What is AgriSETA?
AgriSETA is one of South Africa’s 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities established under the Skills Development Act.
Its primary responsibility is to promote education, occupational training, and workforce development within the agricultural sector while supporting employers to develop a skilled workforce.
The organisation works with farmers, agribusinesses, educational institutions, research organisations, government departments, and accredited training providers to strengthen South Africa’s agricultural industry.
The Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority (AgriSETA) plays a critical role in developing the skills needed to support South Africa’s agricultural economy. Agriculture remains one of the country’s most important industries, contributing to food security, rural development, exports, and employment. As farming practices become more technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable, the demand for skilled agricultural professionals continues to grow.
AgriSETA supports this demand by funding learnerships, apprenticeships, internships, skills programmes, bursaries, and workplace learning initiatives. Working with commercial farms, agribusinesses, educational institutions, training providers, government departments, and agricultural organisations, AgriSETA helps prepare South Africans for rewarding careers across the agricultural value chain.
Whether you are interested in crop production, livestock farming, agricultural engineering, agribusiness, or food production, understanding AgriSETA can help you identify valuable education and career opportunities.
Industries Covered by AgriSETA
AgriSETA supports skills development across several agricultural industries, including:
- Crop Farming
- Livestock Farming
- Horticulture
- Viticulture
- Poultry Production
- Forestry Support Services
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agribusiness
- Irrigation
- Farm Management
- Agricultural Mechanisation
- Sustainable Agriculture
AgriSETA’s Core Responsibilities
AgriSETA is responsible for:
- Funding learnerships
- Supporting apprenticeships
- Promoting workplace learning
- Supporting internships
- Developing occupational qualifications
- Accrediting training providers
- Identifying scarce and critical skills
- Administering mandatory and discretionary grants
- Developing Sector Skills Plans
Its work supports productivity, sustainability, and skills development within South Africa’s agricultural sector.
AgriSETA Learnerships
AgriSETA supports learnerships in a wide variety of agricultural fields.
Popular learnership areas include:
- Plant Production
- Animal Production
- Farm Management
- Agricultural Processes
- Irrigation Operations
- Agricultural Machinery
- Agribusiness
- Business Administration
These programmes combine theoretical learning with practical workplace experience.
Apprenticeships
AgriSETA also supports apprenticeship opportunities in technical agricultural occupations.
Examples include:
- Agricultural Mechanic
- Tractor Technician
- Irrigation Technician
- Equipment Maintenance
- Farm Machinery Technician
Skills Programmes
AgriSETA funds shorter occupational skills programmes designed to strengthen practical agricultural knowledge.
Examples include:
- Sustainable Farming
- Crop Management
- Livestock Management
- Farm Safety
- Irrigation Systems
- Agricultural Business Skills
- Environmental Sustainability
Internships and Graduate Programmes
Many farms, agribusinesses, agricultural research institutions, and government departments partner with AgriSETA to provide internship and graduate workplace learning opportunities.
Funding and Grants
AgriSETA administers several funding mechanisms, including:
- Mandatory Grants
- Discretionary Grants
- Learnership Funding
- Apprenticeship Funding
- Skills Programme Funding
- Workplace Learning Grants
Funding priorities align with South Africa’s agricultural development and food security objectives.
Career Opportunities Supported by AgriSETA
Training supported by AgriSETA may prepare individuals for careers such as:
- Farm Manager
- Agricultural Technician
- Crop Production Specialist
- Livestock Supervisor
- Irrigation Technician
- Agricultural Extension Officer
- Agribusiness Administrator
- Agricultural Mechanic
- Farm Operations Supervisor
- Horticulture Technician
How to Apply for AgriSETA Opportunities
AgriSETA opportunities may be advertised through:
- AgriSETA
- Farms and agribusinesses
- Agricultural cooperatives
- Government departments
- Accredited training providers
- YouthSETA
Always review the programme requirements carefully before applying.
Why AgriSETA Matters
Agriculture remains essential to South Africa’s economy, food security, and rural development. AgriSETA helps ensure the industry continues developing skilled professionals capable of supporting sustainable farming, modern agricultural practices, and long-term economic growth.
Thabang Maimela’s Perspective
Agriculture is often underestimated by young job seekers, yet it offers diverse career opportunities beyond traditional farming. I’ve seen growing interest in agricultural learnerships, internships, and technical training programmes, especially as agribusiness becomes more modern and technology-driven.
My advice is to explore agriculture with an open mind. Whether your interests lie in farm management, agricultural engineering, food production, or agribusiness, AgriSETA supported programmes can provide valuable experience and long term career prospects.
— Thabang Maimela
Founder & Editor, YouthSETA
Frequently Asked Questions
What does AgriSETA stand for?
AgriSETA stands for the Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority.
What industries does AgriSETA cover?
AgriSETA supports agriculture related industries including crop farming, livestock production, horticulture, agribusiness, irrigation, agricultural engineering, and sustainable farming.
Does AgriSETA offer learnerships?
Yes. AgriSETA supports learnerships, apprenticeships, internships, skills programmes, and workplace learning initiatives across the agricultural sector.
Who can apply for AgriSETA programmes?
Eligibility depends on the programme, but many opportunities are available to South African youth, graduates, employed individuals, and unemployed job seekers.
Does AgriSETA provide funding?
Yes. AgriSETA administers mandatory grants, discretionary grants, learnership funding, apprenticeship funding, internship funding, and workplace learning support.
How can I find AgriSETA opportunities?
AgriSETA opportunities may be advertised through the official AgriSETA website, farms, agribusinesses, accredited training providers, YouthSETA.
I am Thabang Maimela, Founder and Editor of CareersPursuit and YouthSETA, two South African platforms dedicated to helping individuals access employment opportunities, skills development programmes, and career growth resources. Through CareersPursuit, I focus on jobs, internships, apprenticeships, graduate programmes, learnerships, and career advice, while YouthSETA specialises in SETA learnerships, skills programmes, youth development initiatives, and workplace readiness resources. My mission is to make reliable, up to date information more accessible, helping South Africans build skills, improve employability, and navigate their career journeys with confidence. Read more about the author on the About US page.