Unilever Packaging Learnerships 2026

Unilever South Africa has officially opened applications for its Automated Packaging Learnerships 2026, offering unemployed youth an excellent opportunity to gain practical manufacturing experience, technical skills, and a nationally recognised qualification.

This learnership is ideal for candidates interested in factory operations, production, engineering, and FMCG manufacturing, while earning workplace experience at one of the world’s leading consumer goods companies.

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About the Unilever Automated Packaging Learnership 2026

The Unilever Automated Packaging Learnership trains learners to package products using automated packaging equipment while strictly maintaining health, safety, quality, and environmental standards.

Participants will gain hands-on experience in:

• Automated production line operations
• Quality control and fault detection
• Mechanical and basic equipment maintenance
• Team communication and line coordination
• Sustainable and eco-efficient manufacturing practices

This learnership combines theoretical training with on-the-job workplace exposure, preparing learners for future employment in the manufacturing and engineering sectors.

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Purpose of the Learnership

The main purpose of the Unilever Automated Packaging Learnership is to:

• Develop skilled operators for automated production environments
• Equip learners with strong safety and quality awareness
• Build business understanding within a high-performance FMCG environment
• Improve employability through accredited workplace training

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Key Responsibilities

Successful learners will be expected to:

• Perform general production line operations and cleaning activities
• Conduct pre-start-up equipment and area checks according to SOPs
• Monitor product and packaging quality and report faults immediately
• Identify process abnormalities and take corrective action
• Clean machinery according to manufacturer and site specifications
• Prepare and verify raw materials for production use
• Maintain personal and team safety at all times
• Support Unilever’s sustainability and eco-efficiency goals
• Complete all learnership requirements, including assessments and logbooks

Behavioural Competencies

Unilever is looking for candidates who demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to excellence and personal accountability
• Resilience, self-care, and a positive work ethic
• The ability to prioritise tasks and focus on high-impact activities
• Problem-solving skills and data-driven thinking
• A customer- and consumer-focused mindset
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and work in teams

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Minimum requirements

To qualify for the Unilever Automated Packaging Learnerships 2026, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• Grade 12 (Matric) with Mathematics and Physical Science, OR
• N2 / N3 / N4 Engineering qualification

Additional requirements may include:

• South African citizenship
• Unemployed youth status
• Willingness to work shifts in a manufacturing environment

Location: Durban, South Africa

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How to Apply for Unilever Automated Packaging Learnerships 2026

Apply here online for for Unilever Automated Packaging Learnerships 2026

Closing date: 21 January 2026