Elsenburg Agriculture Training Institute Courses or programmes offered

Elsenburg Agriculture Training Institute Short Courses

Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute also provides short courses for commercial farmers, small holder farmers, land reform beneficiaries and all agricultural interested parties. Short courses are presented on farms, in rural communities, at the FET decentralised training centres based in George, Oudtshoorn, Bredasdorp, Clanwilliam and Elsenburg.

Should an employer wish to train his staff in his own orchards or vineyards, and with his own equipment, this can be arranged. These short courses cover a wide range of study fields, including Irrigation, Tractor Maintenance, AVCASA (responsible handling of agricultural chemicals), Marketing, Financial Management and Vegetable Production, etc.

The focus of these short courses is on the practical applications, supported by relevant theoretical principles. Once completed, students will have the required skills to cope with the demands of the workplace.

To ensure we assist municipalities and other government departments with the implementation of food gardens for communities and households. farmer support and Development.

Elsenburg Agriculture Training Institute B. Agric Degree

At Elsenburg we are proud of more than a century of offering quality training in agriculture. Students not only have the opportunity to study at one the most prominent agricultural training institutions in the country, but our relationship with the University of Stellenbosch ensures that students can participate in the full range of sport and other student activities.

Our campus is based in the beautiful Cape Winelands. A three-year B.Agric degree course is offered in association with the University of Stellenbosch which prepares the student for participation in a wide spectrum of agricultural careers. The qualification is aimed at those who wish to pursue a career in farming or in the agricultural sector. The student is equipped with production, technical and management skills.

B. Agric Degree Programme
(three years)
(In association with the University of Stellenbosch)

Main study fields: Pastures, Animal Production (Small stock), Animal Production (Large stock), Vegetable Cultivation, Cellar Management, Pomology, Extension, Viticulture, Oenology

Admission requirements: National Senior Certificate; 4 (50-59%) in 4 recommended university admission subjects: Afrikaans/English and Maths/*Maths literacy and Physical, Life or Agricultural Sciences & one of the following: business studies, Dramatic arts, economics, geography, history, religious studies, information technology, engineering graphics and design, music, accountancy, consumer studies, visual arts, languages. *5 (60-69%) Maths literacy

Elsenburg Agriculture Training Institute Higher Certificate in Agriculture

A two-year Higher Certificate in Agriculture course is offered which prepares the student for participation in a wide spectrum of agricultural careers. The qualification is aimed at those who wish to pursue a career in farming or in the agricultural sector. The student is equipped with production, technical and management skills.

The Higher Certificate in Agriculture is a two-year course specialising in one of seven programme options: Animal production & Vegetable production/Agronomy; Pomology & Viticulture; Agricultural Extension & Animal production/Agronomy; Vegetables/Viticulture/Pomology.

An objective is to maintain a healthy balance between theory and practice and practicing the philosophy of “Training by doing” is an important feature during practical sessions. Close collaboration with researchers from the Department of Agriculture and commercial farmers is a special supporting feature, enhancing the standard of tuition.

Admission requirements:

National Senior Certificate; 3 (40-49%) in 4 recommended university admission subjects: Afrikaans/ English and Maths/*Maths literacy and Physical, Life or Agricultural Sciences and one of the subjects mentioned for the B. Agric programme. *Maths literacy on 4(50-59%).

Elsenburg Agriculture Training Institute Diploma in Agriculture: Cellar Technology

Training in Cellar Technology is very popular, with 85% of the wine-makers in the Western Cape having acquired their qualifications at Elsenburg. The practical training provided is unique and past students leave the Institute as professional and proficient wine-makers with expertise on a commercial scale. This is a modular programme aimed at training candidates as wine-makers.
Admission requirements: Higher Certificate with Oenology as a major subject (NQF 5).
B. Agric with Oenology up to second year level.

Elsenburg Agriculture Training Institute Diploma in Agriculture

The one-year Diploma in Agriculture is a modular experience teaching programme regarding the Production field, Agricultural Management and Natural Resource Management. These programmes aim to equip students with skills in managing of enterprises in plant production from seedling preparation, through planting and general management to marketing
At Elsenburg we are proud of more than a century of offering quality training in agriculture. Students not only have the opportunity to study at one the most prominent agricultural training institutions in the country, but our relationship with the University of Stellenbosch ensures that students can participate in the full range of sport and other student activities.
Admission requirements:
Higher Certificate in Agriculture

Elsenburg Agriculture Training Institute Diploma in Extension

The one-year Diploma in Extension is a modular experience teaching programme enabling the student to experience various aspects of Extension Science, supplemented by assignments. Agricultural extension is the application of scientific research and new knowledge to agricultural practices through farmer education.

Admission requirements: Higher Certificate in Agriculture or an equivalent qualification. Also suitable for extension officers in disciplines other than agriculture, e.g. nature conservation, health, social services, etc.

Elsenburg Agriculture Training Institute Equine Studies

Equine Studies follows the EQASA qualification (Equine Qualifications Authority of SA). Modules 1-3 are studies in the first year and modules 4 & 5 in the second year.
Module 1:      EQASA: Professional Groom
Entry level subjects on horse handling, use and care of equipment in general use. Learning about the horse’s natural life style, actions and re-actions.
Module 2:      EQASA Certificate: Professional Head Groom
Building on the first module, with more in-depth know-ledge required. Learning the symptoms and signs of ill/good health in an equine. Lunging a trained horse for exercise. A comprehensive knowledge of all equipment in common use including a double bridle.
Module 3:      EQASA Certificate: Professional Stable Yard Manager
Many of the subjects that were incorporated together in the previous modules now become ‘stand-alone’ subjects. An in-depth understanding of conformation, horse health, hoof care, feeding and diet and business management is required.
There is a written General Knowledge paper at this level in which learners must demonstrate understanding of equine terminology as well as stable yard construction. Learners must have a valid Level 1 First Aid Certificate.
Module 4:      EQASA Certificate – Assistant Coach
Assessment requirement: Successful completion of modules 1-3.

Candidates will ride a trained horse on the flat and over jumps of up to 0.85m. Teach a group of leaners showing control and the ability to teach the basic position on the flat and over fences. How to apply the aids to communicate with the horse, and complete a written paper on the theory of teaching. Present a log book of 25 hours of teaching practise. A log book of riding lessons received, both these books to be signed off by a registered and qualified instructor.

Module 5: Professional Equestrian Coach (Level 1)
EQASA Certificate – International level 1 Coach
This Certificate is the first of three International Level Coach’s qualifications. Candidates must have a grade 12 (matric) certificate. They will be require to ride two horses, one of which will jump a course of up to 1m, ride and assess a strange horse.

Teach a group jumping lessons
Teach an individual dressage lesson
Complete a written paper
Log 70 hours of teaching practise
Log 30 hours of personal riding
Candidates need to be active in equestrian sports, both competing and coaching to be successful at this level.

STABLE YARD SKILLS & COMPETENCY CERTIFICATES

These stage certificates will introduce a person who is new to the industry the very basics of horse care and handling as well as an introduction to horse ‘body language’ and behaviour. Hopefully this will lead them into gaining a National Qualification through the EQASA programme.

Stage 1: This is the entry level qualification for grooms wishing to work in the equestrian industry. The subjects are general stable and yard hygiene, recognising horse behaviour, leading a horse, grooming and cleaning the feet. The assessment is done on site and in a practical manner.

Stage 2: At this level candidates are introduced to horse physiology, health, lunging, grooming and trimming as for a show and travelling. The subjects studied in Stage 1 are covered in more depth, horse care and handling are taught in greater depth for more understanding.

Stage 3: All the above subjects are covered in greater depth with the introduction of some new subjects such as tack, ill health / good health etc. Any compatible subject with EQASA module 1 that is successfully completed will receive credits for that module and not have to be repeated.

These Competency Certificates are seen as entry level and will hopefully enable learners to go on to taking the National EQASA Certificates in horse care and management.