The Influence of Agricultural Learnership Programme on Graduates’ Job Prospects

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to scrutinise the effectiveness of the agricultural learnership programme at Owen Sitole College of Agriculture, focusing on the perspectives of its graduates. By exploring their experiences, the study seeks to uncover the strengths and weaknesses of learnership training. The primary goal is to assess graduates’ satisfaction with the program, its impact on their employability, the practical skills acquired, and its relevance to their current employment. Study design/methodology/approach: 42 participants were recruited for the study, and their demographic characteristics, including gender and age distribution, were analysed. Employing a mixed-method approach, the study aimed to gather comprehensive insights into participants’ experiences and perceptions of the agricultural learnership program. Findings: The findings revealed that 82.1% of the participants reported satisfaction with the agricultural learnership program at Owen Sitole College of Agriculture, highlighting its effectiveness in addressing the skill development needs of unemployed youth. However, only 56.1% of the graduates secured employment upon completion, indicating potential improvement in job placement outcomes. While most graduates gained practical experience in business skills, livestock management, and routine agricultural practices, some participants expressed the need for a stronger emphasis on acquiring professional and experiential skills. Based on the study’s outcomes, it is recommended that the program undergo tailored adjustments to better align with the specific needs of recipients, ensuring a more impactful and relevant agricultural skills development learnership training at Owen Sitole College. Originality/value: The insightful recommendations offered in this study have the potential to guide policymakers in making informed decisions, leading to improved outcomes for the targeted population involved in the learnership development. Additionally, the study contributes valuable information to the existing body of literature and can serve as a foundation for future agricultural research endeavours.