Submit your application for the Unilever Unemployed Learnership Programme in Supply Chain at the Indonsa Factory located in Newlands. Receive a monthly stipend while acquiring practical factory experience, skills in automated packaging, and genuine exposure to manufacturing with a leading global FMCG employer.
A Real Opportunity to Start a Career with Unilever
Unilever is not just another employer. It is one of the world’s most respected fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, with products used daily by over 3.4 billion people across more than 190 countries. From household essentials to personal care brands, Unilever plays a critical role in everyday life, and its factories rely on skilled, safety-conscious, and motivated people to keep operations running smoothly.
Unemployed Learnership Programme – Supply Chain is based at the Indonsa Factory in Newlands, South Africa, and focuses on hands-on training in automated packaging and production line operations. This is not a classroom-only programme. You will work directly in a factory environment, gaining practical exposure to equipment, quality control processes, safety standards, and sustainable manufacturing practices.
For job seekers who want experience that improves employability, this learnership provides a strong foundation that employers in manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, and industrial operations actively look for.
Learnership Overview and Structure
This learnership runs for 12 months and is fully onsite. You will report to the Site Learning Manager and be part of a local supply chain operation. Throughout the programme, you will be trained to operate and support automated packaging equipment while maintaining strict health, safety, and quality standards.
Unlike short-term training programmes with limited exposure, this learnership focuses on real production environments, allowing you to understand how large-scale manufacturing facilities operate on a daily basis.
Key Details at a Glance
- Programme Type: Unemployed Learnership
- Function: Supply Chain
- Location: Indonsa Factory, Newlands, South Africa
- Duration: 12 months
- Stipend: Monthly allowance provided
The primary purpose of this learnership is to train participants to package products using automated equipment while ensuring compliance with Unilever’s health, safety, and quality standards. However, the scope goes far beyond basic tasks.
You will gain valuable exposure to:
- Manufacturing workflows and production line coordination
- Equipment cleaning and routine mechanical care
- Quality assurance and defect detection
- Safety protocols in an industrial environment
- Sustainable and eco-efficient factory practices
- Workplace communication and teamwork
Key Responsibilities Explained Simply
As a learner in the Supply Chain function, your daily responsibilities will include:
- Performing general production line duties according to operational plans
- Cleaning production areas and equipment to maintain hygiene and safety standards
- Conducting pre-start-up checks to ensure machinery and work areas are safe and ready
- Monitoring product quality and packaging standards during production
- Reporting faults, defects, or irregularities immediately
- Identifying process abnormalities and taking corrective action before issues escalate
- Cleaning machinery according to manufacturer guidelines and site requirements
- Preparing and checking raw materials before production begins
- Actively maintaining personal and team safety on the line
- Supporting Unilever’s commitment to environmental sustainability
- Completing all learnership requirements, including assessments, logbooks, and assignments
These responsibilities are designed to help you develop discipline, attention to detail, and accountability, all of which are critical traits in the manufacturing and supply chain sector.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
- Passing grades in science and mathematics on the National Senior Certificate (Matric), or
- An N2, N3, or N4 Engineering qualification
These requirements ensure that learners have the foundational knowledge needed to understand production processes, measurements, and basic technical concepts.
The Type of Candidate Unilever Is Looking For
Unilever is clear about the behaviours and mindset it values.
- Take personal responsibility for their performance and wellbeing
- Are committed to delivering quality work consistently
- Can prioritise tasks and focus on what matters most
- Are proactive in identifying problems and suggesting improvements
- Pay close attention to detail and safety procedures
- Care about product quality and customer satisfaction
If you are someone who wants to grow, learn, and contribute meaningfully in a factory environment, this learnership aligns well with those goals.
Inclusion, Equity, and Fair Opportunity
Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly believes in diversity and inclusion. Applications are welcomed from people of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities. Every applicant is considered fairly, and Unilever actively supports the development and growth of its employees and learners.
If you require reasonable accommodation or support during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to communicate this during your application.
Stipend, Work Conditions, and Relocation
Participants in this learnership will receive a monthly stipend for the full 12-month duration. While this is not a permanent role, the stipend helps cover basic living costs while you gain valuable work experience.
Important points to note:
- Relocation assistance is not provided
- Applicants must already live near Newlands or be willing to relocate at their own cost
- The role is factory-based, so comfort with an industrial environment is essential
Why This Learnership Is Worth Applying For
This Unilever learnership stands out because it offers:
- Experience with a globally recognised FMCG company
- Practical, hands-on factory training
- Exposure to automated equipment and real production systems
- A structured learning environment with professional oversight
- Skills that improve long-term employability in manufacturing and supply chain roles
For unemployed youth and entry-level job seekers, this programme can open doors to future opportunities in factories, warehouses, logistics operations, and industrial production environments.
How to Apply and Final Thoughts
If you are serious about building a career in manufacturing, production, or supply chain operations, this Unilever Unemployed Learnership Programme is a valuable stepping stone. It combines learning, earning, and real-world exposure in a way that many entry-level roles do not.
Opportunities like this are competitive, so ensure your qualifications are ready and your application is submitted accurately. Taking this step could be the start of a stable and rewarding career path within the industrial and FMCG sectors.
