External Development Initiatives (EDI)
for Tomorrow
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture is committed to transforming and increasing the potential employee pool of the department and the agricultural sector. By utilising skills development programmes, mentoring, financial assistance through bursaries and scholarships and opportunities to empower our youth in agriculture as a career of choice. Persons with disabilities, females, rural youth, previously disadvantaged and children of agri- workers are prioritised.
Contact Information:
Assistant Director or Deputy Director
Tel: 021 808 5111
Email: EDI@westerncape.gov.za
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Application for the Young Professional and Pre-Young Professional Persons Programme , Bursary/Scholarship and CASP Internships.
The following document outlines the procedure to follow and includes the relevant documentation used when applying for the Young Professional and Pre-Young Professional Persons Programme.
APFYD Matric and Student Internship applications is now OPEN and will CLOSE on the 10 January 2025
APFYD Bursaries and Scholarship applications is now OPEN and will CLOSE on the 31 December 2024
Young Professional Persons (YPP) applications is now CLOSED
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture offers valuable work experience and exposure for unemployed matriculants, undergraduates and graduates through an Internship Programme.
EXTERNAL BURSARY /SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture offers financial assistance to youth studying in the scarce and critical skills in agriculture. The scholarships offers previously disadvantaged high school learners with the potential to complete with their matric with mathematics and sciences in order to further their studies in agriculture.
YPP: YOUNG PROFESSIONAL PERSONS PROGRAMME
The Young Professional Person’s Programme is a Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Affirmative Action Programme for Previously Disadvantaged Youth (18-35 years)accepted by a recognised Higher Education Institution to complete their Honours,Masters or Doctorate in the scarce and critical skills in Agriculture.
OTHER EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES PROJECTS
APFYD PROJECT: Agricultural Partnership for Youth Development
This Project focuses on increasing the skills development, career opportunities and employability of rural youth and children of Agr- Workers through; financial assistance for further studies in the agricultural fields or to complete a matric qualification with mathematics and sciences; internships for unemployed matriculants without workplace experience.
First Working Experience: PAY Internship
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture appoints PAY Interns on a 12-month internship programme for valuable work exposure, meaningful agricultural experiences, career awareness and career pathing as well as preparing them for registration for further studies and career opportunities in agriculture.
What does the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Internship Programme entail?
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture is committed to skills development by providing opportunities for unemployed matriculants, undergraduates and graduates through an Internship Programme.
Student internship may include overseas students on an exchange programme with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture.
Graduate Internship
This refers to the individuals who have already obtained a qualification in a SAQA accredited Further Education and Training or Higher Education Institution.
Student Internship
This refers to the students who are studying towards a SAQA accredited qualification, but are required to do Work Integrated Learning (WIL) to obtain credits towards their qualification.
Duration of an Internship
The duration of a student internship will be determined by the institution. Graduate Internship can be from 12 to 24 months.
Placement
- Interns are placed within the Western Cape Department of Agriculture which has offices operating in the broader Western Cape. (Identified, interns may be placed with External Host Employers to obtain relevant work exposure).
- Interns are placed under the supervision of an experienced mentor.
- Interns are subjected to signing an Internship Contract.
- Interns are expected to submit quarterly reports on progress.
Performance Agreement.
- Interns are expected to enter into a Performance Agreement and
- 6 monthly performance reviews will be conducted.
- Where an intern is placed with an External Host Employer, the internship will be fully monitored by the Department, with regular site visits will be conducted , meetings with the mentor, intern and External Host Employer. The intern will be appointed by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture .
Who can apply?
- Unemployed youth between ages 18 -35 without previous work experience for graduate and student internships.
- PAY and APFYD matric interns – unemployed with with not work experience and further studies aged between 18 – 24.
- Students requiring workplace and/or occupation-related experience to attain their qualification in Agriculture.
- Unemployed young graduates with an Agricultural qualification.
- People with Disabilities are encouraged to apply.
How do I apply?
- Complete a departmental application form accompanied by:
- Letter of application
- Certified copy of Identity document
- Certified copy of a Matric certificate
- Certified copy of a Higher Education Institution qualification/or academic record
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae
- Higher Educational Institution’s required Learning Objectives must accompany a student Intern’s application.
When do I apply?
Respond to the advertisement placed by the Department externally which will and advertised on the website and social media.
How do I submit my application?
- Applications will be electronic and online when advertisement is placed.
- Applications may emailed or posted to the addresses provided.
NB: FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WILL RESULT IN YOUR APPLICATION BEING DISQUALIFIED. CORRESPONDENCE WILL BE LIMITED TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES. SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO A PERSONAL SUITABLITY CHECKS.
Bursary/Scholarship Programme
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture awards bursaries/scholarships to students studying full-time at a Higher Educational Institution towards obtaining a SAQA registered qualification in the Agricultural fields, or High School learners studying mathematics and sciences who have been identified as potential candidates for further studies in the Agricultural fields.
Criteria for Scholarship:
Rural youth specifically, Agri- Worker children completing a high school qualification with pure mathematics and sciences.
Bursaries are offered in the following full time study fields:
Engineering | Economics (agriculture) |
Requirements:
- Applicants must be South African citizens.
- Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged unemployed youth.
- Aplicants must reside in the Western Cape
- Applicants must have proof of admission (provisional admission) to a higher education institution or institutions where the applied field of study is offered.
- Applicants must complete the relevant bursary application forms, which are available on the website: www.elsenburg.com
- Successful candidates will be expected to enter into a contractual agreement with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture.
What does the bursary cover?
- Registration and tuition fees required by the Educational Institution.
- Books that is prescribed by the Educational Institution.
- Hostel fees and meals where required.
- Scholarship will include school uniforms (if required).
Please take note:
- Only qualifying applicants from historically disadvantaged groups residing in the Western Cape will be considered.
- Females and People with Disabilities, are encouraged to apply.
NB: FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS WILL RESULT IN YOUR APPLICATION BEING DISQUALIFIED.
CORRESPONDENCE WILL BE LIMITED TO SUCCESFULL CANDIDATES ONLY . SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO A PERSONAL SUITABLITY CHECKS.
The Young Professional Persons Programme (YPP)
Purpose of the Programme:
The Programme is specifically empower previously disadvantages individuals from the following designated groups: Black, Coloured, Indian, females (White females included) and people with disabilities, who have been accepted by a recognised Higher Education Institution for Honnours, Masters or Doctorate, through the gaining of experience and mentorship while obtaining their qualification in the scarce and critical skills.
To produce qualified and trained professionals for the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and the Sector in the scarce and critical skills;
| SCARCE SKILLS | CRITICAL SKILLS |
|---|---|
Soil scientists | Resource Economics |
Nature of the Programme:
The Pre -Young Professional Persons, candidates are registered Honnours students who will enjoy a full bursary, a monthly stipend and be expected to report for duty whenever not attending classes. This programme commences annually in February. Each candidate will be assigned a mentor.
The Young Professional Persons, candidates are registered Masters and Doctorate Students who will be involved in a structured programme, which spans over three to five years. The programme commences annually in February consists of a three-pronged learning experience:
Area 1: Structured in-service training programme whereby participants will receive support from their mentors, supervisors, current participants on the programme.
Area 2: Participants will complete an independent research project which is conducted at the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and is completed in conjunction with the candidates relevant Educational Institution. The topic of the research project must be relevant to the Department of Agriculture’s requirements.
Area 3: During the programme, participants will undergo an Individual Management Programme focusing on modules covering managerial skills such as project management, financial planning and budgeting, self-management, human resource management, conflict management, time management, presentation skills, marketing and entrepreneurial skills.
After successful completion of the YPP Programme, participants will:
- Have gained valuable research experience
- Have completed an individual development management training programme
- Be in the possession of a Masters for Doctorate qualification
- Be empowered to pursue a career within the department or sector
- Have contributed to the knowledge resource of the Department
- May be identified by our Department to complete a doctorate.
What are the benefits of the YPP Programme?
Participants in the programmes will receive:
- An allowance/stipend
- Bursary covering registration, tuition fees, research material and prescribed books required by the Higher Learning Institution
- Access to research infrastructure
- Full mentorship
- Valuable research experience
- Exposure to attend strategic meetings and symposiums
Note:
After completion of the programme, participants may participate in a fair recruitment and selection process for suitable advertised post.
Requirements:
Applicants must be South African citizens from the Western Cape. Candidates must be from the designated groups, i.e. Black, Coloured, Indian, Female and Disabled. There are two entries to the Programme:
- Applicants must be in possession of a relevant Degree and registered on a relevant Honnours Programme / or
- Applicants must be in possession of a relevant Honnours Degree and registered on a relevant Masters programme.
- Applicants must have the ability to complete the programme and plan to pursue a career within Agriculture.
- Applicants has completed a Masters and has been identified to complete a Doctorate enhancing the Departmental Research.
- Applicants must complete all the relevant Young Professional Persons Programme application forms, which are available on the website.
- Successful candidates will be expected to enter into a contractual agreement with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture.
NB: FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS WILL RESULT IN YOUR APPLICATION BEING DISQUALIFIED. CORRESPONDENCE WILL BE LIMITED TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES
Based on the high rate of unemployment amongst our youth within the rural areas and the reluctance of youth to follow careers in agriculture, this project was implemented. As the agricultural sector needs to undergo major changes in transforming itself, it is necessary to bring previously disadvantaged skilled individuals into the agricultural labour market.
This project specifically focuses on youth and children of agri-workers. It offers Bursaries/Scholarships, Internships, Learnerships and academic support to students at Elsenburg College.
Internship Programme
The Interns appointed on the project will be placed with External Host Employers who have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Agriculture. All APFYD Interns will undergo a three day orientation programme at Elsenburg. Mentors will receive training annually. Application process is the same as outlined for External Development Initiatives; however this project only offers Grade 12 (matriculants) Internship.
Grade 12 (Matriculants) Internship
This refers to persons who have completed and passed Grade 12, unemployed, needing exposure to opportunities and careers in Agriculture.
Duration of an Internship
The duration of an Internship is 12 months.
Placement
- Interns will be place with an External Host Employer
- Interns are placed under the supervision of an experienced mentor
- Interns are subjected to signing an Internship Contract.
- Interns are expected to submit quarterly reports on progress.
- The mentor and the intern agree on the learning objectives
- Interns are expected to enter into a Performance Agreement(Job Profile)
Additional criteria to be considered for acceptance to the (APFYD) project you must be:
- Unemployed youth from the rural area of the Western Cape age 18-24 years
- A child of a agri-worker
- Must have passed Grade 12
Bursary/Scholarship Programme The Bursary/Scholarship Programme for APFYD project is the same as for the External Development Initiatives mentioned above and carries the same requirements for consideration.
Learnership Programme
As part of the APFYD Project, 10 Learners will be funded annually to attend a Learnership offered by the Elsenburg Agricultural College.
The Western Cape Government, through the Premier’s Advancement of Youth (PAY) project, recognises the need to fight youth unemployment. About 70% of South Africa’s youth are currently unemployed.
The First Work Experience PAY project was set up to give Western Cape youth an opportunity to get into the labour market at an early age. The project provides learners who finished matric in the previous year with the opportunity of a one-year internship the next year.
The Department offers PAY Interns an opportunity of exposure and experience in agriculture, beginning with;
- A one week Orientation Programme.
- A rotation of experience and exposure throughout the Department
- A year of career pathing, skills development, mentoring and coaching.
- Assisting the PAY Interns to improve their matric results through rewriting their subjects, after an intense tutoring Programme offered by the Department, before their exams in November.
- Outstanding PAY Interns who have express a desire to further their studies in agriculture, may be offered a full bursary.
- All PAY Interns will receive a testimonial at the end of 12 months and their CVs will be updated, making them more marketable.
When can you apply?
Applications open during January of each year and will be advertised on the Western Cape Government website:www.westerncape.gov.za (Premier’s Advancement of Youth (PAY) Project)
Who Qualifies for the PAY Internship?
- Learners who were unable to further their studies and are unemployed.
- Learners who have passed the National Senior Certificate (NSC) in the previous year in The Western Cape qualify to apply.
- 18-24 years old
- Learners who are South African citizens.
- Learners who have no network or support to help them make career choices.
- financially constrained (household income less than R350,000 p/a)
- applicants must have not worked before or participated in any other similar government programme.
Duration of all Internships
The duration of an Internship for matriculants, student and graduate interns is for 12 months.
Placement
- Interns are placed within the Western Cape Department of Agriculture which has offices operating in the broader Western Cape. (Identified, interns may be placed with External Host Employers to obtain relevant work exposure).
- Interns are placed under the supervision of an experienced mentor.
- Interns are subjected to signing an Internship Contract.
- Interns are expected to submit quarterly reports on progress.
- The mentor and the intern agree on the learning objectives for the intern which becomes the key outputs of their Performance Agreement.
- Interns are expected to enter into a Performance Agreement and
- Quarterly performance reviews will be conducted.
- Where an Intern is placed with an External Host Employer, the Internship will be fully monitored by the Department. Regular site visits, meetings with the mentor, Intern and External Host Employer will be conducted. The Intern will be appointed as a Western Cape Department of Agriculture Intern.
How do I apply?
- Respond to an advertisement placed on our website and with Community Newspapers.
- Complete a departmental application form accompanied by:
- Letter of application
- Certified copy of Identity document
- Certified copy of a Matric certificate
- Certified copy of a Higher Education Institution qualification/or academic record
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae
- Higher Educational Institution’s required Learning Objectives must accompany a student Intern’s application.
NB: FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS WILL RESULT IN YOUR APPLICATION BEING DISQUALIFIED.
CORRESPONDENCE WILL BE LIMITED TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES. SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO A PERSONAL SUITABLITY CHECKS
