AgriSETA Plant Production Learnership 2026: Grade 12, R4,200 Stipend

AgriSETA has opened applications for its Plant Production Learnership 2026, based in Upington in the Northern Cape. Unemployed South African youth with Grade 12 can earn a monthly stipend of R3,500 to R4,200 while working towards an NQF Level 2 qualification in Plant Production. Applications close on 9 October 2026, so interested candidates should start gathering their documents now.

AgriSETA is the Sector Education and Training Authority responsible for skills development across South Africa’s agricultural sector, covering everything from crop farming to agri-processing. Agriculture remains one of the country’s largest employers of entry-level and rural workers, and AgriSETA exists to make sure young South Africans have access to accredited, practical training in this field.

The Plant Production Learnership is one of AgriSETA’s flagship programmes. It combines classroom-based agricultural theory with real, hands-on experience on a working farm, giving learners a nationally recognised qualification alongside genuine crop production skills. For the Northern Cape especially, a province where agriculture is a major economic driver, this learnership gives local youth a direct path into farm management, agri-processing and related careers.

Because it is delivered close to home in Upington, learners can gain a real qualification without having to relocate to a major city, making it especially valuable for youth in rural and semi-rural communities.

Soil preparation and crop planning

Planting, irrigation and crop maintenance techniques

Pest, weed and disease control in plant production

Harvesting and post-harvest handling

Basic farm safety and equipment use

Record-keeping and quality control on a working farm

Must be between 18 and 35 years old

Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident

Must have a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate

Must be available to complete the full learnership on a full-time basis

Must be willing to work and train in Upington, Northern Cape

RELATED: Citrus Academy Bursary 2027: Agriculture Students, Closes 15 September

Certified copy of South African ID (not older than 3 months)

Certified copy of Grade 12 certificate or highest qualification

Proof of residence, where requested

Any additional certified supporting documents requested during the application process

Visit the official AgriSETA website.

Search for ‘Plant Production Learnership 2026’ under funded learning programmes.

Complete the online application form, or

Email your CV and certified documents to learnerships@agriseta.co.za with the subject line ‘Plant Production Learnership 2026 – Your Name’.

Wait for confirmation of receipt and further instructions from AgriSETA.

The closing date for the AgriSETA Plant Production Learnership 2026 is 9 October 2026. No late applications will be accepted.

Agriculture is one of the few sectors in South Africa where entry-level opportunities with real career paths still exist for young people who have only a Grade 12 certificate. With youth unemployment sitting at crisis levels, learnerships like this one offer something rare: a paid stipend during training and a nationally recognised qualification at the end of it, rather than just short-term casual work.

For youth in the Northern Cape and surrounding rural areas, the AgriSETA Plant Production Learnership is also a chance to build a career without leaving their community, in a sector that continues to need skilled, trained workers season after season.

No prior experience is required. The learnership is designed to train unemployed youth from the ground up in plant production.

The programme is based in Upington, Northern Cape, so applicants should be able to live in or relocate to the area for the duration of training.

Learners receive a monthly stipend of between R3,500 and R4,200 for the duration of the programme.

Graduates leave with an NQF Level 2 Plant Production qualification, which can lead to employment on commercial farms, in agri-processing, or further study in agriculture. Confirmed during the application process.

Make sure your application stands out with these free tools:

You will maintain a portfolio of evidence documenting your practical experience and competencies, while meeting all assessment requirements set by the relevant SETA and adhering to workplace policies. Participants are expected to participate actively in both classroom and on-the-job learning activities, ensuring all programme requirements are met to achieve the nationally recognised qualification.

• Must be between 18 and 35 years old
• Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident
• Must have a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate
• Must be currently unemployed
• Must be available to complete the full learnership on a full-time basis
• Must be willing to work and train in Upington, Northern Cape
• RELATED: Citrus Academy Bursary 2027: Agriculture Students, Closes 15 September

This opportunity was sourced from Nasi-Ispani. Always verify final requirements and deadlines on the official source before applying.

View original source

Visit the official AgriSETA website. Search for ‘Plant Production Learnership 2026’ under funded learning programmes. Complete the online application form, or Email your CV and certified documents to learnerships@agriseta.co.za with the subject line ‘Plant Production Learnership 2026 – Your Name’. Wait for confirmation of receipt and further instructions from AgriSETA. Apply at AgriSETA

Email application: learnerships@agriseta.co.za

This learnership is offered by AgriSETA Plant Production.