VKB Group and Grain Field Chickens are offering several learnership and TVET internship opportunities in the Free State, South Africa for 2026. Opportunities include New Venture Creation Learnership and internships in Agriculture, Engineering, HR, and SHEQ.
Introduction
Young South Africans seeking practical workplace experience in agriculture, engineering, and business development now have an exciting opportunity to launch their careers through a series of learnerships and TVET graduate internships offered by VKB Group and its subsidiary, Grain Field Chickens.
These opportunities are based in the Free State province and are designed to equip young professionals and graduates with industry-relevant skills while providing exposure to one of South Africa’s leading agricultural organizations.
About VKB Group
VKB Group is a well-established agricultural company that plays a significant role in South Africa’s farming and food production sectors. The organization operates across various areas of the agricultural value chain, including grain handling, poultry production, animal feeds, and agricultural services.
Through its skills development initiatives, VKB Group continues to invest in young talent by offering learnerships, internships, and graduate programmes aimed at empowering youth with practical workplace skills and professional development opportunities.
These programmes are particularly valuable for individuals who have completed TVET qualifications or those seeking entry-level exposure in the agricultural and agribusiness industries.
New Venture Creation NQF Level 2 Learnership – Villiers
One of the highlighted opportunities is the New Venture Creation NQF Level 2 Learnership offered at Free State Oil in Villiers.
This programme is designed for individuals interested in entrepreneurship and small business development. The learnership focuses on equipping participants with the foundational knowledge required to start and manage small enterprises effectively.
Learners will gain exposure to key business concepts such as:
- Basic business planning
- Financial literacy
- Marketing fundamentals
- Business operations and management
- Customer service and sales skills
Through structured training and workplace learning, participants will develop both theoretical understanding and practical competencies that can support future entrepreneurial ventures or employment opportunities in business environments.
The learnership was published on 24 February 2026, and the closing date for applications is 08 March 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline to be considered.
Grain Field Chickens TVET Graduate Internship Programme – Reitz
In addition to the learnership, Grain Field Chickens (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary within the VKB Group, has announced several TVET graduate internship opportunities based in Reitz, Free State.
These internships are designed specifically for graduates from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges who are seeking workplace experience aligned with their fields of study.
All internship opportunities were published on 05 March 2026, and applications close on 12 March 2026.
The available internship fields include:
Agriculture TVET Graduate / Intern
The Agriculture internship is ideal for graduates who want hands-on experience in poultry production and modern farming systems.
Interns in this programme will gain exposure to agricultural operations including poultry management, production systems, farm management practices, and biosecurity measures.
Participants will learn how large-scale poultry operations function while developing technical and operational skills within a commercial farming environment.
SHEQ TVET Graduate / Intern
The SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality) internship focuses on workplace compliance, safety standards, and environmental management.
Interns will assist in implementing safety policies, monitoring workplace hazards, and ensuring operational processes meet industry regulations.
This opportunity is particularly valuable for individuals interested in occupational health and safety management within agricultural and manufacturing environments.
Human Resources TVET Graduate / Intern
The Human Resources internship provides exposure to key HR functions within a corporate agricultural business.
Interns will assist with recruitment processes, employee records management, training coordination, and other administrative HR duties.
This programme allows participants to gain insight into workforce management, employee relations, and human capital development within a large organization.
Engineering TVET Graduate / Intern
The Engineering internship is suited for graduates who want practical experience in technical maintenance and operational engineering systems.
Interns will work alongside engineering teams responsible for maintaining production equipment, supporting plant operations, and ensuring machinery operates efficiently.
This experience can be particularly valuable for graduates interested in industrial maintenance, production engineering, or mechanical systems within the agricultural sector.
Why These Opportunities Matter
Learnerships and internships such as these play a crucial role in bridging the gap between education and employment.
Many graduates struggle to enter the workforce due to a lack of practical experience. Programmes offered by companies like VKB Group address this challenge by providing structured workplace exposure combined with mentorship and professional development.
Participants not only gain technical skills but also learn essential workplace competencies such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and professional discipline.
For individuals interested in agriculture, food production, engineering, or business administration, these opportunities offer a valuable pathway into one of South Africa’s most important economic sectors.
Application Deadlines
Prospective applicants should note the following closing dates:
- New Venture Creation NQF2 Learnership (Villiers) – Closing Date: 08 March 2026
- All TVET Graduate Internships (Reitz) – Closing Date: 12 March 2026
Given the popularity of such programmes, early applications are strongly recommended.
Final Thoughts
VKB Group’s continued investment in youth development demonstrates the importance of building future talent within the agricultural industry.
By offering learnerships and internship opportunities across various disciplines, the organization helps equip young South Africans with the skills and experience needed to build sustainable careers.
For aspiring professionals eager to gain real-world exposure and grow within a dynamic industry, these programmes represent an important stepping stone toward long-term career success.
APPLY NOW
