“We provide prospective students with a place where they can kick off their dream of a career in agriculture,” course facilitator Gomolemo ‘Diesel’ Phalatse told Farmer’s Weekly during Agri Skills Transfer’s Mega Open Day on 17 January.
“At the same time, we provide employers with graduates who have the technical knowledge to become valuable assets on the farm.”
The event, held on the Agri Skills Transfer’s 50ha Cullinan Farm Campus, north-east of Pretoria, attracted about 180 visitors, including some 100 prospective students. During a tour of the farm, attendees were introduced to the institution’s training programmes and the wide range of career opportunities available in agriculture.
Phalatse said that after completing approximately 1 600 hours of active, practical participation in a real-life farming environment, graduates are equipped to take on junior management roles, or be employed in advisory or even strategic positions within the agricultural value chain.
Shaun Welmans, chief operating officer of Agri Skills Transfer, explained that the institution offers three two-year pathways towards a national diploma in either animal or plant production. Students can enrol in a full-time, farm-based programme at the Cullinan Farm Campus; a combined theoretical and practical option through the Groenkloof City Campus; or an online or distance-learning option designed for students who are already employed.
They also have the option of completing a third year, during which they can study both animal and plant production, enabling them to obtain a second national diploma.
According to Welmans, the full-time farm option is particularly suited to students who require constant access to a practical site to complete their required practical hours. Dormitory-style accommodation and meals are provided on the farm.
The Groenkloof City Campus option follows a five-week cycle of full-time theoretical studies, followed by a week of hands-on practical training at the Cullinan Farm, repeated throughout the year, while online or distance-learning students can study at their own pace from anywhere in the country.
All three pathways cover essential agricultural principles, innovative practices, and current industry standards, preparing students for a wide range of roles within the sector.
In addition to its diploma programmes, Agri Skills Transfer offers a variety of short courses, typically three to five days in duration, aimed at improving practical agricultural skills. These include courses in beef cattle, sheep, goats, and pig production, as well as poultry, vegetable farming, aquaponics, and the safe handling of agrochemicals. Other practical courses focus on tractor operation, first aid, and basic firefighting.
“Real-world experience is a crucial component of a student’s learning journey. It ensures they gain practical knowledge alongside theory, while a curriculum aligned with industry needs ensures they are job-ready upon graduation,” Welmans said.
Agri Skills Transfer also offers various payment options, including monthly payment plans, to make agricultural studies more accessible to students, parents, and sponsors.
