AFGRI Farmer Development is inviting suitably qualified South African students to apply for the 2026 Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programme. This internship provides an excellent opportunity for students studying agriculture to gain valuable workplace experience while completing the practical training required for their National Diploma qualification.
The programme is designed for students who are currently enrolled, or planning to enrol, in the final year of a National Diploma in Agriculture and need compulsory Work Integrated Learning (WIL) to graduate. Successful applicants will be placed at Vastfontein Farm in Pretoria North, where they will receive practical training in a professional agricultural environment.
This internship offers participants the opportunity to develop technical skills, improve workplace knowledge, and gain hands-on experience in modern farming practices. Working alongside experienced agricultural professionals allows interns to strengthen their understanding of crop production, irrigation systems, teamwork, and farm operations while preparing for future employment opportunities within the agriculture sector.
Internship Overview
- Programme: Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Internship Programme
- Reference Number: AO-2407
- Number of Positions: 5
- Location: Vastfontein Farm, Pretoria North
- Job Type: Contract Internship
- Work Level: Student/Graduate
- Duration: 9 to 12 Months
- Contract: 12 Month Fixed-Term Internship
- Salary: Market Related
- Employment Equity: Yes
- Closing Date: 21 July 2026
About the AFGRI Work Integrated Learning Programme
The Work Integrated Learning Programme has been developed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical workplace experience. Many National Diploma qualifications require students to complete workplace-based learning before graduating, and this internship provides exactly that opportunity.
Successful interns will work in a real farming environment where daily activities focus on agricultural production and irrigation systems. Participants will receive practical exposure to different farming operations while learning from experienced supervisors and agricultural specialists.
The programme aims to prepare graduates for future employment by exposing them to professional work environments, modern farming methods, problem-solving techniques, project work, and teamwork.
Students who successfully complete the internship will gain practical experience that strengthens both their academic qualifications and future career prospects.
Internship Responsibilities
During the internship, successful candidates will participate in a variety of practical agricultural activities while contributing to departmental objectives.
Responsibilities may include:
- Working with cross-functional teams on assigned Work Integrated Learning projects.
- Completing projects allocated by the Line Manager.
- Gaining practical workplace experience related to Crop Production or Irrigation Systems.
- Assisting experienced agricultural professionals with daily farming activities.
- Participating in agricultural operations and field activities.
- Supporting project implementation and departmental initiatives.
- Learning workplace procedures and professional agricultural practices.
- Completing assigned duties according to internship objectives.
- Assisting with farm production activities where required.
- Working collaboratively with different departments.
- Participating in practical learning opportunities.
- Following workplace health and safety procedures.
- Developing technical and professional skills through supervised training.
- Completing additional responsibilities that contribute to business objectives.
The internship combines structured learning with practical workplace experience to ensure interns develop both technical and professional competencies.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the following requirements before submitting an application:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must be younger than 35 years of age.
- Must be registered or planning to register for the final year of a National Diploma in Agriculture (Crop Production) or National Diploma in Agriculture (Irrigation Systems) during 2026.
- The qualification must require compulsory Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for completion.
- Must provide an official academic record.
- Must submit an official letter from the educational institution confirming that Work Integrated Learning is compulsory.
- Must not have worked full-time in the field of study for more than one year.
- Must be based in the city where the internship will be offered.
- Strong academic performance will be an added advantage.
Failure to meet these requirements may result in an application not being considered.
Fields of Study Accepted
Applications are invited from students studying the following National Diploma qualifications:
- National Diploma: Agriculture (Crop Production)
- National Diploma: Agriculture (Irrigation Systems)
The programme is specifically intended for students who need practical workplace training before graduating.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the necessary supporting documents before applying. These may include:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- South African Identity Document
- Academic Record
- Official letter from the educational institution confirming compulsory Work Integrated Learning
- Qualification registration confirmation (where applicable)
- Any additional supporting documents requested during the application process
Submitting complete documentation helps ensure applications can be assessed without unnecessary delays.
Skills That Will Benefit Applicants
Although practical workplace experience is not required, candidates with the following qualities may have an advantage:
- Interest in agriculture
- Willingness to learn
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work in a team
- Strong work ethic
- Positive attitude
- Problem-solving abilities
- Attention to detail
- Time management skills
- Ability to follow instructions
- Adaptability
- Professional conduct
These qualities are valuable when working in agricultural environments where teamwork and responsibility play an important role.
Benefits of the Internship
Participating in the AFGRI Farmer Development Work Integrated Learning Programme offers numerous career development opportunities.
Benefits include:
- Practical workplace experience
- Exposure to commercial farming operations
- Hands-on agricultural training
- Professional mentorship
- Opportunity to apply classroom knowledge
- Improved technical skills
- Workplace readiness
- Career development opportunities
- Experience working with experienced agricultural professionals
- Enhanced employability after graduation
Practical workplace learning remains one of the most important requirements for graduates entering South Africa’s agricultural industry.
Why Work Integrated Learning Matters
Many employers look for graduates who already possess practical workplace experience. Completing a Work Integrated Learning programme demonstrates that a graduate understands professional work environments and can apply theoretical knowledge in real situations.
Internships also help students build confidence while learning how agricultural businesses operate on a daily basis. Participants gain exposure to planning, production processes, teamwork, workplace communication, and project implementation.
For students pursuing careers in crop production or irrigation systems, this experience provides valuable insight into commercial farming operations and modern agricultural practices.
Employment Equity
The appointment of successful candidates will be aligned with AFGRI’s Employment Equity Policy. Suitable applicants from designated groups are encouraged to apply in accordance with the company’s employment equity objectives.
POPIA Notice
Applicants should note that personal information submitted during the recruitment process will be processed in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Act 4 of 2013.
Personal information collected during recruitment will only be processed for employment-related purposes. Applicants are encouraged to read the HR Processing Notice available on the AFGRI Group website before submitting an application.
Important Information
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted after applications have been reviewed.
Applicants who do not receive communication within 30 days after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
The internship will be offered on a fixed-term contract for a period of approximately 12 months.
Candidates should ensure that all supporting documents are attached before submitting an application, as incomplete applications may not be considered.
How to Apply
Eligible students who meet all the minimum requirements should submit their applications before the closing date.
Before applying, ensure that the following documents are included:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Academic record
- Official letter confirming compulsory Work Integrated Learning
- Any additional documents requested by AFGRI Farmer Development
Applications must be submitted before the closing date to be considered.
Closing Date: 21 July 2026
Late applications may not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to submit complete applications as early as possible to avoid missing this valuable Work Integrated Learning opportunity at Vastfontein Farm in Pretoria North.
Apply Here: Work Integrated Learning Internship 2026