How to Apply for AgriSETA Funded Employment and Training Opportunities

The agriculture sector in South Africa is filled with opportunities, especially for young people, unemployed individuals, and rural communities. Thanks to organizations like AgriSETA (Agricultural Sector Education Training Authority), you can access funded employment, learnerships, internships, and skills programs that not only boost your skills but also offer a monthly stipend during your training.

In this post, we’ll break down:

What AgriSETA does
What opportunities are available
Step-by-step application guide
List of training providers
Stipend amounts
And more!

If you’re serious about getting into the agricultural sector, this guide is for you.

What is AgriSETA?

AgriSETA is one of South Africa’s 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), responsible for:

Facilitating skills development in the agricultural sector
Accrediting and funding training providers
Offering learnerships, internships, and bursaries
Supporting employers to train and hire new talent

Their main goal? Develop a skilled workforce for the agricultural economy.

AgriSETA is funded through levies paid by employers in the sector and government grants, ensuring thousands of South Africans get free access to quality training each year.

Types of Funded Opportunities You Can Apply For

AgriSETA funds various opportunities, including:

Opportunity Type	Description
Learnerships	Structured training with a registered employer, leading to a full qualification (usually 12 months).
Skills Programmes	Shorter courses focused on specific skills (3–6 months).
Internships	Workplace experience programs for graduates (12–18 months).
Artisan Development	Training towards becoming qualified artisans (e.g., electricians, mechanics in agri-sector).
Adult Education and Training (AET)	Basic education for adults (formerly ABET).
Bursaries	Full or partial funding for agricultural-related studies at colleges and universities.

Note: Most of these programs come with a monthly stipend!

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for AgriSETA Funded Employment and Training

Here’s a detailed guide on how you can apply for AgriSETA funded opportunities:

Choose Your Programme

Decide whether you want to apply for:

A Learnership
Internship
Skills Program
Artisan Training
AET Programme

Find an Accredited Training Provider or Employer

You must apply through:

A registered employer (e.g., farms, agri-businesses)
Or an accredited AgriSETA Training Provider

(Full list of providers below.)

Prepare Your Documents

You will usually need:

Certified ID Copy (not older than 3 months)
Certified Matric Certificate (if applicable)
Academic Records (if applying for internships/bursaries)
Updated CV
Proof of Residence
Bank account details (for stipend payments)

Submit Your Application

Depending on the provider/employer, you can apply:

Online (via provider websites)
Email (sending scanned documents)
In-person (visiting training centres)

Attend Screening / Interviews

Some programmes require you to:

Write a basic literacy and numeracy test
Attend an interview

Sign a Contract

If successful, you’ll sign:

A Learnership/Internship Agreement
A Stipend Agreement

You are then officially enrolled!

Approved AgriSETA Accredited Training Providers

Here are examples of some trusted training providers:

Training Provider	Location
AgriSkills Transfer	National
Peritum Agri Institute	Free State
Buhle Farmers’ Academy	Gauteng
Cedara Agricultural College	KwaZulu-Natal
VKB Training Academy	Free State
Future Farmers Foundation	National
KZN Agricultural Training Institute	KwaZulu-Natal
AgriSeta-accredited FET Colleges	National

Tip: Always confirm that the provider is still accredited by checking the latest AgriSETA Accredited Provider List on the AgriSETA website.

AgriSETA Stipend: How Much Will You Be Paid?

One of the best parts about AgriSETA-funded programmes is the monthly stipend!

Average Stipends (2025 Estimates):

Programme Type	Average Monthly Stipend
Learnerships	R3,500 – R4,200
Internships	R4,500 – R5,500
Artisan Training	R5,000 – R6,500
Skills Programmes	R2,500 – R3,000
AET Programmes	R1,500 – R2,000

Note:

The stipend covers your basic living expenses.
Payment dates depend on your training provider/employer.
Some providers also offer transport allowances.

Tips to Boost Your Chances of Acceptance

Apply early: Some programmes close once quotas are filled.
Ensure your documents are clear and certified.
Write a professional CV (even if you have no experience, include school activities, volunteering, etc.)
Attend all interviews or assessments on time.
Follow up politely if you haven’t heard back in 4–6 weeks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting incomplete or uncertified documents
Applying to non-accredited providers
Missing application deadlines
Using one general CV for every application (customize it slightly)
Not preparing for basic literacy/numeracy tests

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is AgriSETA only for people with experience in farming?
A: No! Many opportunities are for beginners or unemployed youth with little or no experience.

Q: Can I apply if I live in a rural area?
A: Yes, AgriSETA actively targets rural areas!

Q: How many programmes can I apply for?
A: You can apply for multiple opportunities but can only be enrolled in one at a time.

Q: How long does it take to get feedback?
A: 4–8 weeks after the closing date, depending on the training provider.

Conclusion

The AgriSETA funded employment and training opportunities are an excellent chance to build your career, gain experience, and earn while you learn — especially if you are passionate about agriculture, food security, or rural development.

Applying is relatively simple if you:

Choose the right programme
Submit a neat and complete application
Follow up professionally

Don’t wait — opportunities are limited, and competition is high.
Visit your nearest accredited training provider, get your documents ready, and apply today!

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