On 1 February, a new internship programme was launched at FABI under the auspices of the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Plant Health Biotechnology (CPHB). Co-funded by the South African Cultivar and Technology Agency (SACTA) and the Tree Protection Co-operative Programme (TPCP), the internship is designed to equip talented graduates with a highly sought-after skillset in disease management. To do this, the interns, Amy Collop, Harris Keetse, Lungani Nkosi, Jabulile Mahlangu, Nakana Kekgotswe, Petros Malele and Welapie Maluleke, will work within FABI’s biocontrol facility, screening programme, plant clinics and extension teams to gain a well-rounded experience. In addition to their work in these roles, they will attend workshops and professional courses on pest risk analyses, communication, scientific writing, CV writing, cover letter design, etc. At the end of the internship, successful candidates will be better prepared and more employable for the agricultural and forestry sector, bringing with them much needed capacity to improve South Africa’s response to pests and pathogens.