Quality In-Service Trainee Opportunity at Ntional Brands Limited in Pinetown, Durban (2025)
Complete your Food Technology diploma with a 12-month traineeship at National Brands Limited. Contribute to quality assurance in a dynamic manufacturing setting.
About National Brands Limited (NBL)
For over 170 years, National Brands Limited has been at the forefront of South Africa’s biscuit-making heritage.
Our two main biscuit manufacturing plants are located in Isando and Westmead, and both are known for their world-class facilities, passionate teams, and commitment to continuous improvement. The Westmead facility in Pinetown is where you’ll find innovation, quality, and heritage coming together to create the best in baked goods.
Why You Should Apply for This In-Service Traineeship
Joining the team at NBL isn’t just about clocking hours — it’s about gaining real, career-defining experience. Here’s what makes this traineeship different from many others:
- Real Industry Exposure: You won’t be on the sidelines — you’ll be directly involved in the quality assurance process, from monitoring production lines to assisting in lab sample testing and working with food safety systems.
- Make a Difference: Your contributions will impact the quality of products enjoyed by millions of South Africans. You’ll be part of a team that ensures every biscuit that leaves the factory meets the highest standards.
- Opportunities to Grow: Working in a highly structured yet dynamic environment, you’ll be encouraged to bring ideas to the table, participate in projects, and think critically — preparing you for future career roles in the industry.
- Get Involved in NPD Trials: You may even have the chance to participate in New Product Development (NPD) project trials, helping test and perfect new offerings before they hit the shelves.
What You’ll Learn and Experience
As a Quality In-Service Trainee, your experiential learning will be centered on:
- Food Safety Systems: You’ll be exposed to the core principles and practices of food safety in a high-output manufacturing environment.
- In-Process Quality Control: Learn how to conduct checks and balances during production runs to ensure product consistency and compliance with company standards.
- Laboratory Testing: Work with incoming ingredients and raw material samples, supporting the team in ensuring inputs meet specifications.
- Quality Systems Management: Get familiar with documentation, data reporting, audits, and system compliance — all essential for a well-functioning QA department.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for students who meet the following requirements:
Educational Requirements:
- You must have completed a 2-year Food Technology diploma from a recognized institution.
- You should only require the final 1-year of in-service training to complete your qualification.
Additional Skills and Attributes:
- Computer Literacy: You should be comfortable with data entry, basic analysis, and reporting, particularly using MS Excel and other digital tools.
- Flexibility: The food production environment often requires working irregular hours — you must be willing and able to adapt.
- Strong Communication: Clear verbal communication skills will help you collaborate effectively with colleagues and supervisors.
- Leadership Potential: While you’ll be learning, your ability to take initiative and lead small tasks or problem-solve will set you apart.
- Team Player: You must be able to work independently when needed, but also contribute positively in a collaborative setting.
What AVI Limited Looks for in Its Trainees
We’re not just offering you a desk and a time sheet — we’re offering meaningful work, accountability, and responsibility from day one. You’ll be part of a team that values your input and gives you the tools to thrive.
Location and Duration
- Location: Westmead Biscuits Factory, Pinetown, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
- Contract Duration: 12 months
- Start Date: As per agreement following selection
- Application Closing Date: 31 August 2025
How to Apply
If you meet the criteria and are eager to join one of South Africa’s leading food manufacturers, head over to the AVI Limited Careers Portal and submit your application. Be sure to include:
- A copy of your academic transcript
- A letter of motivation explaining your reasons for wanting to work for NBL and how this apprenticeship fits with your professional objectives
- An updated CV
Your Pathway to a Career in Quality Assurance
This traineeship with National Brands Limited isn’t just a stopgap to fulfill your diploma requirement — it’s a potential launchpad for a long-term career in the food manufacturing industry. From world-class mentorship to practical learning and a chance to contribute to household-name brands, you’ll be gaining far more than work experience — you’ll be shaping your professional future.
For more information about AVI Limited and our brands, visit: www.avi.co.za
