AgriCAREERConnect Draws 600 Students to University of Pretoria for a Day of Agricultural Career Inspiration
Agriculture’s future was on full display at the University of Pretoria on 19 August 2026, as approximately 600 students participated in AgriCAREERConnect (ACC), one of South Africa’s leading agricultural career engagement initiatives.
Hosted at the Sanlam Auditorium and Conference Centre, the event brought together students, employers, industry organisations and academic leaders for a day dedicated to connecting young talent with the diverse career opportunities available across the agricultural value chain. The programme featured three specialised sessions focusing on production agriculture, commercial and value chain careers, and the animal industry.
The strong turnout reflected a growing interest among students in exploring career pathways beyond traditional farming roles. With approximately 200 students attending the first session, 250 the second and 150 the third, the event created valuable opportunities for engagement between future graduates and industry representatives.
Bringing Industry Directly to Campus
One of the unique strengths of AgriCAREERConnect is its ability to bring employers and students together in a practical, meaningful environment. Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to hear directly from industry professionals, participate in panel discussions and network with potential employers.
Representatives from leading organisations including Wildeklawer, Citrus Academy, Fruit SA, RussellStone Group, Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum (FPEF), Enza Zaden, Unlimited Group, Meadow Feeds, Astral, Afrivet, AFGRI Animal Feeds and many others shared insights into careers, workplace expectations and industry trends.
The discussions highlighted an important message: modern agriculture offers opportunities for a wide range of qualifications and skill sets, including engineering, commerce, technology, logistics, food science, research and animal production.
An important contributor to the success of the day was Ms Rimbilana Shingange, Lecturer in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Pretoria, who expertly fulfilled the role of Master of Ceremonies. Managing a packed programme of speakers, panel discussions and networking sessions, she kept proceedings running smoothly and ensured that each session remained on schedule despite tight time constraints. Her professionalism, energy and ability to engage both students and industry representatives helped create a seamless experience throughout the day.
CASE IH Tractor on Campus Creates a Buzz
One of the highlights of the day was the CASE IH tractor showcased on campus, an idea sparked by Wildeklawer and coordinated by Agrijob as part of the event experience. The display generated significant interest among students, creating a buzz on campus and reinforcing the message that agriculture is a modern, innovative and technology-driven industry.
The presence of the CASE IH tractor served as a powerful visual reminder of how rapidly agriculture is evolving and how innovation, automation and precision agriculture are creating exciting new career opportunities for young professionals. CASE IH, alongside VKB, was also represented in the expo area, helping students gain a better understanding of careers linked to agricultural mechanisation and technology.
More Than Just Farming
A recurring theme throughout the day was the need to broaden perceptions about careers in agriculture.
Many students arrive at university believing agriculture is limited to farming or production roles. The event demonstrated that the sector encompasses an extensive value chain that includes exports, food processing, engineering, software development, industrial systems, finance, logistics, animal nutrition, research, human resources and marketing.
This message resonated strongly with attendees, particularly during the Commercial and Value Chain Session, where speakers illustrated how graduates from multiple disciplines can build successful careers within the agricultural sector.
Building South Africa’s Agricultural Talent Pipeline
South African agriculture continues to face a significant challenge: employers consistently report shortages of skilled talent, while many graduates struggle to connect with suitable career opportunities.
Events such as AgriCAREERConnect play an important role in bridging this gap. By facilitating direct engagement between students and employers before graduation, the initiative helps students better understand industry needs while providing companies with early access to future talent.
Networking sessions throughout the day allowed students to engage informally with company representatives, ask questions and gain practical insights into careers, internships and graduate opportunities.
Growing Momentum Across South Africa
The University of Pretoria event formed part of AgriCAREERConnect’s growing national programme to connect students with employers across the agricultural value chain.
The 2026 university programme began at Stellenbosch University on 30 July, where students engaged with employers, industry organisations and Agrijob representatives to explore career opportunities across agriculture and agribusiness.
Building on the momentum generated at Stellenbosch, the University of Pretoria event on 19 August attracted approximately 600 students, making it the largest AgriCAREERConnect events hosted to date. The strong attendance confirmed the growing demand among students for meaningful engagement with industry and greater exposure to potential career pathways.
The programme will conclude at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) on 22 September, where another group of future graduates will have the opportunity to connect directly with agricultural employers and learn more about the diverse careers available throughout the value chain.
By reaching students at multiple institutions across South Africa, AgriCAREERConnect is helping to build stronger links between education and employment, while creating a national platform where industry and young talent can engage long before graduation.
Looking Ahead
The success of the University of Pretoria event, coupled with the strong engagement at Stellenbosch University and growing anticipation for the University of Johannesburg event, highlights the importance of creating platforms where students and employers can connect face-to-face.
As agriculture becomes increasingly technology-driven and multidisciplinary, initiatives such as AgriCAREERConnect play a vital role in preparing the next generation of professionals for careers across the sector.
As Marianne van der Laarse, Managing Director of Agrijob, explains:
“The enthusiasm we experienced at both Stellenbosch University and the University of Pretoria demonstrates that students are eager to engage with industry and learn more about the opportunities available within agriculture. We are looking forward to concluding this year’s programme at the University of Johannesburg in September. Our goal is to ensure that every agricultural student has access to employers and career opportunities before they graduate, helping to build the talent pipeline that South African agriculture needs for the future.”
Universities, agricultural employers and industry organisations interested in participating in future AgriCAREERConnect events are encouraged to contact Agrijob and become part of this growing national initiative that is shaping the future of South African agriculture.
Compiled by Majella van der Arend
For More Information
🌐 www.agrijob.co.za
📧 Marianne van der Laarse – marianne@agrijob.co.za | 082 388 1000