AGRISETA Skills Planning & Research Internships 2025–2027 (x5 Posts)

AgriSETA has announced exciting internship opportunities for young South Africans who are passionate about research, data analysis, planning, agriculture, and skills development. The organisation is offering a Skills Planning and Research Internship Programme for 2025–2027, with five available positions. This two-year internship is designed to give unemployed graduates practical experience while contributing to South Africa’s agricultural sector.

Because the agriculture industry relies heavily on continuous learning, innovation, and strategic skills planning, this internship will help young graduates gain valuable exposure that enhances employability and opens pathways for long-term careers.

1. Internship Details

Organisation: AgriSETA
Programme: Skills Planning & Research Internship
Duration: 24 Months (2025–2027)
Number of Posts: 5
Location: South Africa
Contract Type: Internship
Stipend: Market-related (usually aligned with SETA internship rates)
Application Status: Open
Closing Date: Not specified

2. Programme Overview

The AgriSETA Skills Planning and Research Internship is designed to equip graduates with knowledge and hands-on experience in:

• Agricultural labour market analysis
• Skills forecasting and workforce planning
• Research processes and methodologies
• Report writing and data interpretation
• Policy development in the agriculture sector

Interns work closely with experienced professionals, gaining practical exposure to projects that directly impact national agricultural training and development frameworks. Furthermore, because AgriSETA plays a vital role in skills development, this internship contributes to improving the industry’s long-term sustainability.

This two-year programme is ideal for graduates seeking real-world experience while contributing to meaningful research that supports South Africa’s agricultural transformation.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

Interns selected for the Skills Planning & Research Programme will assist with the following tasks:

• Conducting research on agricultural skills needs
• Collecting and analysing data from different agricultural sub-sectors
• Supporting the development of Workplace Skills Plans and Sector Skills Plans
• Assisting with qualitative and quantitative research activities
• Preparing reports, summaries, and presentations
• Engaging with stakeholders and participating in consultations
• Contributing to skills forecasting projects
• Performing basic administrative tasks within the research and planning division
• Helping implement AgriSETA’s strategic objectives
• Maintaining accurate research documentation and project files

Although interns will be supervised, they are expected to demonstrate initiative, strong organisational skills, and a willingness to learn new research tools and systems.

4. Minimum Requirements

To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a South African citizen
• Must be unemployed at the time of applying
• Must hold a relevant Degree or Diploma, for example:
  • Agricultural Management
  • Agricultural Economics
  • Research and Development Studies
  • Statistics
  • Economics
  • Social Sciences
  • Data Science
  • Development Studies
  • Public Administration
  • Business Analysis
• Must have strong communication and report-writing skills
• Must be able to meet deadlines and manage tasks effectively
• Must be willing to commit to the full 24-month internship
• Must have basic computer literacy, especially Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability to work well within a team and take direction

A background in agriculture, research, or data analysis will be an advantage but is not always required.

5. Skills and Competencies Required

Interns should demonstrate the following:

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Ability to process large amounts of data
• Strong interpersonal communication
• Good organisational and time-management skills
• Interest in agriculture and rural development
• Ability to work independently when needed
• Professionalism and accountability

These competencies help interns complete research tasks accurately and contribute effectively to AgriSETA projects.

6. What Interns Will Gain

Interning at AgriSETA provides several long-term benefits:

6.1 Practical Research Experience

Interns participate in real projects that directly influence sector training and policy development.

6.2 Professional Growth

Interns receive mentorship, supervision, and exposure to industry experts.

6.3 Skills Improvement

Participants develop skills in research, data analysis, reporting, and agricultural sector planning.

6.4 Increased Employability

A two-year internship in a national SETA significantly strengthens a graduate’s CV.

6.5 Career Path Opportunities

Completing this internship can open paths into:

• Agricultural policy
• Skills development
• Data analysis
• Research consulting
• Government departments
• NGOs and development organisations
• Agricultural economics and agribusiness

7. How to Apply for the AgriSETA Skills Planning & Research Internships

To successfully apply, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Prepare Your Application Documents

Ensure the following documents are ready:

• Updated CV
• Certified copy of ID
• Certified copy of Degree or Diploma
• Academic transcripts (advantageous)
• Cover letter explaining your interest in research and agriculture

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Applications must be completed and submitted through the official AgriSETA recruitment channels.

Step 3: Shortlisting Process

Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for:

• Interviews
• Assessments
• Background checks

Step 4: Internship Placement

Successful applicants will receive onboarding details regarding the 2025–2027 programme.

Send Email: spriterns@agriseta.co.za

8. Why This Internship Matters

Agriculture remains one of South Africa’s most important sectors for food security, economic growth, and job creation. However, the sector continues to face challenges related to:

• Skills shortages
• Digital transformation
• Environmental sustainability
• New agricultural technologies

Consequently, programmes such as the AgriSETA Skills Planning and Research Internship help develop future professionals who will contribute to solving these challenges.

9. About AgriSETA

AgriSETA (Agricultural Sector Education Training Authority) is responsible for growing and developing skills within South Africa’s agricultural sector. The organisation works with training providers, industry players, government departments, and farming communities to create impactful skills development programmes that strengthen the agricultural economy.

AgriSETA’s commitment to research, planning, and training ensures that the sector remains competitive, productive, and capable of meeting future challenges.