Horticultural Training Programmes at SANBI
Two-year Horticultural Internship Programme
Introduction
At Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden horticulture interns benefit from diverse experiences which include exploring their field of interest beyond our Garden walls. The aim of the training programme is to develop the skills of newly qualified horticulturists in the practical application of theoretical principles in horticulture with specific reference to botanical gardens. While we do not have formal courses, there are many educational opportunities since real learning comes from interacting with our staff of professional horticulturists, curators and botanists.
Eligibility
The programme is suitable for South Africans who have successfully completed their National Diploma in Horticulture. A good working knowledge of the English language is essential. There is an intake of four candidates every second year. People throughout South Africa are eligible to apply.
Overview of programme
The first two weeks of the programme are dedicated to Orientation. Interns will have a garden project for the duration of their programme. This will be in the form of an area in the garden that is already developed and requires on-going maintenance and improvement. The projects will be under the supervision of the horticulturist in charge of that garden section. Interns will be solely responsible for all the propagation, maintenance, soil preparation, planting and labeling of the section.
Two specialist plant collections, e.g. Ericas, Bulbs, Cycads are selected by each intern for study during the programme. The first collection block falls within the first year and the next one in the second year.
Interns will present weekly plant identification sessions using the botanical garden's indigenous flora.
Kiosk displays provide an opportunity for interns to explore their creativity in showcasing specimens at their peak in high traffic locations around the garden.
Interns will be expected to write reports. Each intern will submit monthly, one-page reports detailing all their activities and work done for the month. Apart from the monthly reports, an annual report detailing garden projects and a report for each specialist plant collection will also be expected.
Second year interns will be expected at the end of their two-year period to give a short presentation on their projects completed during the preceding two years.
Certification
Consideration for the awards of a certificate will take account of the intern's practical performance in garden projects, plant collections, plant identification and overall training progress.
General
Interns work 40 hours per week. Accommodation will be provided if available and a fixed monthly allowance is paid. A maximum of 22 days leave are granted per year. Garden policies apply to interns as they do to other Garden employees. A valid driver's license will be an advantage.
How to apply
Six-month In-service Horticultural Student Programme
Introduction
Practical training in indigenous flora is provided to second and third year students who study horticulture (National Diploma Horticulture) as an introduction to a horticultural career. Two posts are available per year in each of the following gardens: Kirstenbosch NBG, Cape Town; Free State NBG, Bloemfontein; Lowveld NBG, Nelspruit; Natal NBG, Pietermaritzburg; Walter Sisulu NBG, Roodepoort.
Eligibility
A good working knowledge of the English language is essential.
Overview of programme
The first two weeks of the programme are dedicated to Orientation. Students will have a garden project for the duration of their programme. This will be in the form of an area in the garden that is already developed and requires on-going maintenance and improvement. The projects will be under the supervision of the horticulturist in charge of that garden section. Students will be solely responsible for all the propagation, maintenance, soil preparation, planting and labeling of the section.
Students will present weekly plant identification sessions using the botanical garden's indigenous flora.
Kiosk displays provide an opportunity for students to explore their creativity in showcasing specimens at their peak in high traffic locations around the garden.
Students will be expected to write reports. Each student will submit monthly, one-page reports detailing all their activities and work done for the month. A major report on their garden project will also be expected in the last month of contract. A good working knowledge of the English language is essential.
Certification
Consideration for the awards of a certificate will take account of the student's practical performance in garden projects, plant identification and overall training progress.
General
Students work 40 hours per week. Accommodation is provided where available and a fixed monthly salary is paid. A maximum of 11 days leave are granted. Garden policies apply to students as they do to other Garden employees
How to apply
Kirstenbosch Scholarship
Introduction
The Kirstenbosch Scholarship is provided to qualified horticulturists with at least two years experience. Candidates should have a special aptitude for botany and research work connected with indigenous flora. The duration of the scholarship is one year.
Overview of programme
Although scholars do no follow a set training programme they must show drive, enthusiasm, initiative and be self-reliant.
The first two weeks are dedicated to Orientation. Scholars will have a garden project for the duration of their programme. This will be in the form of an area in the garden that is already developed and requires upgrading and-going maintenance. The projects will be under the supervision of the horticulturist in charge of that garden section. Scholars will be solely responsible for all the propagation, maintenance, soil preparation, planting and labeling of the section.
Scholars will present weekly plant identification sessions using the botanical garden's indigenous flora.
Kiosk displays provide an opportunity for scholars to explore their creativity in showcasing specimens at their peak in high traffic locations around the garden.
Scholars will be expected to write reports. Each scholar will submit monthly, one-page reports detailing all their activities and work done for the month. A major report on their garden project will also be expected in the last month of contract.
Scholars will be expected to give a short presentation on their project. This will be in the last month of contract.
General
Scholars work 40 hours per week. Accommodation is provided if available and a fixed monthly allowance is paid. A maximum of 22 days leave are granted per year. Garden policies apply to scholars as they do to other Garden employees. All scholars must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
How to apply
Studentships in Research
M Sc Study bursaries
Bursaries are available for MSc students from previous disadvantaged groups. These bursaries are valid for two years for students who wish to further their studies in botany by researching a topic of interest to the NBI.
Bursaries for Research students at Technikons.
(1 at each Research Centre ):
Duration: Dependant on practical training requirements of course.
Applying for the programmes in Horticulture
Two year Horticultural Internship Programme
- Applications are invited from South Africans possessing a National Diploma in Horticulture, a desire for knowledge on indigenous plant and the ability to deal with all levels of staff.
- Applications must be made by September (for January intake).
Six month in service Horticultural Student programme
- Applications are invited from second and third year South African students who study horticulture (National Diploma Horticulture).
- Applications must be made by September (for January intake) and April (for July intake).
- The following originals are required to complete your file for application:
- Your letter of interest in applying for this programme
- A short updated resume about your education and experience
- Your goals while training at the South African National Biodiversity Institute
- Three letters of recommendation, from lecturers, supervisors, associates, etc
- A copy of your qualification (only when applying for the Two-year Horticultural Internship Programme)
- Your latest results (only when applying for the Six-month In-service Horticultural Student programme). Please include certified copies of your results from the Technikon/University
- Completed, signed and dated application form
Print out, complete and send application form
Application Form ( Ms Word document)
Application Form (.pdf file)
Kirstenbosch Scholarship
The Institute for Environment and Recreation Management administers the Kirstenbosch Scholarship. Applications are invited from people possessing a National Diploma in Horticulture and with at least two years experience. Applications must be made by September (for January intake)
Application forms are available from:
The Secretary
The Institute of Environment and Recreation Management
PO Box 868
FERNDALE 2160
Telephone: (011) 789 1384 :Fax: (011) 789 1385
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