Are you a South African student completing a National Diploma in Agriculture and looking for practical workplace experience? AFGRI Farmer Development is inviting eligible students to apply for its 2026 Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programme. This internship offers qualifying students the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience while completing the practical training required for their qualification.

The programme is based at Vastfontein Farm in Pretoria North and is designed to provide hands-on learning in a professional agricultural environment. Successful applicants will work alongside experienced professionals, participate in agricultural projects, and develop practical skills that complement their academic studies.

If your qualification requires Work Integrated Learning (WIL) before graduation, this internship could be an excellent opportunity to gain meaningful workplace exposure.

Internship Overview

Position: Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Intern

Company: AFGRI Farmer Development

Industry: Agriculture / Horticulture

Employment Type: Fixed-Term Internship Contract

Programme Duration: 12 Months

Location: Vastfontein Farm, Pretoria North, Gauteng

Application Closing Date: 21 July 2026

About AFGRI Farmer Development

AFGRI is a recognised agricultural business operating across various sectors of the agricultural value chain in South Africa. Through its Farmer Development initiatives, the organisation supports skills development by providing learning opportunities for students and graduates entering the agriculture industry.

The Work Integrated Learning Programme allows students to combine classroom knowledge with practical workplace experience, helping them prepare for future careers within the agricultural sector.

About the Work Integrated Learning Programme

The internship has been created specifically for students whose National Diploma qualification requires practical workplace training before they can graduate.

During the programme, interns will gain practical experience by working with experienced agricultural professionals while participating in daily farming operations and departmental projects.

The programme focuses on developing technical skills, workplace professionalism, teamwork, and practical agricultural knowledge.

Fields of Study Accepted

Applications are invited from students studying one of the following qualifications:

• National Diploma in Agriculture (Crop Production)
• National Diploma in Agriculture (Irrigation Systems)

Applicants must be completing a qualification that includes compulsory Work Integrated Learning (WIL).

Internship Location

Successful applicants will be placed at:

Vastfontein Farm

Pretoria North

Gauteng

Applicants should preferably be based within the city or surrounding area where the internship will take place.

Programme Duration

Successful candidates will receive a:

• 12-month fixed-term internship contract

The internship is intended to provide sufficient practical exposure to meet the academic requirements of participating institutions.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants should meet the following requirements before applying:

• 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 Agriculture (Irrigation Systems) during 2026.
• Work Integrated Learning (WIL) must be a compulsory requirement for completing the qualification.
• Must submit an official academic record.
• Must provide a letter from the educational institution confirming that WIL is required for graduation.
• Must not have more than one year of full-time work experience in their field of study.
• Should preferably reside within the city where the internship is offered.
• Good academic performance will be considered an advantage.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee selection, as applications are usually assessed according to programme requirements and organisational needs.

Key Responsibilities

Interns participating in the programme may be expected to perform duties such as:

Work Integrated Learning Projects

• Participate in assigned agricultural projects.
• Complete practical workplace learning activities.
• Apply classroom knowledge in real work environments.
• Work under the guidance of supervisors.

Workplace Experience

Interns will gain experience by:

• Learning daily farming operations.
• Supporting agricultural production activities.
• Assisting with irrigation-related work where applicable.
• Developing practical technical skills.

Team Collaboration

Participants will work with different departments to:

• Support project activities.
• Contribute to team objectives.
• Learn from experienced professionals.
• Participate in cross-functional assignments.

General Duties

Additional responsibilities may include:

• Completing assigned tasks.
• Following workplace procedures.
• Maintaining professional conduct.
• Supporting departmental objectives.
• Participating in workplace learning activities.

Skills That May Help Applicants

Although students are still completing their studies, employers often value candidates who demonstrate:

• Good communication skills
• Teamwork
• Willingness to learn
• Time management
• Problem-solving ability
• Reliability
• Attention to detail
• Adaptability
• Professional behaviour
• Positive attitude

Developing these skills during your studies can strengthen your internship application.

Documents Required

Applicants should prepare the following documents before submitting an application:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Certified copy of South African ID (if requested)
• Academic record
• Official letter from the educational institution confirming the compulsory Work Integrated Learning requirement
• Any additional supporting documents requested during the application process

Ensure that all documents are clear, complete, and accurate before submission.

Benefits of Participating in a Work Integrated Learning Programme

Work Integrated Learning provides students with an opportunity to:

• Gain practical industry experience.
• Apply theoretical knowledge in real workplace situations.
• Develop technical agricultural skills.
• Improve workplace communication.
• Learn professional workplace standards.
• Build confidence in practical tasks.
• Strengthen teamwork and collaboration.
• Improve future employment readiness.
• Expand professional networks within the agricultural industry.

Practical experience gained during internships can also help students better understand workplace expectations after graduation.

Tips for a Strong Application

Before submitting your application, consider the following tips:

• Update your CV with your latest academic information.
• Carefully review all application requirements.
• Ensure your academic record is attached.
• Include the official WIL confirmation letter from your institution.
• Proofread your application before submitting.
• Submit your application before the closing date.
• Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.

A complete and accurate application may improve your chances of progressing through the recruitment process.

Important Information

Applicants should note the following:

• The internship is offered on a 12-month fixed-term contract.
• Only shortlisted applicants may be contacted.
• Applicants who do not receive feedback within 30 days after the closing date may consider their application unsuccessful.
• Recruitment will be conducted in accordance with AFGRI’s Employment Equity Policy.

Closing Date

Applications close on 21 July 2026.