Agriculture Faculty

Agriculture Faculty

The Agriculture Faculty equips learners with the foundational, technical and practical skills required to work sustainably within the agricultural sector. Our programmes combine theoretical learning with hands-on exposure, preparing learners to contribute meaningfully to crop production, livestock management and broader agricultural operations. Learners develop practical competence, environmental awareness and the ability to support agricultural enterprises of different sizes.

Animal Production (NQF Levels 1 to 4)

SAQA IDs: 48970 (NQF 1), 48976 (NQF 2), 49048 (NQF 3), 48979 (NQF 4)

Programme Overview:
The Animal Production qualifications cover core skills needed for livestock farming operations. Learners are trained to carry out daily production activities, follow animal care principles, maintain farm infrastructure, and apply safe handling methods. As they progress through levels, learners gain increasing responsibility, from basic support tasks to supervising activities and understanding production planning.

What learners will gain (across all levels):
• Skills in animal care, feeding, health monitoring and handling
• Understanding of farm hygiene, biosecurity and environmental responsibility
• Practical experience in daily farming operations
• Knowledge of safe equipment use and basic infrastructure maintenance
• Competence in working within commercial or small-scale livestock production systems

NQF Level Breakdown:
NQF 1: Animal Production (SAQA 48970)
• Foundation skills for entry into farming
• Entry Requirements: Communication at NQF 1

NQF 2: Animal Production (SAQA 48976)
• Basic livestock handling, health and production practices
• Entry Requirements: Communication at NQF 2

NQF 3: Animal Production (SAQA 49048)
• Intermediate skills including health checks, feed monitoring and routine farm tasks
• Entry Requirements: Communication at NQF 2 or equivalent

NQF 4: Animal Production (SAQA 48979)
• Supervisory and operational planning skills in animal production
• Entry Requirements: Animal Production NQF 3 or Communication at NQF 3

Career opportunities:
Livestock farm assistant, animal production technician assistant, junior farmhand, feedlot support worker, small-scale livestock farmer.

Plant Production (NQF Levels 2 to 4)

SAQA IDs: 48975 (NQF 2), 49052 (NQF 3), 49009 (NQF 4)

Programme Overview:
The Plant Production pathway provides learners with core competencies for crop farming. Training includes soil preparation, planting, crop care, harvesting and basic record keeping. Higher levels introduce planning, problem solving, and supervision in production systems such as vegetable, fruit, grain or mixed farming.

What learners will gain (across all levels):
• Knowledge of soil health, planting methods and crop maintenance
• Skills in irrigation, fertilisation and pest management
• Practical training in harvesting and post-harvest handling
• Understanding of farm safety and environmental care
• Ability to support or supervise crop production activities

NQF Level Breakdown:
NQF 2: Plant Production (SAQA 48975)
• Basic plant care and crop production activities
• Entry Requirements: Communication at NQF 2

NQF 3: Plant Production (SAQA 49052)
• Intermediate crop management practices
• Entry Requirements: NQF 2 or equivalent

NQF 4: Plant Production (SAQA 49009)
• Supervisory, planning and problem-solving skills in crop farming
• Entry Requirements: NQF 3

Career opportunities:
Crop farm assistant, irrigation assistant, nursery worker, farm operator, small-scale crop producer.

Landscaping (NQF 3)

SAQA ID: 66649
NQF Level: 3

Programme Overview:
This qualification provides skills for basic landscaping operations including plant selection, soil preparation, garden installation and maintenance. Learners are trained to support the creation and upkeep of residential, commercial and community landscapes.

What learners will gain:
• Planting, pruning and garden maintenance skills
• Knowledge of soil, mulch, irrigation and plant selection
• Experience in maintaining outdoor spaces and landscapes
• Understanding of safety in outdoor environments

Entry Requirements:
Communication at NQF 2

Career opportunities:
Landscaping assistant, grounds maintenance worker, garden technician, nursery assistant.