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
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 and Education
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 |
