South Africans looking for practical training and workplace experience in agriculture have an opportunity to consider through the AFGRI Farmer Development Learnership Programme for 2026/2027. AFGRI Farmer Development (AFD) is inviting applications for 14 learnership positions focused on farming with crops and animals at Vastfontein Farm in Pretoria North, Gauteng.
According to the official recruitment advertisement, the programme is intended for unemployed South African citizens who have completed Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification. Successful applicants will enter into a fixed-term contract and participate in on-the-job and off-the-job training over a 12-month period.
Applications close on 28 October 2026, so interested candidates should review the requirements and submit their applications as soon as possible.
This opportunity may interest school leavers and unemployed matriculants who want to develop practical agricultural skills without first obtaining a university degree.
AFGRI Farmer Development Learnership 2026/2027: Quick Overview
- Company: AFGRI Farmer Development
- Programme: Farming with Crops and Animals Learnership
- Reference number: AO-2494
- Number of positions: 14
- Location: Vastfontein Farm, Pretoria North, Gauteng
- Duration: 12 months
- Minimum qualification: Grade 12 or equivalent
- Citizenship: South African citizens
- Employment status: Must be unemployed
- Contract type: Fixed-term
- Remuneration: Market-related; exact amount not specified
- Closing date: 28 October 2026
- Application method: Online through the AFGRI recruitment portal
These details are based on the employer’s published vacancy advertisement.
What Is the AFGRI Farmer Development Learnership?
The AFGRI Farmer Development Learnership is a training opportunity focused on farming with crops and animals. The programme combines workplace responsibilities with structured learning to help successful candidates gain exposure to agricultural operations.
Learners will be placed at Vastfontein Training Farm in Pretoria North for the duration of the programme. AFGRI states that participants will perform farm-related duties, receive on-the-job and off-the-job training, work with a cross-functional team and contribute to project activities.
Agriculture can offer different career pathways, including crop production, livestock farming, farm operations and agricultural support services. Practical training may help learners understand the responsibilities involved in these areas and develop experience for future job applications.
However, applicants should not assume that completing the learnership automatically leads to permanent employment. The advertised opportunity is a fixed-term training programme, and no permanent job guarantee is stated.
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Who Can Apply for the AFGRI Learnership?
The official advertisement identifies three minimum eligibility conditions:
- Applicants must be South African citizens.
- Applicants must have Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.
- Applicants must be unemployed.
Candidates should ensure that their circumstances meet these requirements before applying. Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee selection, as applicants must still complete the employer’s recruitment process.
Can You Apply With Matric Only?
Yes. Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification is the stated minimum educational requirement.
The vacancy does not list a university degree or diploma as a minimum requirement. This makes the opportunity worth considering for eligible matriculants who are interested in agricultural training.
Applicants should nevertheless read the complete official advertisement and follow any additional instructions provided through the recruitment system.
Is Previous Farming Experience Required?
Previous farming employment is not listed as a compulsory minimum requirement in the official advertisement.
Applicants should assess their eligibility against the published requirements rather than assume that they must already have worked on a commercial farm.
If you have relevant practical exposure, community experience or agricultural skills, you can include accurate details in your CV. Do not claim experience or qualifications you do not have.
Can Women and Persons With Disabilities Apply?
Yes. AFGRI states that preference will be given to women and persons with disabilities. The company also encourages applications from historically disadvantaged individuals.
Applicants must still meet the minimum eligibility requirements and follow the normal recruitment process.
Where Is the Learnership Based?
Successful candidates will be placed at Vastfontein Farm in Pretoria North, Gauteng Province.
Because this is a farm-based training programme, applicants should consider whether they can attend the training location for the duration of the contract.
People living outside Pretoria North should calculate possible transport, accommodation and relocation expenses before accepting an offer. The vacancy does not confirm that AFGRI will provide accommodation or transport assistance, so applicants should ask the employer directly.
What Will Successful Learners Do?
The programme focuses on farming with crops and animals. The employer confirms that learners will undertake duties aligned with the programme and participate in practical and off-the-job training.
The exact training modules and daily duties have not been itemised in the vacancy notice. Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that particular certificates, specialist skills or agricultural qualifications are guaranteed.
The programme also involves working with a cross-functional team and contributing to project activities. These responsibilities may provide exposure to workplace communication, teamwork and the organisation of agricultural tasks.
Is the AFGRI Learnership Paid?
AFGRI describes the remuneration as market-related, but the official advertisement does not disclose an exact monthly stipend or salary amount.
Applicants should not rely on payment figures published for unrelated learnerships. Confirm the remuneration, payment arrangements and contract conditions directly with AFGRI before accepting an offer.
When assessing the opportunity, also consider the practical cost of attending the training site. Transport, food and accommodation expenses can affect the financial value of a training opportunity, particularly for unemployed applicants.
Financial Planning Before Starting a Learnership
A learnership can be an important step towards gaining work experience, but it is sensible to understand the financial commitments before accepting a placement.
Consider making a basic monthly budget covering transport, food, accommodation, communication costs and other essential expenses. If you need to travel to Pretoria North or relocate, estimate those costs in advance.
Do not make financial commitments based on an assumed stipend. First confirm the actual remuneration and payment schedule with the employer.
If you already have debt or other monthly obligations, review your budget to understand whether the available income will cover your essential expenses. Avoid taking out a loan solely on the assumption that a future job or permanent position is guaranteed.
These considerations are general financial guidance, not additional AFGRI employment conditions. The purpose is to help applicants make informed decisions about training opportunities.
How to Apply for the AFGRI Farmer Development Learnership 2026/2027
Applications are submitted online through AFGRI’s recruitment portal.
Step 1: Open the official vacancy.
Visit the employer’s recruitment advertisement here:
Step 2: Find the correct position.
Look for “Learnership (x14) (Vastfontein farm)” and confirm reference number AO-2494.
Step 3: Check your eligibility.
Ensure that you are an unemployed South African citizen with Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.
Step 4: Prepare your information.
Have your CV, qualification details and contact information ready. Upload only the documents requested by the official application system.
Step 5: Complete the application.
Enter your details accurately, review your information and follow the instructions on the recruitment portal.
Step 6: Submit before the deadline.
The closing date is 28 October 2026. Apply promptly and keep any confirmation or reference information supplied after submission.
What Happens After You Apply?
AFGRI states that correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates. The employer also advises that applicants who have not heard back within 30 days after the closing date may regard their applications as unsuccessful.
Submitting an application does not guarantee an interview or placement. Applicants should continue searching for other suitable opportunities while waiting for feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many positions are available?
There are 14 learnership positions under reference AO-2494.
2. What is the closing date?
The advertised closing date is 28 October 2026.
3. What qualification do I need?
You need Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.
4. Must I be unemployed?
Yes. Unemployment is one of the stated minimum requirements.
5. Where is the training located?
Vastfontein Farm in Pretoria North, Gauteng Province.
6. How long does the programme last?
The advertised programme runs for 12 months under a fixed-term contract.
7. Is the learnership paid?
Remuneration is described as market-related, but the exact amount is not disclosed in the official vacancy.
8. Is accommodation provided?
The advertisement does not confirm accommodation or transport assistance. Contact AFGRI for clarification.
9. Is permanent employment guaranteed?
No permanent employment guarantee is stated in the vacancy.
10. What is the reference number?
The reference number is AO-2494.
Final Thoughts
The AFGRI Farmer Development Learnership Programme 2026/2027 offers 14 positions for unemployed South African citizens who have Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification and are interested in farming with crops and animals.
The 12-month programme provides an opportunity to gain practical agricultural exposure at Vastfontein Farm in Pretoria North. Before applying, candidates should check the requirements, consider the training location and confirm any unanswered questions about remuneration and contract conditions.
Closing date: 28 October 2026.
Eligible applicants should consult the official AFGRI recruitment advertisement and submit their applications before the deadline.
Official source: AFGRI Farmer Development, “Learnership (x14) (Vastfontein farm),” reference AO-2494, advertised 20 October 2026.
Editorial disclaimer: LearnSETA is an independent employment-information platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by AFGRI. Vacancy details are based on the employer’s published advertisement and should be reconfirmed through the official recruitment portal. Selection, payment arrangements beyond those advertised and future employment are not guaranteed.