AGRICOLLEGES international calls on students not to waste a year
Agriculture is usually studied at traditional agricultural colleges
While unemployment in South Africa is at crisis levels, the agriculture sector is in need of skilled labour and offers the country’s youth an excellent springboard for meaningful employment and a bright future.
“Now is the time for those Matric students of 2019 who didn’t achieve university exemption to not give up hope or take a gap year,” says Wynand Espach, Chief Operating Officer of online Agri-learning platform, AGRICOLLEGES international.
While some students are about to start their new learning journey at universities around the country, more than 300,000 full-time students passed the 2019 Matric exams, but did not achieve a Bachelor’s pass.
“For these students, not going to a traditional bricks and mortar university doesn’t mean there is no hope of continuing their education or finding meaningful employment,” comments Espach.
AGRICOLLEGES offers school leavers and those with farm experience the chance to build their skills and knowledge through a world-class online platform.
In addition, “AGRICOLLEGES is the portal through which Stellenbosch University is able to offer studies in Agri-Sciences at below under-graduate level,” stated Professor Danie Brink, Dean of Agri-Sciences at Stellenbosch University recently.
South Africa’s unemployment statistics show that most school-leavers, who do not further their studies, will join the millions of unemployed youth.
In the third quarter of 2019, the unemployment rate among youth aged 15–24 years was an alarming 58,2% – jumping to an even larger 70% if you include discouraged workers.
Amidst the reality of rising unemployment and slowing economic growth, one industry that is being revolutionised by technology, has significant skills gaps and could provide an excellent opportunity for growth and meaningful employment, is agriculture.
Rapid population growth is putting high demand on the agricultural sector and its ability to produce enough food.
The South African government has identified agriculture as one of the sectors providing strong potential to create jobs and made it a key focus of the National Development Plan (NDP).
To achieve this and take agriculture forward, we need to encourage more young people to join the industry.
Agriculture is usually studied at traditional agricultural colleges.
However, comprehensive, accredited, online agri e-learning courses are also available at AGRICOLLEGES international.
AGRICOLLEGES is a SETA-registered institution that is taking e-learning to the next level at a significantly lower cost than traditional agricultural colleges.
Using technology, along with fresh, modern content, AGRICOLLEGES provides the necessary skills and training for those students looking for a career in agriculture, or any of the agri-related industries.
“Contrary to perceptions, agriculture is a very exciting place to be right now,” says Espach.
“Numerous innovations have changed the way farming works. From the use of drones on farms, to operating modern irrigation systems and computerised equipment. It’s very cool to be in agriculture.”
“The industry is welcoming the younger, tech-hungry generation. At the same time, mobile phone and internet usage in Africa is ballooning, helping students to gain access to more information and opportunities than ever before. E-learning is flexible and more affordable than traditional bricks and mortar education facilities and isn’t limited by classroom space or student/ lecturer ratios.”
Up-and-coming farmers, junior farm managers, section managers and other workers in the industry, who might already have practical experience on farms, but who do not hold a formal qualification in agriculture, are able to benefit from the training on AGRICOLLEGES international’s e-learning platform.
The flexibility of e-learning means that those who already have a job and are wanting to improve their skills and knowledge, can learn while they continue to earn an income.
With the help of improved knowledge and training through various short courses and the NQF 4 National Certificate in General Agriculture, these workers can aspire to building a career as a farmer, farm operator, supervisor, junior manager or more.
AGRICOLLEGES offers a blend between online academic coursework, practical application of the theory and shared learning through chatrooms, forums and webinars.
Courses are available to anyone with a device that has access to the internet.
Coursework can be downloaded at a Wi-Fi hotspot, studying can take place offline, and work can be uploaded again later at a hotspot.
Provided you have the required level of English, maths and computer literacy, the platform offers a variety of introductory courses in agriculture, plant production and agribusiness, which can be used as building blocks to move on to more specialised fundamentals courses.
Visit www.agricolleges.com.
Even without a university exemption, there are many exciting catalysts to a brighter future that involve further studies and learning.
As Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi said, “The most important thing we should be teaching young girls today is teaching them leadership … Nothing is as important as taking up space in society and cementing yourself.”
Agriculture is an industry looking for new leaders to take the industry forward.
“As we kick off a new decade, young people in South Africa have an opportunity to make something of themselves. By registering with AGRICOLLEGES international and applying for funding with the Fundi Fund or FeverTree finance, they can change their future,” concludes Espach.
