Launch Your Engineering Career: Apprentice Instrumentation Opportunity at NBI in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal
Instrumentation opportunity at the National Bioproducts Institute (NBI) in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. This full-time apprenticeship offers aspiring technicians the chance to gain hands-on experience, structured training, and professional mentorship within a world-class pharmaceutical environment — all while contributing to work that truly makes a difference in people’s lives.
Applications for this permanent apprenticeship role close on 20 October 2025, so if you have an N6 or S4 qualification in Electrical Engineering (Light Current), this could be your ideal career start.
Why This Apprenticeship Is Worth Applying For
The National Bioproducts Institute (NBI) is one of South Africa’s most respected pharmaceutical manufacturers, with a mission to develop and supply high-quality therapeutic proteins and diagnostic products across Africa. Working at NBI means you’ll be joining an organization dedicated to improving patients’ quality of life through science, innovation, and reliable production.
This Apprentice: Instrumentation program is specifically designed to give young, qualified graduates a strong foundation in instrumentation maintenance, fault analysis, and technical operations — key skills that are in high demand in the engineering and pharmaceutical industries.
What You’ll Be Doing in This Role
As an Apprentice in the Engineering Sciences, Projects and Technical Services Department, you will be part of the technical team that ensures the continuous, efficient operation of NBI’s manufacturing equipment and systems. The role focuses on both learning and applying practical skills to maintain and improve plant performance.
Here’s what your day-to-day responsibilities will include:
1. Learning Essential Technical Skills
- Receive on-the-job training to understand and manage the continued operation of sophisticated plant equipment.
- Learn to perform daily checks on machines, ensuring they are running smoothly and efficiently.
- Understand the principles of process utility systems that support manufacturing operations.
2. Routine Maintenance and System Checks
- Assist with routine maintenance activities as part of a structured preventative maintenance plan.
- Observe and support the calibration of measuring and control instruments to ensure accuracy and compliance with production requirements.
- Maintain detailed records and maintenance schedules for various plant systems and equipment.
3. Equipment Repairs and Problem Solving
- Learn to troubleshoot and evaluate faulty equipment to identify the root cause of breakdowns.
- Assist in repairs or coordinate with external contractors when specialized maintenance is required.
- Participate in preventive actions to minimize equipment failures and production downtime.
4. Project Support and Installation Work
- Assist in CAPEX (capital expansion) projects and continuous process improvement initiatives.
- Gain experience in commissioning new unit operations and supporting the integration of new technologies into existing systems.
- Create wiring diagrams and update engineering documentation as part of your learning process.
5. Inventory and Stock Control
- Help create and maintain an accurate spares inventory.
- Participate in regular stock counts to ensure essential parts and tools are always available for maintenance tasks.
6. Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work with different departments, such as production and quality assurance, to ensure equipment performance aligns with manufacturing needs.
- Learn how to communicate effectively in a professional technical environment.
Minimum Requirements
- Educational Qualification: N6 or S4 in Electrical Engineering (Light Current).
- Location: Must be able to work on-site at NBI’s facility in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal.
- Work Readiness: A willingness to learn, a proactive attitude, and a strong interest in industrial instrumentation and process control.
This opportunity is ideal for recent graduates who are eager to gain hands-on experience and apply their technical education in a professional, high-standard manufacturing environment.
Core Competencies You’ll Develop
As part of your training, you’ll not only gain technical expertise but also build essential soft skills that will support your career growth. These include:
- Leadership and Influence: Learning how to take initiative, work independently, and contribute meaningfully to team objectives.
- Analytical Thinking: Developing the ability to analyze technical problems and implement effective solutions.
- Communication Skills: Improving both your written and oral communication for technical documentation and teamwork.
- Accountability: Taking ownership of your tasks and delivering results within set timelines.
- Adaptability: Learning to handle new systems, technologies, and work procedures effectively.
What Makes NBI a Great Place to Start Your Career
At the National Bioproducts Institute, you’ll be joining a team that values excellence, innovation, and collaboration. The organization plays a vital role in South Africa’s healthcare ecosystem, producing essential pharmaceutical products that save and improve lives.
As an apprentice, you’ll have access to a structured learning pathway that includes mentorship from qualified engineers and exposure to industry-standard equipment.
Career Growth and Future Opportunities
Once you’ve successfully completed your apprenticeship and obtained your qualification, you’ll be well-positioned to pursue roles such as:
- Instrumentation Technician
- Maintenance Engineer
- Automation Technician
- Process Control Specialist
Graduates from NBI’s apprenticeship programs often move into permanent roles within the company or find opportunities across the pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and engineering sectors. The experience you’ll gain here will be a strong foundation for a lifetime career in technical and engineering fields.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to take the first step toward a rewarding career in engineering and instrumentation, submit your application before the closing date: 20 October 2025.
Make sure your CV highlights your electrical engineering studies, practical exposure, and any relevant technical training. Applications are open to suitably qualified and motivated candidates who want to grow in a professional and purpose-driven environment.
Your Pathway to a Meaningful Technical Career
Apprentice: Instrumentation position at NBI in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal is more than just a technical apprenticeship — it’s a gateway to building a career in a sector that directly impacts people’s health and well-being. If you’re passionate about engineering, eager to learn, and want to work for an organization that values quality and innovation, this opportunity is made for you.
Take the next step. Apply today and begin your journey toward becoming a qualified instrumentation professional at one of South Africa’s most respected pharmaceutical institutions.
Apply here for nbi apprenticeship
