Unilever is offering a 12-month Unemployed Learnership Programme for 2026 in Supply Chain at its Indonsa Factory in Newlands, KwaZulu-Natal. This onsite opportunity provides hands-on factory training, a monthly stipend, and nationally relevant skills for unemployed youth.
Unilever has opened applications for its Unemployed Learnership Programme 2026, a structured 12-month onsite programme aimed at unemployed South African youth who want to gain practical experience in a world-class manufacturing environment.
This learnership is based at the Indonsa Factory in Newlands, KwaZulu-Natal, and forms part of Unilever’s Supply Chain function. It is designed to equip learners with technical, operational, and workplace skills while working on real production lines.
About the Unemployed Learnership Programme 2026
The Unilever Unemployed Learnership Programme focuses on developing packaging and production skills using automated equipment, while maintaining strict health, safety, quality, and environmental standards.
Learners will gain exposure to:
- Factory operations and production line coordination
- Mechanical and basic maintenance concepts
- Quality control and operational problem-solving
- Sustainable and eco-efficient manufacturing practices
This is a full-time, onsite learnership running for 12 months, with a monthly stipend paid for the duration of the programme.
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Programme Overview
- Programme Type: Unemployed Learnership
- Duration: 12 Months
- Function: Supply Chain
- Reports To: Site Learning Manager
- Location: Indonsa Factory, Newlands, KwaZulu-Natal
- Work Model: Onsite (Factory-based)
- Compensation: Monthly stipend
Relocation assistance is not provided. Applicants must already reside in the area or be willing to relocate at their own cost.
Job Purpose
The purpose of this learnership is to train participants to package products using automated packaging equipment while meeting Unilever’s safety, quality, and operational standards. Learners will also develop strong communication skills to support effective line operations and teamwork.
Key Responsibilities
Learners appointed to the programme will be expected to:
- Perform general production line operations and cleaning activities
- Conduct pre-start-up checks to ensure equipment and work areas are safe and compliant
- Monitor product and packaging quality and report faults immediately
- Identify process abnormalities and take corrective action where required
- Clean machinery according to site and manufacturer specifications
- Prepare and verify raw materials before production use
- Maintain personal safety and support team safety at all times
- Contribute to an eco-efficient and sustainable work environment
- Complete all learnership assessments, logbooks, and assignments
Required Qualifications
To qualify for the Unilever Unemployed Learnership 2026, applicants must have:
- A National Senior Certificate (Matric) with Mathematics and Science
or - An N2, N3, or N4 Engineering qualification
Applicants must be unemployed and available to commit for the full 12-month duration of the programme.
Behavioural Expectations
Unilever is looking for candidates who demonstrate:
- A strong commitment to excellence and personal responsibility
- Focus, discipline, and the ability to prioritise effectively
- Willingness to learn, adapt, and improve continuously
- Awareness of safety, quality, and operational standards
- Teamwork, communication, and accountability
Employment Equity and Inclusion
Unilever is an equal opportunity employer and is deeply committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity. All applicants will receive fair consideration, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process where required.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through Unilever’s official careers platform.
Interested candidates should search for Job ID: R-1174192 and complete the online application process.
Conclusion
The Unilever Unemployed Learnership 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for unemployed youth to gain real factory-based experience within a globally respected organisation. With structured training, hands-on exposure, and a monthly stipend, this 12-month programme provides a strong foundation for a future career in manufacturing and supply chain operations.
If you are ready to commit, learn, and grow in a high-standard production environment, this learnership can be a powerful step toward long-term employability.
