Persons with disabilities
The company also encourages applications from historically disadvantaged individuals.
These preferences do not mean that applicants can ignore the basic requirements. Candidates must still meet the eligibility criteria and go through AFGRI’s selection process.
AFGRI Learnership Duration
The programme runs for:
12 Months
Learners will enter into a contract with AFGRI Farmer Development and remain at the training farm for the duration of the learnership.
The programme combines:
- On-the-job training
- Off-the-job training
- Practical farm experience
- Workplace responsibilities
- Team-based activities
The aim is to provide learners with broader exposure to farming operations.
Is the AFGRI Learnership Paid?
The current recruitment listing describes the remuneration as:
Market related
However, AFGRI does not disclose an exact monthly stipend or salary amount in the available vacancy information.
Applicants should therefore avoid relying on figures published for other agricultural learnerships.
Do not assume that the programme pays a specific amount unless AFGRI confirms it directly.
Is Permanent Employment Guaranteed?
No.
The opportunity is advertised as a 12-month fixed-term learnership.
Completing the programme does not automatically guarantee permanent employment with AFGRI.
Learners should therefore view the opportunity primarily as a way to gain agricultural training, workplace experience and practical skills.
What Skills Can Learners Develop?
A farming workplace can provide exposure to a range of practical and professional skills.
These may include:
Agricultural Skills
- Crop production
- Animal production
- Farm operations
- Agricultural safety
- Basic production processes
Workplace Skills
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Time management
- Following instructions
- Accountability
- Problem-solving
- Professional conduct
The exact skills developed will depend on the duties assigned during the programme.
Potential Career Paths After the Learnership
Agricultural workplace experience can support future career development in areas such as:
- Crop Production
- Animal Production
- Farm Operations
- Farm Supervision
- Agricultural Machinery
- Irrigation
- Agricultural Technical Services
- Agricultural Entrepreneurship
- Farm Management
Some of these occupations require additional qualifications, specialised training or practical experience.
The AFGRI learnership itself should not be presented as a guarantee of qualification or employment in any particular occupation.
Can Applicants From Other Provinces Apply?
The current advertisement identifies the training location as Vastfontein Farm, Pretoria North, Gauteng, but does not state a specific provincial residency restriction in the published requirements.
Applicants from other provinces should therefore check whether they can realistically participate in the programme at the Pretoria North training farm.
The available vacancy does not confirm accommodation or relocation assistance.
What Documents Should You Prepare?
Applicants should prepare their important information before beginning the online application.
Useful documents may include:
- Updated CV
- South African ID
- Grade 12 certificate or equivalent qualification
- Academic information
- Relevant supporting documents requested by the recruitment system
Applicants should follow the exact document requirements displayed on the official application portal.
Do not upload unnecessary documents unless requested.
How to Apply for the AFGRI Farmer Development Learnership 2026/2027
Applications are submitted online through AFGRI’s recruitment platform.
Step 1: Check the Requirements
Confirm that you:
- Are a South African citizen.
- Are unemployed.
- Have Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.
- Can attend the programme in Pretoria North.
- Meet the other recruitment requirements.
Step 2: Prepare Your CV
Your CV should clearly show:
- Full name
- Contact details
- Grade 12 qualification
- Relevant skills
- Any genuine agricultural exposure
- Volunteer or community experience
- References, where appropriate
Do not invent farming experience.
Step 3: Find the Vacancy
Search for:
Learnership (x14) – Vastfontein Farm
Reference:
AO-2494
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Enter your personal, educational and contact information accurately.
Upload the documents requested by AFGRI.
Step 5: Review Your Details
Before submitting, check:
- Your name
- ID details
- Phone number
- Email address
- Education information
- Uploaded documents
- Reference number
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
Applications close on:
28 October 2026
Do not wait until the final day to submit your application.
Official AFGRI recruitment vacancy: AFGRI Farmer Development Learnership – AO-2494
Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, make sure you have:
- Grade 12 or equivalent qualification
- South African citizenship
- Unemployed status
- Updated CV
- ID information
- Relevant academic information
- Correct reference number: AO-2494
- Confirmed training location
- Checked your contact details
- Completed all required application fields
- Submitted before 28 October 2026
Important Advice for Applicants
Do Not Pay Anyone for the Application
AFGRI applications should be made through the official recruitment process.
Do not pay someone who claims they can guarantee you a learnership position.
Do Not Invent Farming Experience
Previous farming experience is not listed as a compulsory requirement.
If you have never worked on a farm, simply be honest.
Instead, highlight genuine qualities such as:
- Willingness to learn
- Teamwork
- Reliability
- Communication
- Following instructions
- Physical-work readiness
- Problem-solving
- Interest in agriculture
Consider the Training Location
This is a practical farm-based programme.
Before applying, consider whether you can attend the programme in Pretoria North for the full 12 months.
The vacancy does not confirm accommodation or transport assistance.
Do Not Assume the Remuneration
The listing says remuneration is market related, but no exact amount is published.
Wait for official information from AFGRI rather than relying on social media figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many AFGRI learnership positions are available?
There are 14 positions available.
What qualification do I need?
You need Grade 12 / Matric or an equivalent qualification.
Do I need a university degree?
No. A degree or diploma is not listed as the minimum requirement.
Do I need previous farming experience?
No previous farming experience is specified as compulsory.
Must I be unemployed?
Yes. The programme is aimed at unemployed South African applicants.
Where is the learnership based?
The programme is based at Vastfontein Training Farm in Pretoria North, Gauteng.
How long is the programme?
The learnership runs for 12 months.
What will I learn?
The programme focuses on Farming with Crops and Animals, with both on-the-job and off-the-job training.
Is there a stipend?
Remuneration is described as market related, but the exact amount has not been disclosed.
Is there an age limit?
No specific numerical age limit is stated in the current vacancy.
Can women apply?
Yes. AFGRI states that preference will be given to women.
Can persons with disabilities apply?
Yes. Preference will be given to persons with disabilities.
Is accommodation provided?
The current vacancy does not confirm accommodation or relocation assistance.
Will I get a permanent job after the learnership?
Permanent employment is not guaranteed.
What is the reference number?
The reference number is AO-2494.
When does the application close?
Applications close on 28 October 2026.
AFGRI Farmer Development Learnership 2026/2027 Summary
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | AFGRI Farmer Development |
| Programme | Farming with Crops and Animals Learnership |
| Reference | AO-2494 |
| Positions | 14 |
| Location | Vastfontein Farm, Pretoria North, Gauteng |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Minimum Education | Grade 12 / Matric or equivalent |
| Citizenship | South African |
| Employment Status | Unemployed |
| Previous Experience | Not specified as compulsory |
| Preference | Women and persons with disabilities |
| Training | On-the-job and off-the-job |
| Contract | Fixed-term |
| Remuneration | Market related; amount not disclosed |
| Closing Date | 28 October 2026 |
| Application | Online |
Conclusion
The AFGRI Farmer Development Learnership Programme 2026/2027 offers 14 unemployed South Africans an opportunity to gain practical agricultural experience while participating in a structured 12-month Farming with Crops and Animals programme.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to Grade 12 applicants who want to explore farming and agriculture without needing a university degree or previous formal farming experience.
Learners will receive both practical and theoretical training at Vastfontein Training Farm in Pretoria North, while working under a fixed-term learnership contract.
AFGRI describes the remuneration as market related, but the exact amount has not been disclosed. The programme also does not guarantee permanent employment after completion.
If you meet the requirements, prepare your CV and supporting information, check reference AO-2494, and submit your application through the official AFGRI recruitment platform before 28 October 2026.
