PROJECT AIM: The programme aims to connect agricultural (but not limited to) students to in-service training opportunities to meet their qualification requirements for graduation, and at the same time to diversify the agricultural sector and develop a new cohort of farming professionals in the fruit industry
THE STRATEGY: Across the country and with various qualifications, hundreds of students cannot source and access in-service training opportunities to complete their qualifications. When they can, they are often left to their own devices with little or no mentorship and structure, and soon slip out. This is a huge system inefficiency resulting in learners with incomplete qualifications who cannot enter the workplace.
The internship programme runs in collaboration with HORTGRO and is trying to address this inefficiency and make an investment in the next generation on behalf of the deciduous fruit industry.
The programme places students from TVET colleges and technical universities into in-service training opportunities on farms, packhouses, nurseries, etc.; providing students with the platform to complete their studies and graduate. A key component of the model is the strong mentorship focus ensuring that students feel supported, can grow, and become part of the team. The mentor programme, run by Lona Odendaal from Kutsha, is focussed on personal growth and development.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Internships run for 10 to 18 months depending on the pre-requisite of the qualification, according to a scheduled programme. Farms cover the cost of stipends and offer accommodation, where possible. Students keep logbooks of all activities, gather information and do research to put theory into practice. Students are responsible for completing and handing in academic assignments.
GUIDELINES: Identify appropriate mentors; Thorough orientation and induction; Regular evaluation and feedback; No job title or permanent position during the internship period; Students should fit in and keep to all the rules and regulations of the organisation; Agreement of expectancies between the organisation and the student.