Horticultural Learnership Programme 2026 – Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (60 Positions Available)
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo is offering an exciting Horticultural Learnership Programme for 2026 aimed at unemployed South African youth who are passionate about plants, environmental care, and outdoor work. This programme provides valuable hands-on experience in horticulture while equipping learners with practical skills needed in landscaping, nursery management, and environmental maintenance.
With 60 learnership positions available, this opportunity is ideal for young people who want to build a career in horticulture, agriculture, environmental services, or municipal parks management.
📍 Location
Johannesburg, Gauteng
🏢 Organisation
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
📄 Job Reference
HOL11022026
🏭 Industry
Horticulture / Agriculture
📆 Programme Type
Temporary Learnership
👥 Number of Positions
60
📅 Posted Date
11 February 2026
About Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo is responsible for the management and maintenance of parks, cemeteries, nature reserves, street trees, and public green spaces across the City of Johannesburg. The organisation plays a critical role in environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and creating safe recreational spaces for communities.
Through its learnership programmes, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo actively supports youth development, skills training, and job creation within the environmental and horticultural sectors.
About the Horticultural Learnership Programme
This learnership is designed to provide unemployed youth with both theoretical knowledge and practical horticultural experience. Learners will be trained in plant care, landscaping, nursery practices, environmental protection, and workplace safety.
Participants will gain exposure to real-life horticultural operations while developing skills that can lead to future employment in:
- Landscaping and garden services
- Nurseries and plant production
- Municipal parks and green space management
- Environmental conservation projects
- Agricultural support services
Key Learning Areas and Responsibilities
Throughout the programme, learners will participate in hands-on horticultural activities, including:
🌱 Plant Care and Maintenance
- Preparing soil for planting by identifying soil types and improving soil conditions
- Planting ornamental and herbaceous plants in landscaped areas
- Pruning and shaping trees, shrubs, and decorative plants
- Applying appropriate fertilisers to plants and seedlings
- Watering landscaped areas and managing irrigation systems
🌿 Propagation and Cultivation
- Growing plants from seeds and stem cuttings
- Using correct growth media in plant containers
- Identifying and caring for ornamental seedlings in nurseries
- Supporting nursery operations and plant development
🐜 Pest and Weed Control
- Removing weeds and invasive plants manually and chemically
- Applying pest control methods to protect plants
- Mixing and using herbicides and pesticides safely
🌍 Environmental and Safety Practices
- Following health and safety procedures in horticultural environments
- Applying environmental protection measures
- Learning sustainable land care practices
🔧 Technical and Physical Skills
- Safely operating horticultural tools and machinery such as lawn mowers
- Performing physical outdoor work in different weather conditions
- Maintaining work areas and equipment
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
🎓 Education:
- Grade 12 (Matric) certificate or NQF Level 4 qualification
👤 Age Range:
- Between 18 and 35 years
🇿🇦 Citizenship & Residency:
- South African citizens
- Must reside within Johannesburg regions
📋 Employment Status:
- Must be currently unemployed
♿ Inclusivity:
- People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
Knowledge and Skills (Advantageous)
- Basic understanding of health and safety in horticultural environments
- Knowledge of soil science and plant growth basics
- Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively
- Willingness to learn technical horticultural skills
Physical Requirements
Due to the nature of the work, learners must:
✔ Be physically fit and healthy
✔ Be comfortable working outdoors
✔ Be able to perform manual labour tasks
Why Join This Learnership?
Participants will benefit from:
✅ Practical workplace experience
✅ Horticultural skills training
✅ Exposure to environmental conservation work
✅ Improved employability
✅ Career pathways in agriculture and landscaping
✅ Contribution to community green spaces
Important Notes for Applicants
- Selection is competitive and based on meeting eligibility requirements
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews or assessments
- Completion of the programme does not guarantee permanent employment
- Learners must commit fully to the training period
🌟 Final Thoughts
The Horticultural Learnership Programme at Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo is an excellent opportunity for young South Africans to gain valuable environmental and agricultural skills while contributing to the beautification and sustainability of Johannesburg’s public spaces.
If you are passionate about nature, eager to learn, and ready to work outdoors, this programme could be the first step toward a rewarding career in horticulture.