Are you a recent Chemical Engineering or Pulp & Paper Technology graduate looking for hands-on industrial experience? If you’re eager to apply your academic knowledge in a high-impact, real-world environment, the Mondi Work Integrated Learning Programme could be the perfect next step.
The programme is ideal for graduates who are ready to gain industry exposure, develop vital production and safety skills, and build a long-term career in a globally recognized organisation.
Work Integrated Learning Programme in Chemical Engineering – Entry-Level Opportunity in Durban & Richards Bay
If you’re a graduate in Chemical Engineering or Pulp & Paper Technology, now is the time to take your qualifications into the real world. Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, is offering a 6-month Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programme designed to give you hands-on experience in heavy industry operations.
This opportunity is perfect for those who have completed their P1 and P2 training (or are in the process), achieved solid academic results, and are now looking to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Whether you’re just starting your career journey or looking for structured industrial experience, Mondi’s programme provides an environment where learning is continuous, safety is paramount, and your growth matters.
Why Join Mondi’s Work Integrated Learning Programme?
Joining this programme means much more than ticking off an internship or in-service training requirement. It’s about building a technical foundation, developing real-world skills, and learning directly from industry professionals.
Here’s what makes this programme worth your time:
- Practical Industry Exposure: Learn within a real production environment in one of South Africa’s key industrial sectors.
- Structured Learning Path: Gain targeted skills in operations, safety, quality control, and troubleshooting.
- Mentorship and Guidance: Work alongside experienced operators and supervisors who are invested in your success.
- Global Brand Recognition: A chance to work for Mondi, a multinational corporation with operations in over 30 countries.
What Is the Work Integrated Learning Programme?
The WIL Programme at Mondi is a 6-month fixed-term opportunity designed to equip recent graduates with the skills and competencies required for entry-level operator roles. This programme plays a key role in addressing future skills needs within the pulp and paper industry, and it focuses on:
- Workplace readiness and training
- Process safety
- Equipment handling and troubleshooting
- Production optimization
- Compliance with environmental and operational standards
Upon completion, participants are deemed competent to perform entry-level operations, setting the stage for further employment opportunities or permanent roles within the organization.
Programme Requirements – Are You Eligible?
Minimum Educational Requirements:
- A 60% average academic pass rate or higher
- P1 & P2 completed in a heavy industry setting (advantageous, but not mandatory)
- Valid South African Driver’s License
This opportunity is ideal for individuals who are committed to learning, open to shift-based work, and capable of performing hands-on operational tasks in a fast-paced industrial environment.
What Will You Be Doing in This Programme?
This is a hands-on training programme with clearly defined responsibilities that will introduce you to the key functions of production and plant operations. You’ll work as part of a production team, gaining foundational experience that will prepare you for an entry-level operator role.
Key Deliverables and Tasks Include:
- Performing entry-level production tasks, including housekeeping, pre-start checks, and assisting with plant start-ups and shutdowns
- Routine plant inspections to identify issues and reduce downtime
- Following safety protocols and process procedures as outlined in company policies
- Engaging with equipment and production teams to understand operational flows
- Learning basic troubleshooting and maintenance tasks
- Navigating internal systems using Microsoft Office and SAP
What Will You Learn by the End of the Programme?
The goal of this programme is to ensure that each participant is work-ready and technically competent. Upon successful completion, you will have developed core skills in:
- Operational efficiency at an entry-level
- Process optimization techniques
- Health and safety compliance
- Equipment handling and technical reporting
- Quality control procedures
- Team collaboration and professional communication
These skills are not only crucial for plant operations but are also highly transferable across other roles in engineering and production environments.
Where Will You Be Based?
Successful candidates will be placed at Mondi facilities in Durban or Richards Bay, depending on operational needs and candidate suitability. Both sites are integral to Mondi’s South African operations and offer exposure to world-class production systems.
Inclusive, Fair, and Future-Focused: Why Mondi?
At Mondi, people are at the heart of everything. As a global employer with over 22,000 team members across 100 sites in more than 30 countries, Mondi is deeply committed to building a workforce that is reflective of the communities it serves.
We actively encourage applications from:
- Women
- Persons with disabilities
- LGBTQI+ individuals
- Previously disadvantaged individuals
If you meet most of the requirements and are passionate about growing your career, we strongly encourage you to apply — even if you’re missing a few qualifications.
How to Apply for Mondi’s Work Integrated Learning Programme
Please note: Applications must be submitted through Mondi’s official career portal. Only CVs uploaded via the online platform will be considered.
Application Process:
- Visit Mondi’s careers website.
- Upload your CV and required documentation.
- Monitor your email (including spam/junk folder) for updates from no-reply@mondigroup.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this a paid opportunity?
Yes, this is a fixed-term paid training programme, although exact compensation details are not publicly listed. It provides industry-standard remuneration for entry-level trainees.
