If you’re a young South African between the ages of 18 and 35, currently unemployed, and not studying — this could be the opportunity that sets your career in motion. Sumitomo Rubber South Africa, the powerhouse behind leading tyre brands like Dunlop, Falken, and Sumitomo, is offering Youth Employment Service YES learnerships opportunities at its manufacturing facility in Ladysmith.
These positions are ideal for those seeking practical, hands-on experience in the industrial engineering or operations planning fields — both critical roles in South Africa’s fast-growing manufacturing sector.
This isn’t just a chance to gain experience — it’s a real stepping stone into the formal workforce. Whether you’re fresh out of college or looking for your first real job, the YES Programme helps bridge the gap between education and employment.
What is the YES Learnership Programme?
The Youth Employment Service (YES) is a national initiative launched to tackle South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis. By partnering with companies like Sumitomo Rubber South Africa, YES creates work opportunities that equip young people with real-world experience, increase their employability, and prepare them for long-term career success. It’s a 12-month workplace experience programme that opens doors in industries that are usually hard to access without prior exposure.
At Sumitomo Rubber South Africa, successful applicants will gain valuable work exposure in one of two key departments:
- Industrial Engineering (IE)
- Operations Planning
By being placed in either area, you’ll learn how a major industrial facility runs from the inside — from the processes that optimize production lines to the planning required to meet client demands on time.
Why Apply? Key Benefits of This YES Opportunity
- Real-World Experience: Get first-hand experience in a corporate manufacturing environment, which will make your CV stand out.
- Mentorship and Training: You’ll work alongside experienced professionals who are eager to guide and teach you.
- Career Development: Learn in-demand skills that can open doors to further employment or study opportunities after the programme.
- Job Readiness: This programme equips you with the soft and hard skills employers are looking for — especially in industrial and logistics-related careers.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for motivated, unemployed young South Africans who are eager to learn and begin building a professional career. You should consider applying if you:
- Are a South African citizen aged 18–35 years
- Are currently unemployed
- Are not enrolled in any form of studies during the YES Programme period
- Have not previously participated in a YES Programme
- Possess good communication skills and are proficient in both written and spoken English
- Have a qualification relevant to either Industrial Engineering or Operations Planning
Attributes Needed:
- Strong sense of self-discipline
- Demonstrated willingness to learn
- Positive attitude and adaptability in a fast-paced environment
This is not just another internship. It’s a well-structured career pathway into one of South Africa’s most respected industrial manufacturers.
Important Application Details
If you meet the above requirements and are ready to start building your future, here’s how to apply:
- Send your CV to: careers@srigroup.co.za
- Application Deadline: 26 June 2025
- More Information: Visit www.srigroup.co.za
What Is It Like Working at Sumitomo Rubber South Africa?
Located in Ladysmith, this site is a hub of modern tyre manufacturing. Employees work in a structured, professional environment that emphasizes safety, learning, and continuous improvement. Being part of the team gives you front-row access to how global industrial standards are implemented on a local level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I study part-time while doing this programme?
A: No. One of the eligibility requirements is that applicants must not be enrolled in any studies during the duration of the programme.
Q: Is there a job guarantee after completing the programme?
A: Although full-time employment after the YES programme is not guaranteed, many participants have found work as a direct result of the experience and networks they build during the year.
This YES Learnership from Sumitomo Rubber South Africa offers more than just a short-term work placement. It provides a real opportunity for growth, development, and future employability in two of the most important fields in the manufacturing industry. If you’re committed to taking control of your future and are eager to prove yourself in a professional setting, this programme is for you.
Don’t wait until the last minute — prepare your CV, highlight your relevant qualifications, and send your application to careers@srigroup.co.za today.
