Agri Skills Transfer proudly took home the coveted Stakeholder Excellence Award at the Agri SETA Excellence Awards Ceremony held in Durban last night. Recognised for their outstanding achievements, they were honoured with the award in the category of Innovative Skills Development Project of the Year.
This prestigious recognition comes as a testament to their commitment to revolutionising agricultural education and training. What sets Agri Skills Transfer apart is their unique, hands-on approach to agricultural learning. With their practical farm, industry relationships, and advanced technological infrastructure, they provide students with an immersive learning experience that bridges the gap between theory and practice.
A hands-on training approach
Their students benefit from not only state-of-the-art facilities, but also from the rich, real-world training that takes place on our 11 practical enterprise development training units on the farm. These specialised units cover a range of agricultural disciplines, enabling students to develop practical skills that can immediately be applied in the field. At Agri Skills Transfer, students don’t just learn in the classroom – they work directly with industry experts and technology to hone their craft.
Partnerships with industry experts
One of the cornerstones of their success is the robust relationships we have built with key industry partners, including NGOs, government bodies, the agri media, and international organisations. These partnerships allow them to stay at the forefront of agricultural innovations and ensure their students receive the most up-to-date training. Students regularly engage with industry experts through workshops, seminars, and site visits to some of the country’s largest commercial farms.
Technology and innovation: the heart of our training model
This year, Agri Skills Transfer made a significant leap forward by building a first-of-its-kind sheep feedlot on their farm, housing over 150 sheep. This new facility allows students to gain practical, hands-on experience with modern farming techniques, including precision agriculture and smart farming technologies. Technology is embedded in every aspect of their training, from the farm to the classroom.
Moreover, they developed an online learning platform to make agricultural education accessible to students from remote areas across South Africa, neighbouring countries, and even international learners. The innovative online platform enables learners to access educational resources, video tutorials, live sessions with experts, and virtual field trips, ensuring that students have access to quality education regardless of their geographic location.
Creating opportunities for growth
Their approach is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about creating opportunities for growth. Agri Skills Transfer regularly hosts industry expert workshops, collaborates with initiatives like Food for Mzansi, and connects students with young farmer networks to provide a comprehensive, real-world learning experience. Students also have access to unique networking opportunities with some of the most successful figures in South African agriculture, preparing them for leadership roles in the sector.
Looking forward
“We are incredibly proud to receive this honour from AgriSETA and to be part of the agricultural movement in South Africa,” said Fanny Phetla, acting CEO for Agri Skills Transfer. “This award is not just a recognition of our institution, but also of the hard work of our students, staff, and industry partners who have all contributed to making Agri Skills Transfer a leader in agricultural education and innovation.”
Agri Skills Transfer remains committed to fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders by providing top-tier training, cutting-edge technology, and invaluable industry connections. As they continue to expand and evolve, they look forward to creating even more opportunities for their students and contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector in South Africa and beyond. – Press release, Agri Skills Transfer
