Agri Export Technologist Programme
Agri-Export Technologist Programme: The 2011/2012 intake applications started in October 2010 and close on 07 February 2011.The selection process will take place between February and March, and placement will commence on 01 April 2011 until 31 March 2012. All other applications received after the closing date will be reviewed for the 2012/2013 intake.
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PPECB, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, the AgriSeta and the EU, will soon be launching one of the most exciting technical training programmes in the industry. The purpose of the programme is to establish 100 competent black export perishable supply chain technologists.
The technologists will be trained across the entire supply chain and the programme is designed around six key building blocks, namely:
- Formal training to obtain the accredited qualification
- A seminar to expose learners to innovation and trends in the industry
- Practical and ‘on-the-job’ training
- Placement into formal employment for successful candidates
- To maximize the impact, learners will have to pass on their knowledge by mentoring black farmers under the supervision of senior PPECB personnel.
- The opportunity to specialize in a sector e.g. Citrus
The curriculum will require that the learners are able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of Export Legislation and Certification
- Understand the factors influencing Export Viability
- Demonstrate an understanding of the Cold Chain and thereby identify risks and the ability to react timeously
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of Food Safety aspects including GAP, GMP, GDP, traceability and responsible use and handling of pesticides
- Display knowledge of the principles of Total Quality Management and the related system and benchmarked practices being implemented.
- Apply Quality Assurance practices with a thorough understanding of quality systems to a specific product grouping (i.e. deciduous, citrus, subtropical, processing etc)
- Coach and Mentor individuals
Since this programme is not only aimed at training technologists for placement within the PPECB but also the entire industry, it will form the foundation of the PPECB’s Social Responsibility programme.
The costs of the programme amount to approximately R6,4m, to fund the programme over a three year period. At the moment, our funding partners are the Department of Agriculture, the Agriseta and the EU.
More information can be obtained from the People Development Facilitator: Siviwe Magidigidi (siviwem@ppecb.com).



