VKB – Learner Grain Grader Vacancy 2026

VKB Group is recruiting a Learner Grain Grader for VKB Grain’s GWK Silos and Storage operation in Prieska, Northern Cape. The successful candidate will receive in-service training while assisting with grain sampling, grading, logistics administration and related operational duties.

This permanent, entry-level opportunity is suitable for someone with Grade 12 or an NQF Level 4 qualification, a Code 8 driver’s licence, computer literacy and an interest in agriculture and grain operations.

Important: Although the job title includes the word “Learner”, the vacancy is advertised as a permanent entry-level position with in-service training. It is not described as a registered learnership leading to a separate SAQA qualification.

At a glance

What this opportunity is

This is an entry-level grain-grading position at the GWK Silos and Storage operation in Prieska.

The Learner Grain Grader will oversee the sample-taking process and help ensure that grain is graded according to the relevant procedures, regulations and statutory requirements.

The position also includes incoming and outgoing grain administration, logistics support, general administrative duties and the handling or facilitation of grain-related disputes.

Successful candidates will be required to complete and pass the relevant compulsory grain-grading courses through in-service training.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Oversee the grain sample-taking process.
• Ensure that samples are handled according to the required procedures.
• Grade grain in accordance with applicable procedures and regulations.
• Apply the relevant statutory grain-grading requirements.
• Support the administration of incoming grain.
• Support the administration of outgoing grain.
• Complete logistics-related administrative duties.
• Maintain accurate job-related information and records.
• Assist with operational documentation.
• Handle, facilitate and help resolve disputes.
• Communicate relevant information clearly to the appropriate parties.
• Complete the required in-service training.
• Pass all compulsory grain-grading courses.
• Contribute towards the effective functioning of the grain operation.
• Perform duties thoroughly, precisely and accurately.

Important: VKB may allocate additional reasonable grain-handling, logistics, administration, training or operational duties according to business requirements.

Minimum requirements

• Grade 12 or an NQF Level 4 equivalent qualification.
• A valid Code 8 driver’s licence.
• A clear criminal record.
• Traceable references.
• Computer literacy.
• An administration background.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work thoroughly, precisely and accurately.
• Willingness and ability to complete compulsory in-service training.
• Ability to pass all relevant grain-grading courses.
• Ability to make decisions promptly.
• Ability to identify and analyse problems.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Experience requirement explained

The vacancy is classified as entry level and does not specify a compulsory number of years of experience.

Previous experience in agriculture is listed as advantageous rather than compulsory. Applicants without agricultural experience may therefore apply if they meet the stated qualification, driver’s-licence, computer-literacy and other requirements.

The official application form asks whether candidates have worked in a similar environment. Applicants should answer according to their genuine experience and explain relevant duties clearly on their CVs.

Relevant experience that may strengthen an application

Although previous agricultural experience is not compulsory, the following types of experience may be relevant:

• Work in a grain silo or storage facility.
• Exposure to grain receiving or dispatch operations.
• Agricultural administration.
• Warehouse or stock administration.
• Logistics and transport administration.
• Quality-control or product-inspection duties.
• Sample collection or sample-recording work.
• Accurate recordkeeping and data capturing.
• Handling operational queries or disputes.
• Work requiring compliance with procedures and regulations.

Applicants should describe their actual responsibilities without claiming grain-grading experience or certification they do not have.

Grain-grading training

The selected candidate will be required to complete the relevant grain-grading courses through in-service training.

This means the employee must be willing to attend the required training, understand the applicable procedures and successfully pass all compulsory courses.

The vacancy does not identify the course provider, course duration, assessment format or individual course names. Applicants should not assume that this is a separate registered learnership unless VKB confirms that in writing.

Sample-taking and grain grading

The position involves overseeing sample taking and ensuring that grain is graded according to the correct procedures and legal requirements.

Accuracy is important because grading decisions may affect operational records, grain handling and the resolution of disputes. The successful candidate must therefore follow authorised procedures and escalate uncertainty where necessary.

Applicants are not expected to claim existing grain-grading expertise if they have not yet completed the relevant training. The vacancy specifically provides for grading courses through in-service training.

Logistics and administration

The role includes administration connected with grain entering and leaving the operation. It also involves general job-related administrative work.

Applicants with experience capturing information, checking documentation, maintaining records or supporting incoming and outgoing stock should show this clearly on their CVs.

Information should be recorded accurately and handled according to company procedures. Any discrepancy should be reported or escalated instead of being altered without authority.

Handling and resolving disputes

The Learner Grain Grader may be required to handle, facilitate and help resolve disputes connected with grain grading or related operational processes.

This requires clear communication, careful checking of information and the ability to remain professional when different parties disagree.

The employee should work within the limits of the position and refer matters requiring higher authority to the appropriate supervisor.

Skills and competencies

• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Thorough and precise working habits.
• Computer literacy.
• Administrative ability.
• Clear communication.
• Teamwork and cooperation.
• Quick decision-making.
• Problem identification.
• Analytical thinking.
• Ability to follow procedures.
• Recordkeeping ability.
• Willingness to learn.
• Ability to complete compulsory training.
• Commitment to adding value to current operations.

Afrikaans-language question

The main vacancy does not state a minimum Afrikaans-language requirement. However, the official application questionnaire asks candidates to rate their Afrikaans proficiency from beginner through to proficient or mastery.

Applicants should select the option that accurately reflects their ability. They should not claim a higher level of fluency than they can demonstrate during an interview or in the workplace.

Criminal record and references

The vacancy requires a clear criminal record and traceable references. The application form asks candidates directly whether they have a criminal record.

Applicants should provide correct reference details for people who can confirm their employment history or relevant experience. References should be informed that they may be contacted.

All criminal-record and employment-history questions should be answered truthfully.

Salary information

The vacancy does not state the salary, benefits or total cost-to-company package.

The official application form asks applicants to provide their expected annual cost-to-company salary. Candidates should enter a genuine expectation and understand that this does not confirm what VKB will offer.

Salary, benefits, deductions and other employment conditions should be confirmed directly with VKB if the applicant is shortlisted or receives an offer.

Working arrangements

The position is based at GWK Silos and Storage in Prieska, Northern Cape, and is advertised as permanent.

The vacancy does not state the daily working hours, shift system, weekend requirements, overtime arrangements or transport support.

Applicants should consider whether they can travel reliably to the Prieska operation and confirm the complete working arrangements if shortlisted.

Application questionnaire

The official application form asks candidates about the following:

• Whether they currently work for VKB, NTK or GWK.
• Whether they have a family member working for VKB Group.
• Whether they have a criminal record.
• Their expected salary.
• Whether they have worked in a similar environment.
• Whether they are computer literate in Microsoft Office.
• Whether they have successfully completed Grade 12 or NQF Level 4.
• Their level of Afrikaans proficiency.
• Their expected annual cost-to-company salary.

Applicants should ensure that their answers match their CV, qualifications and actual employment history.

What applicants should understand

This is an operational grain-grading role with a substantial administrative and compliance component. It is not a general farm-worker or stock-only position.

The successful applicant will need to learn the relevant grain-grading rules, pass compulsory courses and apply procedures accurately when handling samples and grain records.

The job is advertised as permanent, but continued employment remains subject to the employer’s policies, performance expectations and employment conditions.

VKB states that it may close or expire vacancies at its own discretion. Applicants should therefore avoid waiting until the final day.

Application checklist

• An updated CV in PDF or Word format.
• A CV without handwritten information.
• Grade 12 or NQF Level 4 details.
• A clear qualification document, if requested.
• A valid Code 8 driver’s licence.
• A clear copy of the driver’s licence, if requested.
• Correct employer names, job titles and employment dates.
• Traceable reference details.
• Examples of administration or logistics experience.
• Details of agricultural experience, where applicable.
• An accurate description of computer and Microsoft Office skills.
• An honest Afrikaans-proficiency assessment.
• A considered annual salary expectation.
• A reliable cellphone number and professional email address.

Need assistance preparing your CV or application documents? Visit our Learnership Resources and Guides.

Important CV-upload instructions

• VKB recommends using Google Chrome when accessing the application portal.
• Upload a clear CV in PDF or Word format.
• Do not submit a CV containing handwritten information.
• Upload only the CV in the designated CV Upload section.
• Do not combine the CV, ID, driver’s licence and other documents into one PDF.
• Use the separate supporting-document fields for other requested files.

The vacancy states that profile photographs should be at least 300 × 300 pixels. However, the current application platform indicates a minimum of 360 × 360 pixels. If uploading a profile photograph, use an image of at least 360 × 360 pixels to reduce the risk of rejection by the upload system.

The application platform accepts profile photographs in PNG, JPG or JPEG format and indicates a maximum file size below 2 MB.

About VKB Group

VKB Group is a South African agricultural enterprise that supports farmers and operates across different parts of the food supply chain, including agricultural services, grain, processing, logistics and market channels. Its regional brands include VKB, GWK and NTK.

Learn more through the official VKB Group website and the official GWK website.

Employment equity

VKB Group is an equal-opportunity employer. Its approved Employment Equity Plan and targets may be considered during recruitment in line with the group’s Employment Equity and Transformation Strategy.

The company also states that it actively supports the recruitment of people with disabilities.

Quick tips for applicants

• Apply before 14 August 2026.
• Submit by 13 August 2026 where possible.
• Show Grade 12 or NQF Level 4 clearly on your CV.
• Include your Code 8 driver’s licence.
• Mention computer and Microsoft Office skills.
• Explain any administration or logistics experience.
• Include agricultural experience where applicable.
• Provide references that can be contacted.
• Answer the criminal-record question honestly.
• Rate your Afrikaans ability accurately.
• Upload the CV and supporting documents separately.
• Use Google Chrome if the portal does not work correctly.

Common application mistakes to avoid

• Assuming this is a registered learnership because of the job title.
• Applying without Grade 12 or NQF Level 4.
• Failing to include a valid Code 8 driver’s licence.
• Submitting a CV with handwritten information.
• Combining the CV and supporting documents into one file.
• Leaving references off the CV.
• Claiming grain-grading certification that has not been completed.
• Overstating Afrikaans or computer proficiency.
• Providing an expected monthly salary when the form asks for annual cost to company.
• Waiting until the final day to submit.

Scam warning (important)

Apply only through the official VKB Simplify recruitment platform.

• Do not pay anyone for an application, interview, training or employment placement.
• Do not pay anyone who claims to guarantee selection.
• Do not share banking PINs, passwords or one-time PINs.
• Do not send personal documents to an unverified social-media account.
• Upload your CV and supporting documents only through an official recruitment channel.

How this opportunity was verified

This opportunity was verified from the official VKB Simplify vacancy for Learner Grain Grader at VKB Grain in Prieska.

The official listing confirmed the employer, division, business unit, Prieska location, permanent employment type, qualification, driver’s-licence requirement, responsibilities, in-service training, posted date and closing date.

The official application form also confirmed the questions relating to current VKB employment, family relationships within the group, criminal record, similar experience, Microsoft Office, Grade 12, Afrikaans proficiency and expected annual salary.

The vacancy does not state the salary, benefits, exact working hours, shift arrangements or names and duration of the compulsory grading courses.

Read more about our process on the How We Verify Listings page.

How to apply

1. Open the official VKB application page below.
2. Confirm that the vacancy is for Learner Grain Grader in Prieska.
3. Read the complete vacancy and application instructions.
4. Prepare a clear CV in PDF or Word format.
5. Complete your personal and contact information.
6. Upload only your CV in the designated CV section.
7. Upload supporting documents separately where requested.
8. Add your work history, education and experience information.
9. Answer the screening questions honestly.
10. Enter your expected annual cost-to-company salary carefully.
11. Check your cellphone number, email address and employment dates.
12. Submit before the closing date.

Application Closing Date

The official closing date is 14 August 2026.

VKB may close vacancies at its discretion. Applicants should submit by 13 August 2026 where possible to reduce the risk of missing the opportunity because of an early closure or technical problem.